Celebrity

BLACKPINK Faces the Infamous '7-Year Curse': What's Next for the Global Sensations?

Aug 07, 2023 | by Deborah Kim

The looming "7-year curse" is now knocking at the door for the girl group BLACKPINK (Jisoo, Rosé, Jennie, Lisa). Making a meteoric entry into the K-pop scene on August 8, 2016, BLACKPINK will soon celebrate their 7th debut anniversary. Launching as the successor to the renowned 2nd generation hip-hop girl group 2NE1 from YG Entertainment, the accomplishments BLACKPINK achieved in these 7 years have been nothing short of monumental.

On August 8, 2016, YG's chief Yang Hyun-suk personally presented BLACKPINK with overflowing confidence during their debut showcase. Their debut album 'SQUARE ONE' which included hits like 'Whistle' and 'Boombayah' was followed by top-tier tracks like 'As If It's Your Last', 'STAY', and they dominated year-end rookie awards. From 2018 onwards, they continued to soar with chart-toppers like 'Ddu-Du Ddu-Du', 'Forever Young', 'Kill This Love', 'How You Like That', and 'Lovesick Girls', rightfully earning their global artist status.

With YG's trademarked "mystery box" strategy making fans yearn for their comebacks, BLACKPINK succeeded in turning their limited discography into prized gems, showcasing not only their group synergy but also individual member charms. This was further exemplified with record YouTube subscriptions, Instagram followers, and notable global ambassador roles for luxury brands.

2021 can arguably be dubbed as BLACKPINK's career peak. Armed with the quintessential YG style, their 2nd full album 'THE ALBUM' made them the first K-pop girl group to clinch the top spot on the Billboard 200 chart, followed by securing the #1 position in the UK's Official Album Chart. Their Billboard triumph was the first for a girl group since Danity Kane in 2008.

Their personal lives also shined brightly. Rumors linking Jennie with top K-pop stars like EXO's Kai, BIGBANG's G-Dragon, and BTS's V have kept them in the headlines. Lisa's speculated romance with LVMH heir Frédéric Arnault and Rosé's with actor Kang Dong-won caught significant attention. Recently, Jisoo's confirmed relationship with actor Ahn Bo-hyun added another chapter to BLACKPINK's romantic tales.

The renewal of BLACKPINK's contract with YG still hangs in the balance. Currently on a world tour with an audience of 1.5 million, they recently concluded a successful solo concert in Paris with 55,000 attendees and have an upcoming show in LA on the 26th. Even without a formal renewal, as long as both parties are willing, they can maintain their professional relationship alongside tour preparations. Given the recent positive vibes around BLACKPINK and YG, fans, known as BLINKs, are fervently hoping for a happy ending to this chapter.