The group were well received from the out, storming to success with their debut single album (distinct from a full-length album) Square One, which was released on August 8, 2016. The album’s two tracks, “Boombayah” and “Whistle”, came in at No 1 and No 2 on Billboard’s World Digital Songs chart, making Blackpink the first rookie girl group to do so with their debut songs.
Pop culture critic Kim Do-heon noted that Blackpink changed how K-pop artists are perceived in the global music scene.
“In the past, when K-pop groups made their way into the global music market, they were viewed as challengers trying to compete with their music … but Blackpink … live up to the reputation of true pop stars,” he said.
“They’ve created an image that many people aspire to, being on the same footing as Western pop stars, which makes them noteworthy.”
The music video for “Pink Venom” received over 90 million views on the first day of its release and, with 94.5 million followers, Blackpink are also the most-followed music act on YouTube.
Blackpink also recently hit 13 billion streams on Spotify and they were the world’s most streamed girl band last year, according to the streaming platform.
Their most-streamed songs – “How You Like That”, “Kill This Love”, “Pink Venom,” “Ddu-Du Ddu-Du” and “Shut Down” – have surpassed 4 billion streams on the platform.
Kim says Blackpink have become more than just a K-pop group. “Blackpink don’t have as many album releases or singles compared to other K-pop groups. Regardless, they’ve become a group with enormous influence worldwide.
“With their unique image and the individuality of each member, as well as their confident attitude reflected in their music, the group have built an extremely successful career, transcending music group to [become] their own brand.”
The members have also pursued solo careers, starting with Jennie in 2018.
Jisoo released her first solo album, Me, last year and she became the first female K-pop solo artist to sell over a million copies of an album, by selling 1.17 million albums within the first week of its release.
Last year, the members renewed their group activities contract with their agency but parted ways to separate labels for their solo acts.
Jennie was the first to establish her own label, Odd Atelier, last December. Lisa and Jisoo started their own labels, Lloud and Blissoo respectively, this February. Rose has recently signed with hip-hop label The Black Label, led by producer Teddy.
The members continue to make headlines with their coming projects. Lisa is set to release her new single, “New Woman”, this week, while Jisoo will star in Coupang Play’s new zombie series Newtopia.