The famous K-pop girl group Blackpink started chapter two, focusing on the members’ solo activities. The new era of YG’s music act has made many wonder if Blackpink disbanded as a group. The members made several changes after the K-pop act’s initial contract ended. So, let’s explore Blackpink’s disbandment rumors and new contract details.
For the unversed, Blackpink‘s disbandment rumors mainly stem from music label YG Entertainment’s previous choice of only focusing on one girl group. The agency created successful girl groups, including 2NE1 and Blackpink, but it always concentrated on one female group at a time.
So, with the debut of YG’s rookie act Babymonster, many speculated that Blackpink’s era of group activities has ended. After months of rumors, YG clarified the truth at the end of 2023.
Blackpink’s disbandment rumours explored as Lisa and Jennie focus on solo songs
YG Entertainment’s Billboard 200 charting group Blackpink has not disbanded. As per reports, all four members have renewed their group contracts. They chose to go to different agencies for solo activities.
Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa renewed their group contract in December 2023. The label’s executive producer, Yang Hyun Suk, announced the happy news: “We are happy to be able to continue our relationship with Blackpink. They will continue to do their best to shine even brighter in the global music market as artists representing not only our agency but also K-pop, and we send our unwavering support and faith for their future steps.”
The renewal of the group contract meant the K-pop act would continue to promote music together. However, the members chose to part ways with YG for their individual endeavors. On December 29, 2023, YG revealed the new stance of Blackpink members.
The music label stated: “BLACKPINK recently renewed their contracts with YG for their group activities. We have agreed not to proceed with additional contracts for individual activities and will do our utmost to support BLACKPINK’s activities. We will cheer on the members’ activities with warm hearts.”
Statistically, YG Entertainment’s desire to keep Blackpink as a group made sense, as the girls had garnered massive revenue for the label. The group’s 2023 Born Pink world tour made history. It earned over $148.3 million from 29 shows, breaking a female group’s record for the highest-grossing concert tour.
Blackpink also became the first YG Entertainment group to score a Billboard 200 chart-topper album. The group’s 2022 studio album, Born Pink, sold over 102,000 units in the United States within a week of its release. It led to its first number-one ranking on the Billboard 200 chart.
The album also brought critical fame as international publications hailed the project as one of the best 2022 releases globally. Billboard listed the album at 42 in The 50 Best Albums of 2022. RollingStone placed it at 20 in Rob Sheffield’s Top 20 Albums 2022.
So, with numerous accolades and impressive sales numbers, Blackpink is not ready to disband. They also have the dedicated fandom Blink’s support, which will continue to support them in every new chapter. Meanwhile, the members have started their solo ventures after establishing new agencies.
Blackpink Lisa founded Lloud. Jennie opened Odd Atelier, Rosé joined YG’s subsidiary, The Black Label, and Jisoo launched her own company, Blisoo. Under the new agencies, some members have already started promoting.
Jennie collaborated with singer Matt Champion on the 2024 track “Slow Motion” in March. The singer also paired up with Korean singer Zico in his new song, “Spot!” which dropped on April 26, 2024.
Moreover, Lisa is very close to making her small-screen debut. She will kickstart her acting career by starring in HBO’s The White Lotus season 3. As per reports, Lisa will be credited with her original name, Lalisa Manobal, in the cast.
