In a decisive move, all four BLACKPINK members have renewed their contracts with their original agency, YG Entertainment, for upcoming group endeavors –– bringing an end to swirling speculations about the K-pop sensation’s future.
Reports from news agency Yonhap and Korea JoongAng Daily’s Celeb Confirmed have confirmed YG Entertainment’s exclusive contract signings for group activities with Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa. YG Entertainment officially announced the news today (December 6), stating, “After careful discussions with BLACKPINK, we signed exclusive contracts for group activities based on deep trust.”
Yang Hyun Suk, YG Entertainment’s executive producer, expressed elation at the news, stating, “We are happy to be able to continue our relationship with BLACKPINK. BLACKPINK 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 collaboration aims to utilize YG Entertainment’s backing, allowing BLACKPINK to reciprocate the global fan base’s love through new music releases and an expansive world tour. However, while the announcement sheds light on the group’s collective future, details about individual members’ solo activities remain undisclosed.
The resolution concludes months of speculation surrounding BLACKPINK’s trajectory after the expiration of the members’ exclusive contracts with YG Entertainment in August. Since their debut in 2016 with hits like “Whistle” and “Boombayah,” BLACKPINK has risen to recognition as one of K-pop’s most commercially successful female acts.
In a monumental achievement, their 2022 release, Born Pink, ascended to the summit of the Billboard 200, making them as the first all-female act since 2008 to clinch the top spot on the prestigious chart that ranks the most popular albums in the United States. Further cementing their global standing, BLACKPINK became the inaugural K-pop act to headline the revered Coachella music festival in the United States earlier this year.