BLACKPINK: A Solo Revolution Strengthening the Collective

BLACKPINK continues to amaze not just BLINKS but the world with their amazing group and solo careers. Credit to YG Entertainment.

Los Angeles, California (March 6, 2025)- Over the past five years, BLACKPINK has not only broken boundaries but also redefined the limits of K-pop’s global influence. With chart-topping hits, high-profile collaborations, and historic achievements—including becoming the first K-pop group to headline Coachella—JENNIE, JISOO, LISA, and ROSÉ have accomplished what no other girl group had before. However, as of late, their focus has shifted—not as a group, but as individuals exploring solo careers, all within a tightly packed timeline.

Since 2020, BLACKPINK has dominated Western charts and stages, with their 2022 album Born Pink reaching No. 1 on the Billboard 200. Their collaborations with Lady Gaga, Selena Gomez, and Cardi B cemented their presence in mainstream pop. But in the past six months, they have each taken a bold step towards establishing their own solo identities.

JENNIE, JISOO, LISA, and ROSÉ have released their own projects in rapid succession, showcasing their unique artistic voices. ROSÉ kicked things off with Rosie in December 2024, followed by JISOO’s mini-album Amortage in February. LISA followed with Alter Ego in early March, and this Friday (March 7), JENNIE will unveil her debut album, RUBY. Each member’s album rollout has been a strategic move, highlighting their distinct styles while maintaining a collective presence.

While it might seem risky for all four members to release solo projects so close together, this approach has instead created a sustained BLACKPINK presence across multiple platforms. ROSÉ’s single “APT.” with Bruno Mars became a groundbreaking hit, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and dominating the Global 200 chart for 16 weeks. LISA’s Alter Ego has produced three Hot 100 hits, and JENNIE’s RUBY is poised for a strong debut alongside JISOO’s Amortage.

The solo ventures have not only performed well commercially but have also increased BLACKPINK’s visibility in Western pop culture. LISA’s collaborations with Future, Tyla, and Megan Thee Stallion, coupled with her performance at the Oscars, have expanded her presence beyond K-pop. Meanwhile, JENNIE’s track “One of the Girls” with The Weeknd stemmed from her acting debut in HBO’s The Idol. Similarly, LISA’s upcoming role in The White Lotus marks yet another entry into mainstream entertainment.

This saturation of BLACKPINK-related content has strengthened, rather than diluted, their global impact. Their tracks have dominated Spotify’s New Music Friday, and each member has built a solo identity that, rather than competing, complements the others. The simultaneous rise of four individual careers has only heightened anticipation for BLACKPINK’s full-group return.

Unlike many past pop collectives—where solo success often signaled a permanent split—BLACKPINK’s individual projects serve as an interlude rather than a farewell. Their return is already confirmed, with a world tour set to begin in July. This approach mirrors K-pop counterparts like BTS, who have balanced solo careers with group commitments, and even recalls rap collectives like Wu-Tang Clan, whose members flourished individually before reuniting.

More importantly, these solo eras have allowed each BLACKPINK member to solidify their artistic personas in ways that weren’t as evident within the group format. LISA’s rap-driven versatility, JENNIE’s effortless cool, JISOO’s elegant pop sound, and ROSÉ’s radio-friendly singer-songwriter approach have all had their moment to shine—establishing their distinct styles without the need for gimmicky branding.

With their solo projects proving successful, the next step will be integrating these newfound identities into BLACKPINK’s collective output. Their upcoming tour presents an opportunity to showcase both their solo and group work in a seamless way. Beyond that, their next group album will likely reflect the confidence and growth they’ve gained as solo artists, making their comeback even more dynamic.

Ultimately, the past few months have shown that BLACKPINK is not just surviving their solo era—they’re thriving. With new fans discovering them through their individual works and longtime BLINKs eagerly awaiting their group return, BLACKPINK has crafted a rare balance between solo ambition and collective strength. Rather than overshadowing each other, JENNIE, JISOO, LISA, and ROSÉ have proven that their success as individuals only fuels the powerhouse that is BLACKPINK.