BLACKPINK Returns After 3 Years, Rosé Wins First K-pop Prize at BRIT Awards

BLACKPINK has made a comeback with their new EP “Deadline,” ending a hiatus of over three years. This album consists of five tracks, including four powerful songs from last summer’s “Jump.” The members of BLACKPINK have focused on solo projects in recent years. Among them, Rosé has taken a significant step forward by intensifying her solo activities. Her collaboration with American pop star Bruno Mars, titled “APT.,” achieved historic success. At the 46th BRIT Awards held in London on February 28, “APT.” won the International Song of the Year award, marking the first time a Korean K-pop artist has won at the BRIT Awards. In her acceptance speech, Rosé expressed gratitude to her BLACKPINK teammates. She said, “Jennie, Jisoo, Lisa, I really love you all. Thank you for always inspiring me,” and also addressed Bruno Mars by saying, “We’re sharing this award together. Thank you so much for doing everything for me. You are the best mentor and closest friend.” Since being released on October 18 of last year as a lead single from Rosé’s debut solo album “Rosie,” “APT.” has dominated the global music market. On YouTube, it reached 700 million views in 70 days and 13 hours, breaking Psy’s “Gangnam Style” record of 118 days that had stood for 12 years. It became the fourth music video in YouTube history to reach 700 million views fastest. The power of “APT.” was also evident on music charts. On December 23, Billboard confirmed that the song topped the Global 200 chart with 142 million streams and remained at number one for nine consecutive weeks on the Global chart (excluding the United States), making it the song to hold the top spot for the longest time on the Global 200 chart in 2024. Even before winning the BRIT Awards, the song received the Song of the Year award at the Asia Artist Awards 2024 on December 27. Meanwhile, a new track by BLACKPINK titled “Go” is also drawing attention. Chris Martin, the lead singer of Coldplay, contributed to its lyrics and composition, and it features an industrial sound with a strong emphasis on low-frequency bass. In the middle section of the song, it transforms into the typical Coldplay style, highlighting Jennie’s voice. On the other hand, Rosé released her first solo album in three years after leaving YG Entertainment in 2023. Her victory at the BRIT Awards is a significant milestone in K-pop history. In the past, BTS was nominated for the International Group award in 2021 and 2022, and BLACKPINK was nominated in 2023 but failed to win. Rosé’s win marks the first time a K-pop artist has claimed the highest honor at the BRIT Awards, demonstrating the growing global influence of Korean pop music.