Categories
KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

BLACKPINK Rosé Breaks New YouTube Record with ‘APT.’

BLACKPINK’s Rosé and Bruno Mars have set the digital world ablaze with their collaboration on “APT.,” a smash hit that continues to shatter records on YouTube. Amazingly, the single has broken yet another new YouTube record!

‘APT.’ Breaks New YouTube Record Yet Again

On February 13, at around 12:30 a.m. KST, the music video for “APT.” surpassed an astounding 1.1 billion views, marking a monumental achievement in just over 117 days and 11 hours since its release on October 18, 2024, at 1 p.m. KST. This milestone is not only a testament to the song’s irresistible appeal but also highlights the immense global reach of both artists.

“APT.” has now become the fastest music video by an Asian artist to break the 1.1 billion views barrier on YouTube. Even more impressively, it stands as the fifth fastest music video ever to hit this milestone, trailing only behind iconic hits such as Adele’s “Hello,” Luis Fonsi’s “Despacito” featuring Daddy Yankee, Ed Sheeran’s “Shape of You,” and J Balvin and Willy William’s “Mi Gente.” This rapid ascent into the billion-view club underscores the dynamic synergy between Rosé’s distinctive vocal style and Bruno Mars’ timeless artistry, creating a cross-cultural phenomenon that resonates with fans across the globe.

The unprecedented success of “APT.” not only cements Rosé and Bruno Mars as powerhouse performers but also sets a new benchmark for collaborations that bridge continents and musical genres. The seamless blend of pop, R&B, and global influences in the track has captivated millions, igniting social media buzz and drawing widespread acclaim from critics and fans alike.

Congratulations to Rosé and Bruno Mars on this historic achievement! Their groundbreaking work on “APT.” is a shining example of how innovative music and collaboration can transcend boundaries, uniting diverse audiences and redefining what is possible in today’s digital era. As “APT.” continues to rack up views at record speed, it is clear that this dynamic partnership has created a lasting impact on the global music landscape.

Categories
KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

BLACKPINK Rosé Hits No. 1 on Billboard’s Pop Radio Airplay Chart

Rosé has made history with her latest achievement on U.S. radio! The BLACKPINK member has made it to the top of Billboard’s Pop Radio Airplay Chart!

BLACKPINK Member Rose Rises to the Top of Billboard’s Pop Radio Airplay Chart

On February 1, Billboard officially announced that Rosé and Bruno Mars’ hit song “APT.” had climbed to No. 1 on the Pop Airplay chart, which tracks the most-played songs on mainstream Top 40 radio stations across the United States. This incredible feat makes Rosé the first K-pop artist in history to reach the No. 1 spot on this highly competitive chart.

The success of “APT.” not only highlights Rosé’s global influence but also cements her status as a powerhouse in the international music scene. Breaking into U.S. radio has long been considered a challenge for non-Western artists, making Rosé’s accomplishment even more remarkable.

To date, only five songs by K-pop artists have managed to enter the top 10 of the Pop Airplay chart, and only two have reached the top five. PSY was the first K-pop act to enter the top 10 with his viral sensation “Gangnam Style” (No. 10), followed by BTS’s “Dynamite” (No. 5), “Butter” (No. 7), and FIFTY FIFTY’s “Cupid” (No. 7). However, Rosé is now the first and only K-pop soloist to ever top the chart.

The music video for “APT.,” Rosé’s sensational collaboration with Bruno Mars, previously surpassed 700 million views on YouTube. Released on October 18 at 1 p.m. KST, the video also achieved this staggering milestone in just 70 days and 13 hours, setting a new benchmark in the K-pop industry.

This milestone further builds excitement for Rosé’s upcoming solo album ‘rosie’ set to be released on March 6, 2025. With “APT.” already dominating U.S. radio, fans are also eager to see how Rosé will continue to make waves in the global music industry.

Congratulations to Rosé on this groundbreaking achievement!

Categories
KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

BLACKPINK Rosé Addresses Jaden Smith Dating Rumors

BLACKPINK’s Rosé has put to rest rumors about her alleged romantic involvement with Jaden Smith.

BLACKPINK’s Rosé Addresses Rumors About Jaden Smith and Celebrates Career Milestones

In a video released on January 16 by Vanity Fair’s official YouTube channel, titled “Rosé Takes a Lie Detector Test,” the star answered a variety of questions while addressing circulating speculations.

When asked whether debuting with BLACKPINK was her happiest moment, Rosé admitted that she was too nervous to fully embrace the moment as her best. Reflecting on the early days of her career, she revealed the pressures and excitement that came with stepping into the limelight.

The video also offered personal insights into her dynamic with the other BLACKPINK members. Rosé disclosed that Jisoo is the most active participant in their group chat, sharing laughs and updates with her bandmates. In a playful moment, when asked to compare BLACKPINK to the iconic Spice Girls, Rosé called the latter “legends” but confidently chose her own group, sparking laughter on set.

Rosé also used the platform to clarify rumors about her first full-length solo album, ‘Rosie,’ which dropped on December 6, 2024. The album’s title track, “Toxic Till the End,” sparked rumors that it was about Jaden Smith. With a smile, she dismissed the claims, saying, “He’s a good friend. Hi, Jaden. Miss you!”

Meanwhile, Rosé’s career continues to soar with her collaboration with Bruno Mars on the hit single “APT.” The song achieved monumental success, landing 5th on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100—a historic achievement for a K-pop female artist. It also topped domestic music charts and reached 4th on the UK Official Singles Chart Top 100, further cementing her status as a global music icon.

As Rosé continues to break barriers, fans eagerly await her next move, celebrating both her artistic achievements and her candid, down-to-earth personality.

Categories
KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

BLACKPINK Rosé Nabs 1st Solo PAK with ‘APT.’ Featuring Bruno Mars

Rosé has reached an extraordinary milestone by completely sweeping the Korean music charts with her latest single. “APT.” featuring Bruno Mars just gave the BLACKPINK member her 1st solo PAK!

‘APT.’ Gives Rosé 1st Solo PAK Since Debut

The track achieved a perfect all-kill on October 27 at 9:30 a.m. KST, according to Instiz’s iChart. This significant achievement cements “APT.” as a chart-dominating hit across multiple platforms, showcasing Rosé’s impact as a soloist on both national and global levels.

While Rosé has earned all-kills previously as part of BLACKPINK, this marks her first perfect all-kill as a solo artist. Achieving a certified all-kill means the song topped the daily and Top 100 charts on Melon, the daily and realtime charts on Genie and Bugs, YouTube Music’s Top Songs chart, VIBE’s daily chart, and the realtime charts of FLO and iChart.

A perfect all-kill also takes this accomplishment further, indicating that “APT.” also topped iChart’s weekly chart—a rare feat, especially for a solo artist in the highly competitive K-pop industry.

‘APT.’ Taking The World By Storm

“APT.” was released on October 18 at 1 p.m. KST, and its success was instant, with the music video amassing an astounding 100 million views by October 23 at 4:11 p.m. KST. Reaching this milestone in just five days and three hours, it also stands as the fastest music video by any artist in 2024 to achieve 100 million views, highlighting Rosé’s widespread appeal and the song’s powerful reception worldwide.

Inspired by the Korean “apartment game,” a traditional children’s game in Korea, “APT.” brings a blend of nostalgia and cultural depth to the track. This element has resonated strongly with Korean fans while also captivating international audiences by offering a taste of Korean culture through the song’s theme.

“APT.” is the pre-release track from Rosé’s first full album ‘rosie’, which is already set for release on December 6, 2024.

Categories
KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

BLACKPINK Rosé and Bruno Mars ‘APT.’ MV Hits 100M Views

BLACKPINK’s Rosé has set an incredible record with her new pre-release single. The “APT.” MV featuring Bruno Mars has already reached 100 million views less than a week since it was dropped!

Rosé and Bruno Mars’ ‘APT.’ MV Becomes Fastest Music Video To Hit 100 M Views

Released on October 18 at 1 p.m. KST, the music video for “APT.” quickly garnered widespread attention, reaching an impressive 100 million views by October 23 at 4:11 p.m. KST. This achievement took just about five days and three hours, making “APT.” the fastest music video by any artist in 2024 to hit 100 million views. It also stands as the quickest video in 2024 for any artist, regardless of genre, to reach this milestone.

“APT.” takes its inspiration from the “apartment game,” a traditional Korean game often played by children, which adds a nostalgic element for Korean fans while bringing something unique and culturally rich to Rosé’s international audience.

An Exciting Start for Rosé’s Upcoming Full Album

This collaboration with Bruno Mars has further amplified excitement for Rosé’s first full-length studio album, “rosie,” slated for release on December 6, 2024. This marks her first solo comeback since her 2021 debut with the single album ‘R,’ which featured the popular tracks “On The Ground” and “Gone.”

Rosé’s engagement in the album’s production was substantial, as she took on roles as a coproducer and cowriter, working closely to shape each of the 12 tracks. According to a press release, “rosie” is her “most personal and candid” work yet, promising fans a more intimate exploration of her thoughts and creative journey.

This personal touch is expected to resonate deeply with fans, adding another dimension to her artistry. The highly anticipated December release of “rosie” is set to showcase Rosé’s growth, both as a member of BLACKPINK and as a solo artist, bringing a unique musical experience to her global fanbase.

Categories
K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

BLACKPINK Renews Contract With YG Entertainment for Group Activities

All four members of BLACKPINK have officially extended their contracts with their original agency, YG Entertainment, for future group activities, putting an end to the speculation surrounding the acclaimed K-pop sensation’s future.

On Wednesday, December 6, YG Entertainment announced that they’ve successfully secured exclusive contracts for group endeavors with Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa. A representative from the label emphasized that this decision was reached after thorough discussions and is founded on a deep sense of trust between the parties involved.

After careful discussions with BLACKPINK, we signed exclusive contracts for group activities based on deep trust,” YG Entertainment said, according to a Soompi report. 

 

Furthermore, Yang Hyun Suk, the executive producer at YG Entertainment, expressed his joy in continuing the collaborative journey with BLACKPINK. He said: “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.”

According to South Korean media reports, the contract renewal will see the quartet release new music and hold another large-scale world tour soon. 

BLACKPINK still in our area

While the renewal covers group activities, there has been no official announcement regarding the members’ solo pursuits yet. 

Since the quartet’s original contract with YG Entertainment expired in August, there’s speculation that the members would pursue individual activities with other agencies. To recall, there were reports claiming that Lisa will be signing with an American agency, while Jennie and Jisoo will allegedly set up their own labels. Notably, these reports also included deals that allegedly promised business and promotional opportunities for the artists outside of their K-pop activities. 

Although there’s no news about the members’ contract for their solo activities, the latest news concludes months of uncertainty about BLACKPINK’s future as a group. 

Since their debut in 2016 with hit singles like “Whistle” and “Boombayah,” BLACKPINK has risen to become one of the most commercially successful female acts in the K-pop industry.  

Furthermore, they also made history as the first K-pop act to headline the renowned Coachella music festival in the United States, solidifying their global influence and popularity. Recently, the members were also awarded with honorary memberships in the Order of the British Empire.

Featured image: Jisoo, Lisa, Rosé, and Jennie pose after their Coachella performance. Credit: Facebook/BLACKPINK

Categories
K-POP ARTISTS KPOP ALBUMS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

BLACKPINK Receives Honorary MBEs From King Charles at Buckingham Palace

BLACKPINK, the renowned South Korean girl group, has been granted honorary membership in the Order of the British Empire.

In a special investiture ceremony on November 22 at Buckingham Palace, King Charles presented all four members of BLACKPINK with honorary MBEs. Notably, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and First Lady Kim Keon Hee were also present during the investiture ceremony. 

On the Royal Family’s official social media accounts, they also shared clips of the BLACKPINK members receiving their honorary MBEs from King Charles. “The K-pop band have been awarded the honors in recognition of their role as advocates for the COP26 Summit in Glasgow,” they captioned the post. 

For those unfamiliar, the MBEs are part of a series of medals and honors that the King can confer on behalf of the government.

According to reports, Rosé, holding dual New Zealand citizenship and being a national of a British realm, received a “substantive” MBE. This distinguishes her from the purely honorary recognition bestowed upon the three remaining members: Jisoo, Jennie, and Lisa

Another historic feat for BLACKPINK 

As recognition stems from their pivotal role as official advocates for the forthcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow, the Royal Family further commended BLACKPINK for their vocal support for the campaign to raise awareness about climate change. 

A day prior to the investiture ceremony, King Charles also hosted a banquet at Buckingham Palace for the South Korean president and first lady, with all four BLACKPINK members in attendance. 

In his banquet speech, King Charles commended Jennie, Jisoo, Lisa, and Rosé, for effectively conveying the message of environmental sustainability to a global audience while balancing their roles as international superstars. Based on the clips circulating online, the members were visibly surprised by the acknowledgment of their pivotal role. 

Moreover, BLACKPINK’s contributions for this initiative extended beyond verbal support. As the group also released educational videos aimed at enlightening the younger generation about climate issues. Which led to the group being appointed as global ambassadors for the United Nation Sustainable Development Goals. 

With this, BLACKPINK has now become the first and only non-British musical artist to receive this prestigious honorary award. Furthermore, they’ll be joining notable musical artists such as The Beatles (1965), Adele (2013), and Ed Sheeran (2017) as recipients of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE). 

On social media, fans of the group are overjoyed with BLACKPINK’s latest achievement. On top of that, they’re also delighted to see all four members together again amidst the group’s ongoing contract renewal negotiation with YG Entertainment.

Featured image: BLACKPINK poses with their honorary MBEs. Credit: Twitter/Royal Family

Categories
KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

BLACKPINK’s Rosé Delivers Emotional Speech About Mental Health For APEC Leaders’ Week

Rosé is speaking out about mental health awareness. The BLACKPINK member delivered an emotional speech about the ongoing issue during the 2023 Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leader’s Week.

Rosé Delivers Emotional Speech on Mental Health Awareness

BLACKPINK’s Rosé was honored with an invitation to San Francisco, USA, where she delivered a speech at the APEC Leaders’ Week. Specifically, she participated in the APEC Mental Health Talk segment hosted by US First Lady Jill Biden, who praised Rosé as a woman of “incredible talent and courage.”

In her speech, Rosé candidly shared her experiences of feeling inadequate, emphasizing that mental health issues can impact anyone, even those whose lives may seem perfect externally. Despite her global popularity, she admitted to struggling with loneliness due to the daily onslaught of hate comments.

“I do feel like some of the things I do are just never enough, and no matter how hard I work on something, there’s always going to be somebody who has their own opinion or who enjoy taking control of the narrative. And so that comes to me as a sense of loneliness,” she said. Rosé went on to stress the importance of self-worth.

“No matter what the world may otherwise tell us, our self-worth is not determined by where we are now but is to be determined by what keeps us close to the ground which is a message that a very special song of mine holds and is what I try to remind myself every day,” she said.

Rosé Emphasizes The Importance of Positive Communication

“I don’t think it’s normalized too much or enough that we speak about how we feel from time to time and that it’s normal to not always be okay…communication is key, sometimes I feel like I can’t speak out about certain issues where I’d like to be honest but I do think that communication and being more open about our mental health will help everyone in the future,” Rosé added.

Rosé also underscored the importance of speaking openly about personal challenges, emphasizing that addressing such issues is crucial for improving global mental health. Her ultimate goal is to be an artist whom people can turn to for inspiration and comfort, using her influence positively in the world.

“It is my sincere hope that my music can be a source of inspiration and comfort to my listeners,” she said. “I will continue to do my best to contribute to the collective well-being of our global community.”

The APEC Leader’s Week was held in San Francisco, California, on November 16 to 17, 2023

Categories
KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

BLACKPINK’s Rose Debuts New Hair Color for W Korea’s December Cover

BLACKPINK‘s Rosé is renowned for her distinctive blonde hair. However, the “Gone” singer decided to close out the year with a new hair color for the cover of W Korea magazine. In addition to that, Rosé brought her beloved dog Hank with her for the photoshoot!

Rosé Reveals New Hair Color in W Korea December Issue

In a departure from her warm-toned blonde, Rosé opted for a cool-toned shade and showcased a reverse ombre effect, keeping the top blonde while transitioning to black at the bottom. The sophisticated cool tones of her new hair color perfectly complement Rosé’s inherent elegance. As the covers are for the December issue, Rosé also celebrated the holiday season by posing alongside her dog Hank.

Rosé, exuding style in a floral mini dress, maintained her fashionable allure even with the adorable Hank by her side. These covers offer a glimpse of Rosé’s chic makeover, and fans can also anticipate more of her stunning new look in the upcoming issue of W Korea magazine. The decision to experiment with her hair color adds an exciting twist to Rosé’s iconic appearance, showcasing her versatility and ability to effortlessly pull off different styles.

W Korea also shared the images with a fitting caption.

“Happy Holidays!” the caption read. “Vol. 12 is filled with the sparkle of December, the most eagerly awaited holiday season. From editor-recommended party looks to imaginative trendy coats and attention-capturing Winter Capsule Collection accessories, discover a photo shoot brimming with shiny excitement. Take advantage of Holiday makeup tips to bring color and enchantment to your face. Explore the buzz in K-pop, K-drama, movies, and the art scene in 2023 through 10 questions and reflections, providing a glimpse into the trends of 2024. The cover girl for the year’s final chapter is BLACKPINK’s ROSÉ. Follow her bustling year, from the successful world tour [BORN PINK] to being hailed as the new face of K-pop at Coachella.”

The W Korea December issue will be available for pre-order on November 14, 2023.

Categories
KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

BLACKPINK’s Rosé Shares New Instagram Story Featuring Adorable Hank

The adorable Hank is back! Rosé has shared a series of Instagram Stories and the BLACKPINK member made sure to include her cute pup. Not surprisingly, BLINKs are loving the latest update on the celebrity pooch!

Rosé Brings Back Adorable Hank in New Instagram Story Series

On October 17, Rosé delighted her followers with an Instagram story update. The BLACKPINK member shared her unboxing of an Apple Mac Studio and expressed some doubts about the installation process. Luckily, the adorable Hank made special appearances throughout the series of stories, playing a special role in the entire process.

As the idol begins to unbox the package, she becomes distracted by the pup who clearly wants a treat. Naturally, Rosé had to take a break, cooking some chicken for Hank and showing off some of his tricks. The series of Instagram stories immediately won the hearts of fans worldwide.

Since adopting Hank in 2020, the pup has become a regular feature on Rosé’s personal social media accounts. His endearing canine charm has captured the hearts of millions of BLACKPINK fans worldwide, resulting in Hank’s Instagram account amassing a substantial following. Not surprisingly, Hank is now one of the most popular pets on Instagram.

Interestingly, Rosé recently clarified rumors about herself and a fellow animal lover. It was previously believed that the BLACKPINK member was involved in Taylor Swift’s upcoming album. Since then, Rosé spoke to a BLINK about the issue, confirming she had simply attended a party.

“I think it was just a party that we had amongst ourselves. But the wrong news got out,” Rosé said.

It’s an interesting confirmation and we’re certainly happy to Rosé being able to attend the listening party. In the meantime, Taylor Swift is currently set to release ‘1989 (Taylor’s Version)’ which was a re-recording of her 2014 album.  The album is set to contain five previously unreleased “From the Vault” tracks and will be released on October 27, 2023.

Exit mobile version