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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

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BLACKPINK’s Lisa Causes Omelet Rice Sales to Soar

BLACKPINK’s Lisa continues to showcase her influence, especially in her home country of Thailand. In a recent interview with Spotify celebrating her one billion streams for “MONEY,” Lisa demonstrated her cooking skills by preparing her favorite Thai dish, khai jiao (Thai-style omelet). The video was unique and garnered attention not only for the celebration but also for Lisa’s culinary talents.

Lisa’s Omelet Rice Causes Khai Jiao Sales to Rise

Following the release of the video, khai jiao quickly became a trending topic on Thai social media platforms. Local news outlets reported a noticeable increase in sales of the dish, showcasing Lisa’s significant impact on consumer behavior.

As part of their coverage, news outlets visited a local shop known for selling khai jiao. The owner, who used to be the sole person handling the cooking and sales, revealed that Lisa’s video led to a surge in demand. The shop had to adapt quickly by hiring an assistant and procuring additional raw materials to meet the newfound popularity of the dish.

Expressing gratitude for the rise in customers attributed to Lisa’s video, the owner hopes that the BLACKPINK singer will one day visit the stall in Khon Kaen and have the opportunity to taste her khai jiao for free.

Lisa’s influence extends beyond the music industry, and her impact on local businesses, like the omelet rice stall, highlights the global reach and cultural influence that K-pop idols can have on various aspects of society, including culinary trends and local economies.

The BLACKPINK member officially received a plaque from Spotify after achieving a billion streams of her solo track ‘Money’. Lisa also shared her sentiments on receiving the plaque and becoming a member of Spotify’s Billions Club, speaking in her mother tongue.

“I feel like it’s something unbelievable that my songs have this many people who have listened to them,” she told Spotify. “It makes me proud of myself and makes me want to keep making music.”

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BLACKPINK Partners With Meta for Virtual Concert ‘BLACKPINK: A VR Encore’

BLACKPINK performs at the Hyde Park. Credit: Facebook/BLACKPINK

K-pop sensation BLACKPINK is set to break new ground in the entertainment industry anew. On Thursday, November 16, they announced their first-ever virtual concert, BLACKPINK: A VR Encore, in collaboration with Meta and the Emmy Award-winning production company The Diamond Bros.

According to Billboard, the virtual concert is a recreation of the group’s special finale show from the Born Pink world tour held at Seoul’s Gocheok Sky Dome last September 17. Moreover, the 70-minute virtual experience promises to transport fans into the heart of BLACKPINK’s music. 

 

Among the group’s chart-topping hits that will be featured in the concert are “Pink Venom,” “How You Like That,” and “Kill This Love.”

Additionally, fans can anticipate solo performances from members Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa, adding a personal touch to the immersive concert.

Set to premiere on December 26,  BLACKPINK’s virtual concert will be accessible exclusively in VR inside the Meta Horizon Worlds’ Music Valley, catering to Meta Quest VR headset owners in select regions.

What we know so far about ‘BLACKPINK: A VR Encore’

Alongside the announcement is the release of a trailer for BLACKPINK: A VR Encore. The 16-second clip  featured snippets from the Born Pink tour that has now been tailored for VR.

In a press release, BLACKPINK expressed their excitement in being able to share their music in an innovative way.  “We’re thrilled to embrace the dynamic world of VR because it allows us to reach an even wider global audience and share our music in an entirely new, immersive way,” the group said. 

 

Additionally, they promised that the BLACKPINK: A VR Encore concert is “not just a show.” “It’s an extension of the tour we poured our hearts into. We can’t wait for you to see the magic we’ve created with The Diamond Bros and Meta,” they said. 

Currently, fans eager to attend the virtual concert can start RSVP-ing to the event. And for those unable to catch it live, replays will be available for a month after the initial premiere. 

Notably, this isn’t the first time that BLACKPINK ventured into virtual reality. In 2022, they had a successful partnership with PUBG Mobile where they held a virtual in-game concert. 

Meanwhile, the BLACKPINK: A VR Encore concert comes amid ongoing contract renewal negotiations between BLACKPINK and YG Entertainment. As of writing, the agency says no final decision has been made yet. However, rumors about the members, specifically Lisa, not renewing with the agency has surfaced for several months. 

Featured image: BLACKPINK performs at the Hyde Park. Credit: Facebook/BLACKPINK

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BLACKPINK’s Jennie Trademarks ‘Jennie Ruby Jane’ Amidst YG Contract Negotiations

The world is currently keeping their eye on BLACKPINK as the idol group faces a possible contract renewal with YG Entertainment. But as people wait, Jennie appears to be making a smart move about her name. The BLACKPINK member has reportedly filed a trademark for the name ‘Jennie Ruby Jane’ with the Korea Intellectual Property Rights.

BLACKPINK’s Future With YG Entertainment

After concluding their record-breaking BORN PINK world tour in September, which spanned nearly 11 months and covered over 30 cities worldwide, BLACKPINK has entered a period of individual pursuits. Despite members engaging in fashion photoshoots, event appearances, and revealing future plans, the status of their contracts with YG Entertainment, which were rumored to end in August, remains uncertain.

As fans eagerly await official confirmation about the members’ future with the company, YG Entertainment recently confirmed that contract negotiations are still ongoing. The update has only intensified curiosity surrounding BLACKPINK’s upcoming activities.

Jennie Trademarks ‘Jennie Ruby Jane’

Adding to the intrigue, it was revealed that Jennie filed a trademark for “Jennie Ruby Jane” with the Korea Intellectual Property Rights in January of the current year. The trademark spans across ten different categories, suggesting a comprehensive effort to protect her name and brand. Filing for a trademark provides several benefits, including exclusive rights to the name and the preservation of her brand identity.

While fans scrutinize the members’ activities for clues about the outcome of contract negotiations, netizens have commended Jennie for her foresight in proactively safeguarding her name and brand, regardless of the specific reasons behind the move. The trademark filing reflects Jennie’s strategic approach to ensure the protection of her personal brand across various business activities.

YG Entertainment has yet to share an official update on the contract renewal with the members of BLACKPINK. Stay tuned for more updates on this story.

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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.

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BLACKPINK’s JENNIE Confirms Upcoming Christmas Song Cover

It looks like Jennie has a special treat for BLINKs this season! The BLACKPINK member just announced that she is planning to cover a Christmas song as a gift for her fans. However, Jennie Kim also wants BLINKs to choose the song she would perform!

JENNIE Wants BLINKs Help on Upcoming Christmas Song Cover

Jennie recently gained international acclaim with her solo track “You & Me” and enjoyed success with her collaborative song “One Of The Girls.” However, the BLACKPINK member has more exciting news for her dedicated fanbase. She took to Weverse to reveal her upcoming surprise, promising a special gift for her fans.

“BLINK! It seems like the weather has suddenly turned very cold. How is everyone taking care of themselves? The colder weather seems to signal the beginning of winter.. If it’s winter, it’s Christmas, right?” Jennie wrote.

“To be honest, I was thinking of covering a song for this holiday, but I thought it would be more meaningful if BLINK chose the song together than if I chose it alone…,” she continued. “You all know that I miss you and I miss you a lot, right? Don’t get sick and don’t forget that I always think of you.”

It’s a sweet message and fans are understandably excited about the idea of JENNIE covering a Christmas song. However, it is important to note that the BLACKPINK member is open to the idea of covering any song and not necessarily one for the holidays.

With December on the horizon, Jennie has something magical in store for her followers. She plans to showcase her enchanting vocals in an epic cover, setting the stage for a delightful and melodious experience. As her fans eagerly await this special treat, the month of December is sure to be filled with even more joy and anticipation thanks to Jennie’s upcoming musical surprise.

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BLACKPINK’s JENNIE Surpasses 18M Monthly Listeners on Spotify

JENNIE is proving that she is truly one of the most popular female artists of all time. The BLACKPINK member just hit a career milestone as she surpassed 18 million monthly listeners on Spotify. It’s a feat that overtakes fellow BLACKPINK members’ solo efforts!

JENNIE Becomes First Korean Female Solo Artist With 18M Spotify Monthly Listeners

BLACKPINK’s JENNIE continues to demonstrate her strong performance across various music platforms globally. With monthly listeners surpassing her fellow solo artists, including BTS members RM Jin, J-Hope, Suga, V, and Jimin, JENNIE has now achieved an impressive milestone with 18.4 million monthly listeners. It’s a feat that fellow BLACKPINK members Rosé and Jisoo are close to achieving as well.

The accomplishment solidifies her position as the leading Korean female soloist on the streaming platform. Notably, she ranks second among female soloists within BLACKPINK and third overall as a solo artist. Her remarkable popularity underscores her global appeal and influential presence in the music industry.

Furthermore, JENNIE’s collaboration on ‘One Of The Girls’ with The Weeknd and Lily-Rose Depp, released earlier this year, recently achieved a significant milestone. The song recorded its highest streaming day on Spotify, accumulating 1,711,890 filtered streams, which propelled it to rejoin the Top Songs Global list on the platform. This resurgence is particularly remarkable given the elapsed time since its initial release and the absence of targeted promotion for ‘The Idol’ series audience.

‘One of The Girls’ Becomes Huge Hit Despite Dismal ‘The Idol’ Fan Reactions

‘One Of The Girls’ has already achieved various milestones, including debuting on Billboard’s Hot Trending Songs chart and securing JENNIE the title of the First Korean Female Soloist on the Billboard R&B Digital Song Sales chart. It also set records as the fastest song by a female K-Pop solo artist to reach 100 million Spotify streams, surpassing hits like ‘People Pt.2’ by IU featuring Suga and ‘SG’ by Lisa alongside DJ Snake, Ozuna, and Megan Thee Stallion. While her more recent solo success ‘You & Me’ may have taken the spotlight, ‘One Of The Girls’ continues to maintain a robust presence on the charts.

JENNIE’s continued success in both her solo career and collaborations underscores her significance in the global music industry and solidifies her reputation as a multifaceted and influential artist.

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BLACKPINK’s LISA Inducted as Cultural Icon in ‘Asian Hall of Fame’

BLACKPINK’s Lisa has achieved a momentous milestone in her illustrious career by being inducted as a Cultural Icon into the ‘Asian Hall of Fame.’ This remarkable honor serves as a testament to her status as a global superstar and a significant influencer in the cultural landscape.

Lisa Confirmed as a Cultural Icon by the ‘Asian Hall of Fame’

What makes this achievement even more exceptional is the fact that Lisa is the first K-pop artist to receive this prestigious recognition since the establishment of the Hall of Fame in 2004. Her induction not only highlights her remarkable journey but also underscores the far-reaching impact of Asian artists on the world stage. By joining the ranks of legendary figures like Queen’s Freddie Mercury and esteemed Japanese composer Ryuichi Sakamoto, Lisa’s inclusion heralds a new era for the Asian Hall of Fame, celebrating the diversity and dynamism of Asian artistic contributions to the global cultural tapestry.

Lisa‘s ascent to global stardom has been nothing short of extraordinary, marked by a series of groundbreaking accomplishments that have firmly established her as a powerhouse in the music industry. Her solo debut made waves worldwide, breaking records on YouTube for the most views within the first 24 hours of a music video’s release and ultimately becoming the most-watched video of the year. On Spotify, she made history as the first K-pop solo artist to exceed one billion streams for a single track, while her album garnered the title of the most streamed album by a K-pop solo artist on the platform.

Lisa as a Solo Artist

Despite not releasing new music as a solo artist since 2021, Lisa’s popularity continues to soar. Her monthly listeners on Spotify have recently exceeded 9.34 million, showcasing her enduring appeal. Furthermore, her hit song “Money” remains on its path to reaching one billion views on YouTube, amassing an impressive 923 million views to date.

Lisa’s journey is a testament to her exceptional talent, global influence, and enduring popularity as a multifaceted artist, and her induction as a Cultural Icon into the ‘Asian Hall of Fame’ is a well-deserved acknowledgment of her profound impact on the world of music and culture.

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BTS’ ‘DNA’ and BLACKPINK’s ‘Whistle’ Inducted in Korea World Music Culture Hall of Fame

BTS poses for their 2022 Festa Family portrait. Credit: Facebook/BTS

K-pop sensations BTS and BLACKPINK have once again made history in the world of music! As their respective hit songs “DNA” and “Whistle” have been honored with induction into the prestigious Korean World Music Culture Hall of Fame. 

According to a Herald Economy report, the 2023 Korea World Music Culture Hall of Fame has announced its first inductees. The list, which consists of 21 songs – 20 domestic and one overseas – was made by the Korean Federation of Copyright Societies. 

Furthermore, the report noted that the inducted list aims to convey universal human values such as love, peace, freedom, and happiness to the world. Which is why their chosen songs span the spectrum of Korean music, from classics like Go Bok-su’s “Living in a Foreign Country” to K-pop releases that garnered global popularity. 

Notably, it’s BTS’ iconic track “DNA” and BLACKPINK’s hit song “Whistle” that made it to the list. Both were recognized for being an “essential song for the sustainable development of K-pop globally.” 

Other Korean songs inducted in the list include releases from Cho Yong Pil, Seo Taiji and Boys, Choi Jin Hee, Lee Dong Won, Patty Kim, and more. Among the 21 songs inducted, “Blowing in the Wind” by Bob Dylan is the first overseas track to be included. 

Moreover, the report mentioned that the Korean World Music Culture Hall of Fame plans to announce a new set of inductees once a month following this first announcement. Additionally, the Korean Federation of Copyright Organizations believes that this list will provide hope and support to music, culture, and arts enthusiasts and organizers at home and abroad. 

BTS & BLACKPINK fans rejoice!

Given that this is the first for the initiative, fans of both BTS and BLACKPINK couldn’t help but celebrate that songs from the group were included in the list. For them, this achievement not only solidifies their status as global music icons but also acknowledges the profound impact they’ve had on the Korean music industry and the world.

In August 2016, BLACKPINK made their debut with tracks “BOOMBAYAH” and “Whistle” on the single album Square One. Particularly, “Whistle” was even recognized by Billboard as one of the best releases of 2016, a first for a newly debuted K-pop group. Since then, the four-piece act has firmly established themselves as a global music sensation. 

As for BTS, this recent inclusion is just another addition to their long-list of achievements. With the 2017 song “DNA,”  the K-pop juggernaut set several records for the group, including being the first Korean boy group music video to hit one billion views on YouTube. 

Although both songs are already several years old, it’s refreshing to see how they’re still achieving new feats until today.

Featured image: BTS poses for their 2022 Festa Family portrait. Credit: Facebook/BTS

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BLACKPINK’s Jisoo in Talks for ‘Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint’

BLACKPINK shares photo of Jisoo from filming 'Flower.' Credit: Facebook/BLACKPINK

Excitement is building among BLINKs as the news broke that BLACKPINK member Jisoo is in talks to star in the upcoming movie Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint. 

On Tuesday, October 24, Korean media reported that industry insiders revealed that Jisoo had been offered a role in the film adaptation of the popular web novel.

In response to these reports, YG Entertainment confirmed the news. “BLACKPINK’s Jisoo received an offer to star in Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint and is reviewing the offer positively,” the label said, according to Soompi. 

What we know so far about ‘Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint’ 

For those unfamiliar, Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint will be a movie adaptation of a well-loved web novel of the same name.

It revolves around Kim Dok Ja, the protagonist, who unexpectedly finds himself in a world shaped by the narrative of the web novel he had been reading. His mission is to restore the world to its original state. 

According to previous reports, popular actors Ahn Hyo Seop and Lee Min Ho are being considered for the roles of Kim Dok Ja and Yoo Jung Hyuk, respectively. Notably, Yoo Jung Hyuk is the main character in the web novel that Kim Dok Ja reads. 

Furthermore, reports claim that if Jisoo accepts the offer, she is likely to portray the character Lee Ji Hye, a student that Yoo Jung Hyuk takes under his wing.

Other cast members who are reported to be in the movie are Jung Sung II and Park Ho San. Meanwhile, Chase Soo Bin, Shin Seung Ho, and Nana are reportedly offered to portray the characters of Yoo Sang Ah, Lee Hyun Sung, and Jung Hee Won, respectively. 

Aside from these, other details about the movie, such as its target premiere date have yet to be announced. 

Actress Jisoo is back! 

Following the news, fans couldn’t help but share their excitement on social media. Many are rejoicing as Jisoo’s potential involvement in Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint marks a significant step in her acting career. 

To recall, she made her acting debut with the action-romance series Snowdrop. There, she garnered recognition for her performance in her first leading role and even won the “Outstanding Actress Award” at the 17th Seoul International Drama Awards.

Recently, she also made a cameo appearance in the film Dr. Cheon and Lost Talisman.  

Aside from Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint, Jisoo was also reported to be in talks for starring in a zombie drama. While there’s no confirmation yet about these acting projects, fans are eagerly anticipating to see more of the idol venturing into acting. 

In other news, YG Entertainment still remains mum about the contract status of BLACKPINK members. 

Featured image: BLACKPINK shares photo of Jisoo from filming ‘Flower.’ Credit: Facebook/BLACKPINK

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