Tag: BLACKPINK

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BTS and BLACKPINK Are the Most Streamed K-Pop Groups on Spotify in 2023

BTS during their 'Permission to Dance' concert. Credit: Facebook/BTS

Did you make it to the Top 1% listeners of your favorite K-pop acts? On Thursday, November 29, Spotify unveiled its compilation of the most streamed K-pop artists and songs for the year 2023. 

For those unfamiliar, the Spotify Wrapped feature is an annual end-of-the-year event wherein the music giant showcases the top artists, songs, albums, and podcasts in their streaming platform. 

As for the most streamed K-pop artists, BTS reigned supreme, securing the coveted top spot again. Within the same category, Jungkook and Jimin claimed the third and sixth positions, respectively. Both BTS members released their solo debut albums this year—Jungkook with Golden and Jimin with Face—and set Guinness World Records for their individual releases. 

Meanwhile, BLACKPINK earned the title of the most streamed girl group of the year, and ranked second to BTS in the top 10. Overall, the Top 10 most streamed K-pop artists include four boy groups, four girl groups, and two solo artists. 

In terms of the most streamed K-pop songs, Jungkook clinched the top spot with his debut solo track “Seven (feat. Latto).” Additionally, Jimin’s “Like Crazy” secured the third position on the list. Interestingly, they’re the only entries in the Top 10 that came from a male act. Other entries in the Top 10 were mainly from female acts, with NewJeans securing four entries out of 10. 

Furthermore, Jungkook’s “Seven” also dominated the worldwide charts, ranking fourth at the most streamed song globally. According to Spotify, the only songs that racked up more Spotify streams in 2023 were Miley Cyrus’ “Flowers,” SZA’s “Kill Bill,” and Harry Styles’ “As It Was.”  What makes this achievement even more impressive is that “Seven” was only released in mid-July. 

Top songs, artists for 2023 according to Spotify Korea

Spotify’s Top 10 Most Streamed K-pop Artists are:

  1. BTS
  2. BLACKPINK
  3. Jungkook
  4.  NewJeans
  5. Stray Kids
  6. Jimin
  7. TWICE
  8.  SEVENTEEN
  9. TOMORROW X TOGETHER
  10. LE SSERAFIM

Meanwhile, the Top 10 Most Streamed K-pop Songs are:

  1. Jungkook “Seven“
  2. FIFTY FIFTY “Cupid“
  3. Jimin “Like Crazy“
  4. NewJeans “OMG“
  5. NewJeans “Ditto“
  6. NewJeans “Super Shy”
  7. Lisa “Money“
  8. Jisoo “Flower“
  9.  BLACKPINK “Shut Down”
  10. NewJeans “Hype Boy”

Featured image: BTS during their ‘Permission to Dance’ concert. Credit: Facebook/BTS

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BLACKPINK Receives Honorary MBEs From King Charles at Buckingham Palace

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

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

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Here Are the K-Pop Acts Who Won at the 2023 Billboard Music Awards

NewJeans is named Top Global K-pop Artist. Credit: Twitter/Billboard

The 2023 Billboard Music Awards announced its winners on Sunday, November 19. For this year’s edition, the prestigious music award-giving body witnessed the inclusion of four new K-pop categories: Top Global K-Pop Artist, Top K-Pop Album, Top Global K-Pop Song, and Top K-Pop Touring Artist. 

Notably, the Billboard Music Awards determines victors based on performance metrics from the year-end Billboard charts, with the tracking period for this year extending from November 4, 2022, to October 12, 2023.

Apart from the announcement of winners, K-pop fans were also treated to performances of groups NewJeans and Stray Kids. During the award night, NewJeans showcased their hit songs “Super Shy” and “OMG.” Meanwhile, Stray Kids debuted their latest title track “LALALA.” 

 

Billboard Music Awards 2023 Winners

One of the winners is rookie group NewJeans, who secured the title of Top Global K-pop artist. In their acceptance speech, Hanni expressed her gratitude to fans.

 “To have been nominated in this category alongside such incredible artists that we all look up to is an honor in itself,” Hanni said. Meanwhile, Minji added: “This award will be a reminder to us for all the love and support we’ve received from our fans, BUNNIES. We’ll try our hardest every day to make it up to our fans.” 

On top of that, Hyein also gave a shout out to her fellow NewJeans members. “We’re always looking out for one another – inspiring, helping, believing. But above all, forming this unbreakable friendship.” 

Another winner is Stray Kids, who claimed the Top K-pop Album award for 5-STAR. During their speech, leader Bang Chan was quick to acknowledge their fans, STAYS. “Without the love and support from everyone, we would probably not have made it this far,” he said. Meanwhile, Changbin, speaking in Korean, promised that they would continue to work on better music for their fans. 

 

Additionally, BTS’ Jungkook received the award for Top Global K-pop Song with “Seven (feat. Latto.)” In his acceptance video, the BTS member said that the win is “truly an honor.” “Without you, I couldn’t have gotten this amazing award,” he said to ARMYs. 

Furthermore, BLACKPINK secured the award for Top K-pop Touring Artist of the Year. 

Featured image: NewJeans is named Top Global K-pop Artist. Credit: Twitter/Billboard

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BLACKPINK Confirms Takashi Murakami Limited Edition Collection Collaboration

BLACKPINK is gearing up for a new collaboration! The girl group has just been confirmed to be working on a limited edition collection with Japanese artist Takashi Murakami.

BLACKPINK Confirms Limited Edition Collection Collaboration With Takashi Murakami

An exciting announcement on November 17 revealed that BLACKPINK is gearing up to launch a limited edition collection, featuring a diverse range of items associated with the globally renowned K-pop group. The collection has also quickly captured international attention and sparked excitement among fans, primarily due to the involvement of the acclaimed Japanese artist, Takashi Murakami.

Takashi Murakami, celebrated for his pioneering role in the “superflat” artistic movement, is also known for seamlessly blending high art elements with consumer culture. His distinctive style draws inspiration from traditional Japanese painting and contemporary anime, creating a unique fusion that bridges cultural gaps and facilitates cross-cultural communication. The collaboration with BLACKPINK is highly anticipated as it also promises to bring together art and pop culture in an extraordinary manner.

Fans are eagerly anticipating the unveiling of this limited edition collection, expecting a visually striking and culturally rich assortment of items that showcase the intersection of BLACKPINK’s influence and Takashi Murakami’s artistic prowess. The collaboration also holds the promise of delivering a unique and memorable collection that resonates with fans of both BLACKPINK and Murakami alike.

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

The virtual concert will also be 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 also promises to transport fans into the heart of BLACKPINK’s music.

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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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