BLACKPINK not only has unprecedented achievements, but also has a unique operating model in Kpop as well as around the world.

In Kpop, there is a “7-year curse”, when most groups cannot continue together or preserve their entire lineup. The reason this happens is because the idol group’s contract has a term of 7 years. After 7 years of being together, many idols want to take a new direction for their career, or give up stage glory.

In Kpop, there are not many groups that can overcome this curse. However, BLACKPINK is another case, when they not only overcame the curse, but also created an unprecedented operating model in Kpop and around the world.

“Unique” operating model, with 4 general talents in the same music group?

BLACKPINK debuted in 2016 and in 2023, the group’s contract with YG Entertainment expires. Throughout 2023, the BLINKS community was “sitting on fire” because of BLACKPINK’s contract status with YG. When rumors of people leaving and staying are constantly causing storms on the internet, YG always gives only one answer: “We are still discussing” . Even after the contract between the two parties officially expired in July 2023, the situation remained completely unclear.

After a long period of negotiations, in the end, the 4 BLACKPINK members only maintained group activities at YG Entertainment, and remained independent in their individual activities. This was the beginning of the “separate and together” way of working. There have been cases of several band members leaving the company, but there has never been a precedent for a band with all 4 members separating like BLACKPINK. Therefore, SPOTV News believes that this is an experimental step in Kpop, which can explode like fireworks or be as risky as playing with fire.

BLACKPINK’s new operating model is unprecedented in Kpop and around the world

Even more shocking, all 4 members decided to take control of their careers by becoming “general managers” and opening their own companies instead of joining an existing unit. This is unprecedented in Kpop, even worldwide.

Jennie was the first member to “fire the shot”. The female idol born in 1996’s company is called ODDATELIER. This company was established in November 2023 and will focus on supporting Jennie in developing her personal career. The female idol filed a trademark application under the name “Jennie Ruby Jane” for 10 separate categories – from food and beverages to jewelry and luxury goods.

Jennie is the first “general talent” of the group

Lisa is the second member to be promoted to “general manager”. At exactly 2:00 p.m. on February 8, the youngest member of BLACKPINK caused an uproar in the online community when she officially announced the establishment of her own company called LLOUD. Accordingly, Lisa will officially become the CEO with an introduction to LLOUD: “This is the platform for me to express my creative vision of music and entertainment. Let’s explore and collaborate together.” Go on an emotional journey, conquer new challenges and create memorable experiences.”

Lisa is the second person to announce her own company

Following in the footsteps of her two younger siblings, the eldest sister is the third member to announce her own company BLISSOO. On the official website, Jisoo shared that BLISSOO will be where she develops herself, becoming an all-round artist not only with music but also as a professional actress. The female idol’s older brother is said to be the person who accompanied and built the company with Jisoo.

Jisoo is the latest member to announce her “private home”.

Although Rosé has not officially revealed information about her own company, Korean media has reported that Rosé will soon announce that she will become a “general manager” like her three sisters. Besides, she also revealed many “hints” for her comeback for her solo album. She also created a chat group with 4 million fans to find an official name for the fandom.

Rosé is expected to soon follow in her sisters’ footsteps

Is the future of BLACKPINK’s group activities bright?

In theory, opening their own company allows members to develop their careers in the desired direction, while also being able to flexibly arrange their own schedules for group activities. Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé and Lisa still have group contracts with YG, and they promise that the BLACKPINK brand will not fall into oblivion. Currently in Kpop, there are many cases where group members do not have the same management company but can still work together, increasing optimism about BLACKPINK’s future.

However, there are still many opinions expressing concerns about this method of operation. The freedom of individual members to engage in individual activities can cause their images to gradually become in conflict with each other and different from the image the group is aiming for. For example, Lisa made a bold decision to perform a striptease, surpassing the standard of Kpop idols and causing her to be severely criticized. Members promoting individual activities can bring surprise and novelty, but at the same time, the mystery and rarity that YG built for BLACKPINK can be lost.

There are many concerns about the future of BLACKPINK’s group activities

SPOTV News also does not rule out the possibility of working in groups, the members’ chemistry will decrease after the time of solo activities as desired. Idol groups gain their greatest fame and energy when their members stand together, no matter how great each member’s abilities are. So in most cases, companies will try to maintain the group despite losing members or having discord between members.

Korean news site commented that BLACKPINK needs to exist for a long time for Kpop to continue to influence the world. If group activities are affected by the members’ personal activities, it is a sad loss for Kpop.

Although the results of BLACKPINK’s activities are unclear, SPOTV News still has high hopes for the members’ bright future. If the members agree and do not let their schedules conflict, the fear of BLACKPINK neglecting group activities will become a useless worry.

BLACKPINK has been carefully invested and cared for by YG since their debut, and has slowly risen and become one of the two most famous groups in Kpop (next to BTS). There are values ​​and philosophies that have been formed while working with YG for nearly 10 years, so the members will not easily destroy their reputation. BLACKPINK’s position is much higher than before, so SPOTV News believes that the members’ group contract with YG also has terms that suit the wishes of both parties.

Many fans are looking forward to BLACKPINK members’ promises about group activities

In the past, idols leaving the company meant leaving the group, but now that no longer happens. After SNSD still had a successful comeback despite having members from different companies, a series of other groups such as 2PM, KARA, EXID and soon Super Junior and EXO also followed this path.

As long as the members can arrange their own schedules and have a good relationship with their old company, they can still work in the group and develop themselves in other fields. Coming to BLACKPINK, the group perfected their way of working compared to their seniors by creating their own company to actively decide on group and individual schedules. If BLACKPINK also performs well under the new model, they will most likely become a “textbook” for Kpop and the world to follow.

SNSD, 2PM, Super Junior, EXO… are also active with members from other companies. However, BLACKPINK has upgraded by each member establishing their own company