in a world where K-pop groups are increasingly amplifying South Korean culture on a global scale, BTS and BLACKPINK have set the bar high for what it means to be a successful K-pop act. Both groups have achieved many records, and now as they open new chapters with their members’ solo careers, they are establishing even more precedents.
Solo debuts from within groups used to signal trouble, such as the prospect of a possible dissolution or the concept of one member being viewed as more accomplished than the rest. However, In the case of BTS and BLACKPINK, solo projects complement the groups’ progress and accentuate unique artistic elements. These individual endeavors have offered BTS members an opportunity to experiment with music, visuals, and lyrics, even incorporating explicit language.
Breaking away from the norm, BLACKPINK’s Jennie debuted her first single, “Solo,” in 2018, two years before the band dropped its first studio album, exploring their individual identities. However, solo stardom has not necessarily replicated the bands’ success levels. No BLACKPINK member has cracked the Billboard Hot 100 above No. 70.
In contrast, BTS’s Jimin debuted at No. 1 on the chart with “Like Crazy,” making it the first time a solo member of the group achieved this feat. Nevertheless, there are several metrics defining the success of these artists, and single releases are just one of them. After debuting four years ago, BLACKPINK finally released their first studio album in 2020.
Despite not having a full-length album to their name until then, the group had already made a significant mark on the K-pop scene with viral hits like “DDU-DU DDU-DU” and “BOOMBAYAH.” One of their album tracks, “Ice Cream” featuring Selena Gomez, even reached No. 13 on the Hot 100, making it the group’s highest-charting single in the United States
BLACKPINK cemented its stake in the K-pop zeitgeist with viral hits like “DDU-DU DDU-DU” and “BOOMBAYAH.” However, BLACKPINK did not release its first studio album until 2020, four years after debuting. Album track “Ice Cream” (with Selena Gomez) became the group’s highest-charting U.S. single, peaking at No. 13 on the Hot 100.
BLACKPINK created history in 2019 by performing at Coachella as the first K-pop group and they recently became the first K-pop act to headline the festival. The members of BLACKPINK have been exploring their individual talents, with Jisoo being the last to make her solo debut. After her role on JTBC series Snowdrop in 2021, Jisoo released her two-track set, ME, in March, following Jennie (2018), Rosé, and Lisa (both in 2021).
In March, Jisoo released her two-track set, ME, making her the last BLACKPINK member to make her official solo debut. Jennie, in 2018, followed by Rosé and Lisa (both in 2021) had already released their solo works. Jisoo was the first member of BLACKPINK to try acting with a role on JTBC series Snowdrop in 2021. The set features “(FLOWER),” blending pop and trap with traditional Korean melodies, and the upbeat “All Eyes on Me.” “(FLOWER)” debuted at No. 2 on Billboard’s Global 200 and Global Excl. U.S. charts.
Jennie’s solo career was a game-changer in the K-pop industry. Breaking from the traditional model, she released her debut single, “Solo,” in November 2018, before BLACKPINK’s first studio album. Less than a year after hitting the top of Billboard’s World Digital Song Sales chart, she made history as the first Korean solo artist to perform at Coachella. Jennie teased her next project, “You & Me,” during BLACKPINK’s Born Pink World Tour in October 2022, but the track has yet to receive an official release. Her fans are eagerly awaiting her next move, which will reportedly be a starring role on HBO’s The Idol.
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