BLACKPINK has wrapped up their world tour, which is touted as the "largest in K-pop girl group history."
On September 16 and 17, BLACKPINK concluded their world tour encore 'BORN PINK' at the Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul, meeting over 40,000 fans. Starting their tour in October of the previous year at the Seoul KSPO Dome, they showcased their "world-class grandeur" by performing in 34 cities worldwide, attracting 1.75 million attendees. BLACKPINK is the first K-pop girl group to hold a solo concert at the massive Gocheok Sky Dome, which can accommodate 20,000 attendees per day.
This concert drew global attention, especially since it took place a month after BLACKPINK's exclusive contract with YG Entertainment expired on August 8th.
A Year-long Journey Culminates
The two-day concert was a culmination of over a year's worth of experience. They showcased the stage mastery and direction they've honed during their world tour. Enhancements like LED screens, lasers, lighting, and special effects were amplified to maximize grandeur. Parts of their performances from world-renowned music festivals like Coachella in the U.S. and Hyde Park in the UK were recreated. Some hit songs were rearranged exclusively for the concert, and the largest number of dancers ever was deployed, showcasing an overwhelming scale.
The set from Coachella, which attracted global fans and international media attention, was redesigned. Emphasizing the unique beauty and symbolism of Korea, improvements were made in curvature, material, and three-dimensionality.
The final concert on the 17th was streamed online, inviting BLACKPINK fans, known as 'Blinks', from all over the world.
Re-signing? Trio? Solo?... Multiple Possibilities Abound
The future moves of BLACKPINK remain shrouded in mystery. Although it's been over a month since their exclusive contract ended, discussions about re-signing are described as "sensitive" and "ongoing."
Before the concert, rumors about member Lisa not re-signing with YG caused fluctuations in YG's stock price. Online rumors suggested that Lisa declined a 50 billion won re-signing bonus from YG. Adding fuel to the speculation, rumors of Lisa dating Frédéric Arnault, son of Bernard Arnault, chairman of the luxury group LVMH, have surfaced multiple times. Frédéric Arnault is the fourth son of Chairman Arnault and the CEO of the luxury watch brand TAG Heuer.
