The K-pop industry is abuzz with speculation regarding the potential renewal of BLACKPINK's contract with YG Entertainment (YG). Since last year, there have been various rumors circulating, including some members potentially transferring overseas and others transitioning to acting careers.
On September 21, Sports Seoul reported that only Rosé from BLACKPINK has agreed to renew her contract with YG. The other three members, Jennie, Jisoo, and Lisa, are reportedly in final discussions to sign with other agencies but will dedicate six months of the year to BLACKPINK activities.
In response, YG released an official statement approximately 20 minutes after the report, stating, "Nothing has been finalized. Discussions are ongoing." Despite the swift clarification, YG's stock price plummeted, closing at 69,200 won, a 13.25% drop from the previous day.
◇ Contracts Ended in August... YG Still 'In Discussions'
BLACKPINK, who debuted in August 2016, entered their contract renewal season last month, marking their 7th anniversary. As of the 8th of last month, their exclusive contract with YG had ended. Industry insiders believed that the decision regarding their contract would likely be made after the conclusion of their year-long world tour 'THE PINK,' which ended with a performance in Seoul on the 18th.
Transfer rumors have been circulating since last year. In December, there were rumors that Jisoo might join The Black Label, where BIGBANG's Taeyang is signed. After her appearance in the 2021 JTBC drama 'Snowdrop,' there were speculations about her transitioning to an acting career. In July, there were rumors about Lisa transferring. Given Lisa's immense popularity in Southeast Asia, it's rumored she received offers from overseas agencies worth billions of won. YG has consistently responded to these rumors with "in discussions."
BLACKPINK's Uncertain Future with YG Entertainment: Rumors of Transfers and Acting Careers Abound
◇ BLACKPINK's Stellar Year, YG's Regret
This year, BLACKPINK was YG's top earner, thanks to their successful 'BLACKPINK World Tour [THE PINK].' YG's Q1 operating profit surged by 497% year-on-year to 36.5 billion won. Concert sales from BLACKPINK's stadium-level tour significantly increased, and merchandise sales nearly doubled from the previous year, recording 17.1 billion won. Individual members' earnings from advertisements further boosted their income.
The group's career also shone brightly. Their world tour 'THE PINK' covered 34 cities with 64 performances, attracting over 1.8 million fans. This is the largest tour in K-pop girl group history. They also made history by performing as headliners at the US Coachella Festival and UK's Hyde Park. Jennie was listed among the '50 Most Influential Women in the World' by Women's Wear Daily (WWD), which estimated that her social media posts are worth approximately 280 billion won.
◇ Lisa's Tearful Thanks for Her 20s Causes Stir
The members have been tight-lipped, similar to YG. After the 'THE PINK' encore performance in Seoul on the 18th, the members shared their feelings. Lisa expressed her gratitude for spending her 20s with the fans and shed tears during the encore song 'As If It's Your Last.' Jennie also mentioned feeling emotional after each song. Some interpreted these sentiments as hints of disbandment or transfers. The controversy surrounding their comments highlights the public and industry's keen interest in BLACKPINK's contract renewal.
Meanwhile, Jennie hinted at a solo album release in a recent magazine interview. She revealed in Harper's Bazaar, "I'm working on a unique song that's very me. Please look forward to it." This would be her first solo release since her 2018 single 'SOLO.'
It's known that YG and BLACKPINK members are in final discussions regarding their overall activities. Fans are eagerly waiting to see if Jennie's solo album will be released under YG, if BLACKPINK will continue as a quartet, and how they will collaborate in the future.
