Throughout their career, Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa have not only solidified themselves as the world’s biggest girl group but also as true cultural ambassadors of Korea

BLACKPINK, one of the biggest global K-pop phenomena, stands out not only for its music but also for the crucial role it plays in promoting Korean culture on a worldwide scale. Throughout their career, the group has incorporated various cultural elements into their music, music videos, public appearances, and international collaborations.

With that in mind, here are some moments when BLACKPINK showcased aspects of Korean culture throughout their career:

1. Hanbok
In “How You Like That,” BLACKPINK drew attention by incorporating stylized versions of the hanbok, the traditional Korean outfit, into the dance scenes of the music video. The garments were modernized while preserving original elements like embroidery and cuts, quickly becoming a trend. Jennie’s idea had such an impact that several international publications highlighted the look as a bridge between tradition and modernity.

2. Korean Food
During livestreams, interviews, or appearances on international programs, the members frequently mention or showcase typical Korean dishes such as kimchi, tteokbokki, and ramyeon. Jisoo, for instance, went viral after expressing her love for Korean homemade food, sparking curiosity among global fans.

These spontaneous moments help popularize Korean cuisine among new audiences. Another example occurred recently during Jennie's appearance on “The Jennifer Hudson Show,” where she brought Korean snacks to share with the host. Jennie talked about the ingredients and her personal favorites.

3. Korean Language
Even in content aimed at international audiences, BLACKPINK often uses Korean expressions — such as formal greetings, affectionate terms, or common phrases. This sparks fans' interest in the language and encourages many to start learning Korean.

As a result, many fans — known as Blinks — become increasingly interested in the Korean language. Some start learning on their own, while others take classes at Korean Education Centers or King Sejong Institutes, which exist in various parts of the world, including Brazil.

4. Visual References
Beyond the hanbok, several of the group’s music videos feature settings inspired by traditional Korean architecture, symbolic fans and flowers, and themes rooted in Asian mythology. In “Pink Venom,” for example, the visuals combine traditional Eastern aesthetics with modern elements, generating even more fascination with Korea’s visual identity.

In the iconic video, member Jisoo plays the geomungo, a traditional Korean string instrument, right at the beginning of the song. She also appears wearing a modernized hanbok, performing in a cinematic scene.

The moment perfectly represents the fusion of Korean culture with global pop: the ancient sound of the geomungo gives way to modern electronic beats, symbolizing how K-pop blends and amplifies Korean traditions on the world stage.

K-pop as a Cultural Gateway
BLACKPINK is a clear example of how K-pop goes beyond music and serves as a bridge to Korean culture. The group’s style, language, fashion, and customs inspire genuine interest among fans from around the world, often becoming their first contact with Korean culture. From this initial spark, many go on to explore the language, cuisine, history, and other cultural expressions more deeply — demonstrating how pop art can be a powerful tool for cultural exchange.

“BLACKPINK is the Revolution”: A look back at the journey of Korea’s biggest girl group 

All K-pop fans may have, at some point, wondered what it takes for an artist to succeed. Often enchanted by the music and performances, it's easy to forget everything idols have gone through to achieve their dreams.

The Netflix documentary Light Up the Sky tells a bit of the story of the members of the biggest girl group in history — BLACKPINK. The film follows the journeys of Jennie, Jisoo, Lisa, and Rosé from their debut to 2020.

BLACKPINK is a K-pop girl group formed by YG Entertainment that officially debuted on August 8, 2016. Composed of four members — Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa — the group quickly gained international recognition thanks to its blend of charisma, vocal talent, powerful rap, striking visuals, and impactful choreography.

During the final show of the In Your Area tour in Australia, the members got emotional while sharing how happy they are to show only the “cool parts and performances” to fans — but that there is a much bigger side filled with challenges and struggles they had to go through and continue to face.

Trainee Period

“We had been through a lot,” says Rosé in tears. Over the years they spent training before debuting, the four artists faced their fears and the uncertainty of whether they would be in the final lineup. Training daily for long hours, they had to give up their studies to fully commit to their dreams.

The trainee period in the K-pop industry is an intense phase of preparation that aspiring idols go through before debuting in a group. Selected by agencies after rigorous auditions, trainees follow a grueling daily schedule filled with vocal, dance, acting, language, and physical conditioning lessons.

“We would get a day off every fortnight, and then practice again for another 13 days. Fourteen hours a day training,” Rosé explains how their routine used to be.

This phase can last for months or even years, with no guarantee of debut. During this time, trainees are constantly evaluated and may be cut at any moment. The process is highly competitive, demanding, and designed to shape complete artists capable of performing in Korea's tough entertainment industry. “I remember having to send a good friend of mine home because they got eliminated from the test,” Jennie says.

Still, even though the process is extremely tough, it is crucial for the artist to develop the skills they will use on stage throughout their career, as BLACKPINK’s main rapper explains: “What makes K-pop the K-pop is the time that we spent as trainees.”

A System of Survival

Far from her family and friends, Rosé — the main vocal from Australia — recalls the delicate period she went through as a trainee at YG. “My mom always called and I called her crying. She used to say: ‘Rosie, come home.’ I said ‘No.’ I hated that. It was the last thing I wanted to listen,” she shares.

In a lonely journey, the girls had to believe in themselves to make it into the group’s final lineup. “I rarely went home and had to practice on the weekends. My parents were quite upset and worried. But they’re not the protective, overbearing type, and they knew this was something that I had to do. So they told me to stay strong and get it done,” says Jisoo.

Train, sleep, wake up — that was the routine the four artists followed for years while waiting for their debut. “Waiting was the hardest part. I didn’t think I would make it. I was on the verge of letting it go. I had to keep fighting. I had to give it my all. I didn’t care how long the training would take,” says Lisa.

Their individual training journeys were:

• Jennie: Led the group with 6 years of training.
   
• Jisoo and Lisa: Both dedicated 5 years to intense preparation.
   
• Rosé: The last to join, trained for 4 years.
   

A Journey of Survivors

Together, Jennie, Jisoo, Lisa, and Rosé went through a brutal process where talent was just the bare minimum. They survived where most give up. Throughout the process, from trainee days to the present, they didn’t just become artists — they became survivors.

With each album, comeback, fashion show, and concert, they continue to impact the artistic world and broader cultural layers that transcend borders. With a massive fanbase — the Blinks — BLACKPINK’s influence cements them as the most significant female musical act in the world, a status that directly extends to each individual member.

After the Born Pink tour came to an end, the members began focusing on their solo careers.

“ 빛이 나는 솔로”

• Jisoo

Born on January 3, 1995, in Gunpo, Gyeonggi Province, Korea, Jisoo is the oldest member of BLACKPINK and serves as the group's lead vocalist and visual. Before her debut, she trained for approximately five years under YG Entertainment, starting in 2011.

Known for her classic beauty and deep vocals, Jisoo also stood out for her acting skills, appearing in commercials and most notably starring in the Korean drama Snowdrop (2021), marking her debut as a lead actress.

Over the years, she has also become a global ambassador for luxury brands like Dior, highlighting her influence in the fashion world and establishing her status as a true multifaceted star.

Jisoo’s latest solo release, the EP Amortage, debuted on February 14, 2025, marking her first extended play under her own label, Blissoo (in partnership with Warner). Composed of four bubblegum-pop tracks—two in Korean and two in English—the album explores the emotional stages of love and represents a creative rebirth following her departure from YG Entertainment and Interscope Records.

• Jennie

Jennie was born on January 16, 1996, in Seoul, Korea, but spent several years in Auckland, New Zealand, where she studied English and became fluent in the language. She was the first member to be officially revealed by YG and trained for about six years after joining the company in 2010.

She plays the role of main rapper and vocalist in BLACKPINK and is often at the center of performances due to her strong stage presence and versatility. Additionally, she is known for her sophisticated fashion sense, frequently referred to as Korea’s “It Girl” and serving as a global ambassador for brands such as Chanel.

Her most recent solo album, Ruby, released on March 7, 2025, marks a new chapter in her solo career, exploring a sophisticated and intimate aesthetic. With a sound that blends soft R&B, alternative pop, and minimalist electronic elements, the project reveals a more personal and creative side of Jennie. The tracks feature immersive atmospheres with elegant arrangements and visuals inspired by quiet luxury, deep ruby tones, and refined fashion.

• Rosé

Rosé was born on February 11, 1997, in Auckland, New Zealand, and was raised in Melbourne, Australia. In 2012, after passing a YG Entertainment audition in Australia, she moved to Korea to begin training, which lasted around four years.

Roseanne Park is BLACKPINK’s main vocalist and also plays instruments such as the guitar and piano, bringing a personal and emotional touch to the group’s music with her unique and distinctive voice.

She is known for her artistic sensitivity and involvement in the composition and production of some of her solo tracks. Beyond music, Rosé is a constant presence at fashion events and global campaigns, serving as a global ambassador for Saint Laurent and Tiffany & Co., further solidifying her impact beyond the music industry.

Her debut solo album rosie, released on December 6, 2024, marks a transition from BLACKPINK’s explosive energy to a more introspective and emotional sound, with 12 tracks blending pop, pop-punk, synth-pop, and elements of 1990s R&B.

In songs like “Number One Girl,” “Two Years,” and the collaboration with Bruno Mars on “APT.,” her lyrical vulnerability and vocal versatility shine through arrangements that range from piano ballads to nostalgic beats.

• Lisa 

Lisa was born on March 27, 1997, in Buriram, Thailand, and is the only non-Korean member of BLACKPINK. Her birth name is Pranpriya Manobal, which she later changed to Lalisa following a spiritual consultation for good fortune. She joined YG Entertainment in 2011 after winning an audition in Thailand, being the sole candidate selected among about 4,000 participants, and trained for approximately five years before debuting.

Lisa is the group's main rapper and lead dancer, known for her precision and impressive energy in choreography. Fluent in Korean, English, and some Japanese and Chinese, she easily connects with fans around the world.

Lalisa is also a brand ambassador for Celine and Bulgari and is considered one of the most influential idols in the world.

Her debut solo album, Alter Ego, released on February 28, 2025, under her own label Lloud (in partnership with RCA Records), explores five distinct personas—Roxi, Kiki, Vixi, Sunni, and Speedi—each inspiring a track and reflecting different facets of her fame and identity.

With 15 tracks that span hip-hop, electropop, and trap, the project includes high-profile collaborations with Doja Cat, Rosalía, Megan Thee Stallion, Future, Raye, and Tyla.

What’s Next for BLACKPINK

Currently, BLACKPINK is on their “Deadline” tour, performing in various countries, with additional dates yet to be announced throughout the year. Amid these performances, anticipation is building for their next album, especially after the release of the single “Jump (뛰어)” in July.

What can fans expect from the quartet? More solo releases? Nothing is confirmed at the moment. However, with the group’s next debut anniversary approaching on August 8, 2025, they will be celebrating nine years since their debut—and the date will likely come with exciting surprises.