Was YG Really Holding BLACKPINK Back

Only 33 Korean songs have been released by BLACKPINK since 2016. In their first two years, BLACKPINK released only two full albums (The Album – 2020; Born Pink – 2022) and a few singles.

BLACKPINK’s discography is small compared to TWICE and Red Velvet. With nearly 8 years in the industry, TWICE has 132 Korean songs (excluding English and Japanese singles as of December 2023).

The limited releases of BLACKPINK have ensured great recognition and achievements for each comeback, proving YG’s strategy works. A top girl group like BLACKPINK has less than 40 songs in nearly a decade, sparking criticism.

Netizens even say BLACKPINK is a media and image-building success.

BLACKPINK rarely returns because of their few releases. Their only release in 2017 was “As If It’s Your Last,” despite their debut a year earlier. Rookie bands must promote to build their reputation.

Many have criticized YG’s scheduling. Due to its overperformance, the band voted “As If It’s Your Last” as their least favorite song.

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BLACKPINK fans eagerly await their comebacks. The climax occurred between “The Album” and “Born Pink.” BLACKPINK finished promoting “The Album” and “Lovesick Girls” in November 2020.

In 2021, the band took a break. Lisa and Rosé made solo debuts, no group comebacks. BLINKs awaited BLACKPINK’s return like their idols from military duty.


BLACKPINK returned in August 2022 with the pre-release song “Pink Venom,” promoting “Born Pink” and a long world tour that ended in September 2023.

Following BLACKPINK, BLINKs are so hungry for music that every a suggestion of a comeback goes viral. Since BLACKPINK members no longer have YG contracts, a comeback seems even more unlikely.

Members’ individual actions
“The number of BLACKPINK magazine covers is enough to ‘bury’ their albums.” BLACKPINK is a rare K-pop group that produces music rarely but is famous in fashion.


BLACKPINK often graces magazine covers with a luxurious, high-fashion look.


This technique improves the group’s fashion efforts but limits their presence in other industries. Reality programs, where idol groups gain national renown, are not BLACKPINK’s realm.

Even though some BLACKPINK members are talented, YG rarely lets them perform. This helps BLACKPINK maintain a high-end image as premium brand ambassadors, fans say.


Objectively, YG’s 7-year management of BLACKPINK is unique. Allowing all members to debut individually builds their fanbases.

All BLACKPINK solo releases were popular despite only 1-2 tracks per member. Jennie, Rosé, Lisa, and Jisoo have solo records.

While Jennie says YG “restrained” BLACKPINK, the group thrives after contracts terminate.
BLACKPINK renewed their YG contract on November 2023. No one of the four members renewed their contracts.

Jennie, Lisa, and Jisoo have announced their own companies to flourish as multi-talented artists. Rosé follows. After leaving YG, the four members have been active with various projects and solo albums.


On a recent event, Jennie alluded at YG’s control. She discussed a bright future, finishing her debut record, and trying new things after 7 years.

The star teased a new project with rapper Matt Champion. Jennie appears on popular entertainment shows regularly.


YG has helped BLACKPINK succeed globally, but the evidence shows that he has wasted the group’s finances in recent years. BLACKPINK might accomplish much more. The members are leaving YG for a bright new start.