BLACKPINK to release new music in August ahead of massive world tour

BLACKPINK are set to release new music next month ahead of a massive world tour that will become the “largest world tour in the history of a K-pop girl group”.

A press statement from YG Entertainment confirmed that the group are in the “final stages of recording a new album” (via Billboard).

While it’s not confirmed how much new music will be released in August, it will kick off “a continuous large-scale project which will extend through the second half of the year.” The release also promised an international tour by the end of the year.

“A lot of BLACKPINK-esque music has been prepared over a long period of time,” YG Entertainment said. “On top of new music and large-scale projects, BLACKPINK will also go on the largest world tour in the history of a K-pop girl group by the end of the year to expand their rapport with fans worldwide.”

The group – comprising Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé and Lisa – released their first full-length record, The Album, in October 2020.

Rumours of a comeback emerged in April this year, with reports suggesting that they could return as early as June. The group’s return was also teased by Jennie during a guest appearance on the Game Caterers YouTube channel in March. “BLACKPINK is also making a comeback soon. I don’t know if I’m allowed to say this, but since I’m the only [BLACKPINK member] here, I’ll just say it,” she said. “Please look forward to it. Thank you very much.”

Last week, BLACKPINK became the first musical act to reach 75 million YouTube subscribers. They also overtook Justin Bieber last September as the most-subscribed artist on the platform.

The band appeared on the cover of Rolling Stone in April this year, where they spoke about their hand’s on creative process. “We don’t just receive a completed song,” Jisoo said. “We are involved from the beginning, building the blocks, adding this or that feeling, exchanging feedback — and this process of creating makes me feel proud of our music. If we just received pre-made songs, it would feel mechanical. I feel more love for the process, because we say, ‘How about adding this in the lyrics? How about adding this move in the choreography?’ ”

The band also spoke about the future of BLACKPINK as they prepare to release new music. “I mean, won’t Blackpink last at least 10 more years? We’ll be nearly 40 by then,” Lisa said. “Someday we’ll get married and things like that. But then I see the Spice Girls, how they got together for a reunion concert. Can we do that too someday? Will I be able to dance then, like I do now?”