VCHA’s KG has made headlines after filing a lawsuit against JYP Entertainment in February, potentially explaining the group’s inactivity. The lawsuit raises significant questions about K-pop contracts, particularly for minors, and whether this case is about advocating for fair contracts or simply an attempt to be released from JYP.
The K-pop industry is no stranger to controversies, and the latest buzz involves NewJeans and the Korea Music Copyright Association (KMCA). With the group’s label ADOR caught up in internal conflicts with its parent company, HYBE, KMCA’s alleged boycott of NewJeans has sparked discussions about the legality of such actions—especially in light of the so-called “JYJ Act.” So, let’s break it down: what is the JYJ Act, how has it protected artists in the past, and is the NewJeans situation really the same?
The conversation about K-pop artists collaborating with Western musicians is nothing new. But when Rosé of BLACKPINK teamed up with Bruno Mars, the internet buzzed with debates: Was this an artistic match or just another strategic move for global reach?
Published February 24, 2025
BLACKPINK's Solo Careers: A New Chapter of Artistic Exploration
Since their debut, BLACKPINK has been a powerhouse in the global music scene. As the members embark on their solo journeys, they bring unique styles and fresh perspectives to their music, allowing fans to witness their evolution as individual artists. Let’s take a closer look at how Jennie, Lisa, Rosé, and Jisoo are shaping their solo careers in 2025.
Jennie: A Carefree, Trendy Appeal
Jennie was the first BLACKPINK member to go solo, making waves with her debut track SOLO in 2018.
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Since then, she has continued to establish her presence with hits like You & Me and One of the Girls, a collaboration with The Weeknd and Lily-Rose Depp.
"You & Me" is a special single by Jennie Kim, released on October 6, 2023. SOURCE: Apple Music - JENNIE Special Single 'You & Me'
"One of the Girls" is a collaborative track by The Weeknd, Jennie Kim, and Lily-Rose Depp, featured in the HBO series "The Idol." The song has achieved significant streaming milestones, surpassing 1.5 billion streams on Spotify.
Known for her chic and edgy vibe, Jennie’s music perfectly embodies confidence and a playful energy that resonates with Gen Z.
In October 2024, she released Mantra, which quickly climbed the charts, solidifying her position as a solo powerhouse. She followed up with Love Hangover, featuring Dominic Fike, on January 31, 2025. Most recently, on February 21, 2025, she dropped ExtraL, a dynamic collaboration with rapper Doechii, accompanied by a visually stunning music video directed by Cole Bennett.
Mantra (October 2024): This empowering anthem marked the beginning of Jennie's new solo era
Love Hangover (Jan 31, 2025) is a playful take on on-again, off-again relationships. The music video, featuring Dominic Fike and Charles Melton, blends humor and drama through a series of chaotic dates.
ExtraL featuring Doechii (February 21, 2025): This dynamic collaboration showcases Jennie's ability to blend genres seamlessly. The visually stunning music video, directed by Cole Bennett, is available on her official YouTube channel.
Fans eagerly await her debut solo album, Ruby, set to release on March 7, 2025, featuring 15 tracks and collaborations with artists like Dua Lipa, Childish Gambino, and Kali Uchis.
ODDATELIER/Columbia Records
Lisa: Performance Powerhouse
Lisa has captivated audiences worldwide with her electrifying stage presence and impeccable dance skills. Her solo releases, LALISA and MONEY, showcased her fierce artistry and hip-hop influences.
SOURCE: Apple Music - LALISA Single
SOURCE: Apple Music - LALISA Single (includes MONEY)
In January 2025, Lisa took a more introspective turn with Born Again, offering a glimpse into a deeper, more personal side of her artistry. She followed up with Rockstar on February 16, 2025, blending hip-hop and electronic beats in a genre-defying track. Her highly anticipated debut solo album, Alter Ego, is set to drop on February 28, 2025. Adding to her list of milestones,
"Born Again" by LISA, featuring Doja Cat and Raye, was released on February 6, 2025, under LLOUD in partnership with RCA Records. Blending pop, disco, and electropop, the track serves as the fourth single from her upcoming debut studio album, "Alter Ego," set for release on February 28, 2025.
"Alter Ego" is the debut solo album by LISA, set for release on February 28, 2025, under LLOUD in partnership with RCA Records. Showcasing her versatility, the album introduces five alter egos—Roxi, Vixi, Sunni, Speedi, and Kiki—each representing different facets of her artistry.
"Rockstar" by LISA was released on June 28, 2024, under LLOUD. This hip-hop/trap track made history as the fastest K-pop solo female MV to reach 1 million views in 2024.
Lisa is set to headline Coachella in April 2025, making history as a solo performer.
Rosé: A True Singer-Songwriter
Rosé has always been known for her soulful voice and heartfelt songwriting. Her debut solo album, R, featuring On The Ground and Gone, established her as a compelling solo artist.
Rosé – "R" was released on March 12, 2021, under YG Entertainment. This pop/soft rock album showcased her artistry, with "On The Ground" becoming the highest-charting song by a Korean female soloist on the Billboard Hot 100 at the time.
Rosé – "Gone" was released on March 12, 2021, under YG Entertainment. This pop/alternative rock track gained acclaim for its emotional lyrics and raw vocal delivery, solidifying Rosé’s status as a powerful solo artist.
In December 2024, Rosé released her first full-length studio album, rosie, a 12-track collection entirely in English. The album’s standout single, APT. featuring Bruno Mars, became a viral sensation. Co-written by Rosé, the song reflects on her personal experiences, including dealing with online negativity.
Rosé – "Rosie" was released on December 6, 2024, under The Black Label. This K-pop album features the viral single "APT.", co-written with Bruno Mars, which topped charts globally, including the Billboard Global 200.
Jisoo: A Star in Acting and Music
Jisoo has successfully balanced both acting and music, proving her versatility in the entertainment industry. She made her solo music debut with ME, but her recent focus on acting has brought her critical acclaim.
Jisoo – "ME" was released on March 31, 2023, under YG Entertainment. This pop album made history as the best-selling album by a Korean female soloist, surpassing 1 million copies in its first week.
She starred in the K-drama Newtopia, which premiered on February 7, 2025. In the series, she plays Kang Youngjoo, an engineer striving to reunite with her conscripted soldier boyfriend amid a zombie outbreak in Seoul.
Jisoo – "Newtopia" premiered on February 7, 2025, on Coupang Play and Amazon Prime Video. This romantic fantasy zombie comedy stars Jisoo as Kang Young-joo, an engineer fighting to reunite with her boyfriend amid a zombie outbreak in Seoul.
Despite her busy acting career, Jisoo also released her Valentine’s Day EP, Amortage, further cementing her multi-faceted talents. The lead single, Earthquake, is an electropop track blending Korean and English lyrics, expressing the excitement of new love. The accompanying music video, directed by Christian Breslauer, portrays Jisoo navigating a complex emotional landscape, with actor Cha Seung-won making a cameo appearance.
Jisoo – "Amortage" was released on February 14, 2025, under Blissoo. This pop/electropop EP features the lead single "Earthquake," blending Korean and English lyrics to capture the thrill of new love. The music video, directed by Christian Breslauer, features a cameo by Cha Seung-won, adding to its cinematic appeal.
The Journey of Self-Discovery
As the BLACKPINK members explore their solo careers, they continue to push artistic boundaries, experiment with different genres, and define their unique musical identities. Whether through music, acting, or fashion, they remain at the forefront of entertainment, captivating audiences worldwide. Fans eagerly anticipate their next moves, knowing that each member’s journey is just beginning.
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K-Pop has evolved significantly over the years, and one of the most noticeable trends today is the growing emphasis on idols writing their own music. While this might seem like a given in Western music, it wasn’t always the norm in K-Pop. Traditionally, idols were primarily performers, singing and dancing to songs composed by professional producers. However, in recent years, more and more idols have taken an active role in songwriting and production, a shift that has changed the landscape of the industry.
LE SSERAFIM has been making waves in the K-pop industry since their debut, and it’s clear they’re setting their sights on the global stage. With their unique sound, powerful performances, and undeniable charisma, the group has all the right ingredients to captivate Western audiences. But what exactly makes them stand out? Let’s take a closer look.
K-pop isn’t just about dazzling performances and addictive tunes—it’s also big business! The financial side of the industry is just as dynamic as the music, and entertainment stocks play a huge role in shaping its future. Ever wondered how companies like HYBE, SM, JYP, and YG are doing financially? Well, grab a seat, because we’re diving into their stock trends. Let’s go!