TEN FACTS

BLACKPINK

Their name is about colour contrast. "The meaning of Blackpink aims to contradict the common perception of the colour pink," YG Entertainment said. Pink is often associated with beauty, however 'Blackpink' signifies 'beautiful isn't everything.' It represents their beauty and brilliance as a team."

2NE1 was YG Entertainment's first girl group triumph in 2009. 2NE1 dissolved in 2016, the same year Blackpink began. Initially called "the new 2NE1," Blackpink proved their music was unique.

Blackpink members speak Korean and Japanese well despite their diverse backgrounds. Jennie and Rosé, from New Zealand and Australia, speak English well. Lisa, from Thailand, speaks Thai and English. Jisoo, from South Korea, is the sole member who doesn't speak English but can speak Chinese.

The 2018 reality show BLACKPINK House documented the group's daily life. YouTube offers partial episodes of the 12-episode series. The group lives together in a YG Entertainment dorm, not a mansion like on the program.

Blackpink was the first K-Pop girl group to perform at Coachella in 2019. They're the second K-Pop group to perform at the festival, after Epik High in 2016.

Rosé and Lisa gushed over Train to Busan actor Gong Yoo on Ji Suk Jin's 2 O'Clock Date in 2018. Gong Yoo is my ideal. I get butterflies," Rosé said, before Lisa added, "Gong Yoo is my dream kind. Rosé and I watched Goblin."

Jisoo's unusual humour is intriguing. She likes to sing about the weather or a cuisine she wants.

Rosé's dad joked that she should audition for YG Entertainment in Australia in 2012. "I thought I had little chance of becoming a singer, let alone a K-pop celebrity. In a recent Sydney Morning Herald interview, Rosé said she never considered it because she was so distant from the country. Within two months of placing first, she was flying to South Korea for the trainee program.

YG Entertainment says Blackpink members would release individual tracks following The Album, however Jennie has already released hers. Her 2018 album "SOLO" showcased her rap skills. "I think solo projects increase our music spectrum. We can do group and solo music and concepts "Jennie told The Hollywood Reporter previously.

Once Lisa's parents appeared on BLACKPINK House, fans discovered her stepfather, Marco Brüschweiler, is famous. Marco worked at the Sun City Casino in South Africa before moving to Thailand, where he met Lisa's mother. He works as a cooking school director in Bangkok and advises the Thailand cooking Academy.