Blackpink: New single "Jump" recalls Love Parade classic

"Blackpink in your area" - that's the slogan of the South Korean girl group, which triggers euphoria among many K-Pop fans: Blackpink is a movement, a lifestyle, a cultural phenomenon.

Since their debut in 2016, the four South Korean artists have become one of the world's most successful pop exports—and not just musically. Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa are style icons, advertising faces, and influencers all rolled into one. Since July 5, 2025, they have been on their "Deadline World Tour," which will once again take them to major stages around the globe.

Now, fittingly, their new single, "Jump," has been released, their first in three years. It's reminiscent of a song that was part of the soundtrack to the 1997 Love Parade in Berlin: "Meet Her At The Love Parade" by Da Hool, also known as DJ Hooligan, a German techno DJ and producer. With this song, sung predominantly in English, the four young women have finally stepped out of the K-pop bubble and into the international music world. Within a few days, they reached the top of the iTunes charts and also topped the global Spotify charts.

Product of the South Korean entertainment industry

Blackpink was founded by YG Entertainment, one of the largest companies in the K-pop industry. As is common in South Korea , the young women underwent years of training in singing, dancing, languages, and stage presence. Their debut album, a double single featuring the songs "Boombayah" and "Whistle," was released in 2016. The combination of electronic beats, rap, catchy choruses, and Korean-English lyrics caused a sensation— even outside of Asia .

Symbol of the "Korean Wave"

With their music, elaborate music videos, and a clearly recognizable style concept, Blackpink quickly became one of the most successful K-pop groups of all time. Their breakthrough is considered a prime example of the "Korean Wave" —the international rise of South Korean culture since the 2000s (in Korean: Hallyu).

In recent years, this music genre hasn't boomed as much as it did before – despite the success of Blackpink and the upcoming comeback of the boy band BTS , says Dr. Adam Zulawnik, a researcher in Korean studies at the University of Melbourne, in an interview with DW. However, the South Korean entertainment industry is extremely resilient and innovative, not least because it is supported by the South Korean government – not only as an economic factor, but above all as a central component of the national strategy for so-called "soft power": It is intended to strengthen South Korea's positive image worldwide through cultural exports such as K-pop and Netflix series .

Four personalities – one common style

Unlike many other groups, Blackpink consists of only four protagonists – and each brings their own unique charisma: Jennie, who grew up in New Zealand , is known for her fashion sense and her role as a brand ambassador for Chanel . Jisoo is considered the group's visual identity and is also a successful actress.

Rosé, born in New Zealand and raised in Australia , captivates with her soulful voice and melancholic nature. Lisa, originally from Thailand , inspires with her precision in dance and her international social media presence.

This diversity has enabled the group to appeal to a wide variety of audiences around the world – both musically and visually. Adam Zulawnik also emphasizes this: "In fact, many South Korean artists have either overcome traditional expectations of 'typically Korean' appearance – or consciously left them behind. A good example of how South Korean musical styles are changing is Blackpink's Rosé, performing alongside US singer Bruno Mars . Many internet users found the more general pop/rock style of the song "Apt." refreshing and contemporary."

Trademark: Fashion and Beauty

Blackpink is known not only for their music, but also for their influence on fashion trends and beauty ideals. All four members collaborate with international luxury brands, including Dior , Chanel, Saint Laurent, and Celine, as well as cosmetic brands like MAC and Hera. Their looks are copied worldwide: hair colors, hairstyles, accessories, and makeup techniques – many of which become trends after Blackpink's appearances on social media.

This intersection of pop culture and the fashion industry is a result of the South Korean entertainment industry's comprehensive marketing strategy. Zulawnik cites examples: "This ranges from BTS menus at McDonald's in Australia to snacks from the group SEVENTEEN in the People's Republic of China . This strategy is particularly visible in Southeast Asia, one of the most important markets for K-pop. There, many groups cooperate with local brands and companies, thus creating a direct connection to the lives of their fans."

Social networks as a success factor

A key component of Blackpink's success is their strong online presence. The girl group operates one of the largest YouTube channels in the world, with over 90 million people following their music videos, rehearsal footage, and personal insights.

On platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and the Korean fan platform Weverse, the group maintains close contact with its fan base – the "Blinks." This digital proximity to the community amplifies their impact: They appear approachable without losing their glamour factor.

What Blackpink has changed in the K-Pop industry

For a long time, male groups were considered dominant in the South Korean music industry. Blackpink has changed this image forever. They demonstrate that female groups can achieve international success without conforming to stereotypical roles. Their presence is confident, professional, and creative—a role model for many young female artists.

Their model—a smaller group with clear individual profiles, a few but impactful releases, and a globally oriented public relations effort—has influenced many other K-pop groups. The so-called "Blackpink Effect" has long been a household name in the industry. Thus, the four young women remain a defining force in pop culture—and they will demonstrate this to fans worldwide on the "Deadline World Tour."

This is an updated version of the article from July 1, 2025.