BLACKPINK's Rose unveils her most authentic side in first solo album 'R'

By Dong Sun-hwa

Anyone wishing to find out the most authentic side of BLACKPINK's Rose should grab her first solo album, “R,” which was released Friday afternoon.

During an online media conference earlier that day, the YG Entertainment star said she wanted to show her authenticity through the album, as it signals the beginning of her journey as a solo artist. The album, titled after the first letter of her name, contains two tracks: the lead single, “On The Ground,” and “Gone.”

“There is a part in the lead track that speaks for me: 'I worked my whole life, just to get high, just to realize, everything I need is on the ground,” Rose, who looked both thrilled and nervous, said. “I was able to relate to these lyrics. Since I was a trainee, I have lived from day to day in pursuit of my dream, but sometimes I also ask myself what my true motives are.”

Watch the music video of “On The Ground”:

Asked about the reason for singing “On The Ground” in English instead of Korean, the native New Zealander said English sounded better for the song.

“I believe every song has a language that best suits it,” she said. “In the case of 'On The Ground,' it was English that perfected the track. At first, I was anxious about not releasing it in Korean, but I thought it was important to present a more satisfying work.”

Rose actively participated in making the album as well. For the first time in her career, she took part in penning the lyrics for “On The Ground” and “Gone.”

“I tackled a new challenge,” she said. “I also suggested my ideas for the album's cover design and tried to take part in all of the meetings with our staff.”

She added that the two songs came like destiny.

“I first came across 'Gone' two years ago. As soon as I finished recording it, I told producer Teddy that I was so fascinated by it,” she said. “In the case of 'On The Ground,' the recording took place a few months ago. I also loved it a lot. So I decided to include both of them in 'R' without much thinking. It was like destiny.”

Rose is the second BLACKPINK member to go solo. The first one was Jennie, who put out her solo track, “SOLO,” in 2018 and swept multiple music streaming charts. Rose said the other group members have supported her during her preparation for the album, which came out five years after her debut.

“Jennie gave me an adorable gift ― a bracelet with the name of my dog ― while Jisoo advised me to do whatever I want for my album. Lisa told our staff members about how cool my tunes and music video are,” she said.

Rose is slated to premiere “On The Ground” on the SBS music show, “Inkigayo,” Sunday. She is also scheduled to appear on the American talk show, “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” on March 16 (U.S. time.)

“I hope I can meet my fans face-to-face in the near future,” she said.