BLACKPINK's solo journeys: How 2024 is shaping the group's future in 2025

Kevin Kim

The members of BLACKPINK have spent 2024 charting their own creative paths, crafting a narrative that spans music, fashion, acting and entrepreneurship. Far from drifting apart, these solo pursuits reflect a strategy that enriches both individual artistry and collective identity, setting the stage for a potential reunion in 2025. The individual activities of Rosé, Lisa, Jennie and Jisoo are not simply diversions but significant expansions of their influence, each making waves across different industries.

Rosé: A global collaborator and personal storyteller

Rosé’s solo journey reached new heights with the announcement of her debut studio album, "Rosie," to be released on Dec. 6. Her lead single, “APT.,” featuring Bruno Mars, fuses Korean cultural references with Western pop sensibilities, capturing both playful elegance and emotional depth. Inspired by a Korean drinking game, the track showcases Rosé’s artistic evolution, allowing her to connect with global audiences in new ways.

Beyond her music, Rosé revealed in a recent W Korea interview that her goals for 2024 include fan meetings, more music releases and personal time with her dog, Hank. Her move to Atlantic Records symbolizes a new chapter, where she aims to balance introspective storytelling with international ambitions.

Fans have embraced Rosé’s solo efforts, praising her ability to stay authentic while expanding her musical horizons. This balance between personal expression and professional growth reflects a shift in K-pop artists’ ambitions, positioning them as not just performers but global cultural figures.

Lisa: Winning awards and shaping global fashion

Lisa has solidified her position as a global superstar with a series of high-profile achievements in 2024. Her MTV Video Music Award win was celebrated not only by fans but also within the industry, marking a milestone for Asian artists in Western entertainment. Building on this momentum, Lisa released “Moonlit Floor” on Oct. 4, a single that creatively samples Sixpence None the Richer’s “Kiss Me,” merging nostalgia with fresh, modern elements.

Lisa’s appearance at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show further showcased her versatility. As the brand seeks to redefine itself, Lisa’s involvement exemplifies how K-pop stars are now central to global fashion movements. She is not merely modeling but shaping trends, influencing how music, style and culture intersect. These achievements reflect Lisa’s ability to operate across industries, maintaining relevance while breaking new ground in both music and fashion.

K-pop girl band BLACKPINK/ Korea Times file

Jennie: Entrepreneur and creative visionary

Jennie’s career took a new turn in 2024 with the launch of her company, ODDATELIER, giving her creative freedom over future projects. On Oct. 11, she released “Mantra,” a highly anticipated single in partnership with Columbia Records, signaling her commitment to both artistic growth and entrepreneurial endeavors. Jennie has long been known for her partnerships with luxury brands like Chanel and Calvin Klein, but ODDATELIER allows her to merge art, business and music in unprecedented ways.

Jennie’s dual role as an entrepreneur and performer sets a new standard for K-pop idols, inspiring other artists to explore creative independence without compromising their group identity. Fans have responded enthusiastically to her solo work, praising “Mantra” for its refreshing blend of aesthetics and innovation. Jennie’s success reflects the growing influence of K-pop artists beyond music, as they redefine what it means to be multifaceted entertainers.

Jisoo: Expanding into acting with 'Newtopia' and beyond

Jisoo’s evolution as an entertainer has taken a significant turn with her growing presence in television and film. Her lead role in the upcoming drama “Newtopia,” a postapocalyptic zombie thriller, reflects her ability to transition from music to emotionally complex acting roles. Initially titled “Influenza,” the series follows the story of two ex-lovers — played by Jisoo and Park Jung-min — who must navigate survival and rekindled romance amid chaos. This departure from her previous image showcases a new dimension of her talent, one that resonates with both fans and critics.

In addition to “Newtopia,” Jisoo is reportedly in talks for a romantic comedy titled “Monthly Boyfriend," which centers around relationships in the digital age. If confirmed, this project would add diversity to her acting portfolio, allowing her to explore light-hearted and emotionally nuanced roles. Jisoo’s acting pursuits reflect a larger trend within K-pop, where idols are increasingly expanding into film and television to establish themselves as versatile artists.

Road to 2025: A new era for BLACKPINK?

As the members expand their individual brands, fans eagerly anticipate a BLACKPINK reunion in 2025. The challenge lies in balancing personal success with group synergy — can the group integrate their individual growth into a cohesive new chapter? Each member’s solo ventures add depth to the BLACKPINK brand, ensuring that their future reunion will reflect not just their past success but also their personal evolution.

BLACKPINK’s unique approach — allowing members to pursue personal artistry while maintaining group unity — may become a blueprint for other K-pop groups. Their ability to navigate individual and collective dynamics demonstrates the versatility needed to thrive in an ever-evolving entertainment industry.

BLACKPINK’s legacy in motion

BLACKPINK’s 2024 activities highlight the power of reinvention, personal expression and global collaboration. Each member is building a legacy that transcends music. Their work redefines what it means to be entertainers in a global context, showing that K-pop is not merely a genre but a cultural movement that bridges industries and borders. As they navigate these individual journeys, BLACKPINK is paving the way for the future of K-pop, inspiring other groups to embrace individual growth within a collective framework.

Whether through solo artistry or collective performance, BLACKPINK’s next chapter promises to be as transformative as their journey so far. Their 2025 reunion will not only celebrate their past success but also mark the beginning of a new era, one that incorporates their personal growth into the group’s evolving identity.

Kevin Kim (kevin.kim@routenote.com) is the head of Asia for RouteNote, a global music business company. He worked for YG PLUS and CJ E&M Mnet before joining RouteNote.