K-pop stars Blackpink announce new album and tour

All four singers of South Korean K-pop band Blackpink have signed new contracts with their record label, putting an end to speculation about their future. As YG Entertainment announced on Wednesday, Jenny, Lisa, Jisoo and Rose have renewed their “group activity” contracts. The share price of the most important K-pop label rose by more than 20 percent after the announcement.

Blackpink is one of the most successful K-pop bands and the most successful girl group. Since the contracts of the four musicians expired in August, rumors have circulated about a possible breakup of the band. In September, South Korean media reported that Lisa had rejected a renewal offer from YG.

With the contract extension, YG has now put an end to the speculation. In addition to signing an “exclusive contract for group activities,” the label announced a new album from the band and a major world tour. The four singers wanted to give “their love” back to their fans around the world.

In addition to their music, Blackpink is also known for their efforts in the fight against the climate crisis. At the 2021 UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow, Scotland, the musicians published a series of videos on the topic of climate change in online networks – on Instagram alone they are followed by 92.3 million people.

After COP26, UN Secretary General António Guterres appointed the band as ambassadors for the United Nations Development Goals. In November, British King Charles III, who has been committed to protecting the environment for years, also awarded the musicians the Order of the British Empire (MBE).

(jam/sda/afp)