Let's be real - BLACKPINK's massive global success didn't just happen overnight. Before they were breaking records and selling out stadiums, the four members of BLACKPINK - Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa - paid their dues big time as trainees under the intense system at YG Entertainment.
YG is basically the Harvard of K-pop companies in South Korea. They're legendary for their insanely difficult trainee programs that push aspiring idols to their absolute limits in terms of singing, dancing, rapping, everything. It's make or break from day one.
Jisoo was one of the first to subject herself to YG's trainee grind back in 2011. With her powerful vocals and striking visuals, she showed serious star potential from the jump. Jennie joined the same year and quickly made a name for herself with her dynamic stage presence and rap skills.
A year later in 2012, Rosé followed in their footsteps after nailing an audition from all the way in Australia. Her super soulful voice made it clear she had "it." Lisa, who would go on to become BLACKPINK's main dancer, first entered the YG trainee system way back in 2010, instantly wowing with her electrifying energy.
So for literal years, like 5-6 in some cases, the four members just grinded day in and day out. We're talking 16 hour practice days, crazy diets, endless singing/dancing/rapping sessions under YG's notoriously tough instructors. All while knowing they could easily get cut at any moment if they didn't measure up.
The competition between trainees was absolutely vicious too. Only the elite of the elite make it through YG's system and get to debut.
BLACKPINK persevered through all that chaos and pressure thanks to intense determination and their shared dream of becoming stars.
That dream finally became reality in August 2016 when BLACKPINK made their long-awaited debut with "SQUARE ONE." From the second "Whistle" and "Boombayah" dropped, it was clear these girls brought something totally fresh to the K-pop table - an edgy, almost rebellious fusion of hip-hop swag and sugary pop. Nothing like the typical "cute" or "girl crush" concepts.
BLACKPINK's rise was nothing short of meteoric after that debut. Each new single era brought record-breaking successes as their unique sound and visuals captivated fans worldwide. Then in 2018, their collab with Dua Lipa on "Kiss and Make Up" properly put them on the radar in the US/West as the potential next K-pop group to "make it" globally.
And make it they did. Sold-out world tours, history-making music show wins, millions across socials - BLACKPINK's accolades just kept stacking up. Soon, top artists like Lady Gaga and Selena Gomez were lining up for collabs, recognizing their icon status.
Fast forward to now in 2024 and BLACKPINK haven't slowed down one bit.
They're still smashing records, selling out stadiums, and reinventing their sound with each new era. It's a full 180 from just a decade ago when they were putting in 16 hour practice days at YG, not knowing if they'd ever actually debut.
BLACKPINK's meteoric rise is really the ultimate underdog story - go from being among hundreds of trainees getting screamed at daily to becoming literal worldwide superstars that every artist wants a piece of. Their journey epitomizes how perseverance, raw talent, and an unshakeable dream can teleport you to the biggest stages on the planet if you really put in that work.
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