BLACKPINK Shines at Their First Full Group Concert in 1 Year and 10 Months

The excitement was palpable as BLACKPINK declared, "BLACKPINK in your area!" at the Goyang Sports Complex, instantly electrifying the venue. The opening lyrics resonated, "It's not a comeback / Because we never left." The four members, who have been captivating audiences worldwide, reunited on stage under the name 'BLACKPINK' once again.

On July 5-6, BLACKPINK held their 'BLACKPINK World Tour: DEADLINE in Goyang' at the Goyang Sports Complex, drawing an impressive crowd of 78,000 fans over two days.

This concert garnered significant attention as it marked the return of the full group. After focusing on individual projects since November 2023, BLACKPINK collaborated once more with their original agency, YG Entertainment, to host a solo concert for the first time in nearly two years.

Fans' anticipation reached a fever pitch even before the show began. Despite the sweltering heat and lovebug invasions, BLINKs (the fandom name) dressed in black and pink filled the stadium, creating a festive atmosphere.

As the first notes of 'Kill This Love' echoed, the Goyang Sports Complex transformed from a mere sports venue into BLACKPINK's domain, making the phrase 'BLACKPINK in your area' a reality. The momentum continued with hits like 'Pink Venom', 'How You Like That', '불장난', and 'Shut Down', showcasing a condensed history of their nine years in the industry. The energy in the venue quickly surpassed the summer heat.

The performance featured stunning visuals, such as the artistic framing of the members in 'Pretty Savage', the perfect harmony of fan chants in 'Don't Know What To Do', nostalgic vibes from '휘파람', and the vocal prowess displayed in 'Stay'. BLACKPINK's heartfelt dedication to their fans was evident in every aspect of the performance, from the choreography to the lighting.

A highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the solo stages of each member. Each artist, having established themselves as solo performers, demonstrated the essence of 'together yet apart'.

Jisoo captivated the audience with 'earthquake' and 'Your Love', while Lisa showcased her powerful presence with 'New Woman' and 'ROCKSTAR'. Jennie impressed with 'MANTRA' and 'LIKE JENNIE', and Rosé proved her world-class status with '3AM', 'Toxic Till The End', and '아파트'. The crowd erupted in unison during 'LIKE JENNIE' and '아파트', creating a moment that felt like a global hit.

To enhance audience understanding, Rosé shared insights about her song before performing '3AM', explaining the emotional journey behind it. After the solo performances, Jisoo expressed her excitement about the diverse colors they brought to the tour, saying, "Wasn't it great? We were thrilled to showcase both group and solo stages."

The atmosphere seamlessly transitioned into the debut of their new song '뛰어 (JUMP)', which Jisoo had teased earlier. As the performance began, the audience jumped in unison, embodying the song's title. Jisoo encouraged fans to embrace the new track, promising it would be released soon.

Following the new song, BLACKPINK's classic hits resonated, symbolizing their ongoing legacy. As '붐바야' and '뚜두뚜두' played, the cheers and chants from the fans intensified, creating a breathtaking wave of support throughout the stadium.

The production quality was on a global scale, featuring a top-tier production team that has worked with stars like Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande. Global dancers and a live band enhanced the experience, with orchestral arrangements adding depth to the performance. The members' live vocals, complemented by handheld microphones, brought an electrifying energy to the show.

The concert also emphasized sustainability, providing 'BLACKPINK Water' in paper packs instead of plastic and setting up booths to raise awareness about carbon emissions and resource recycling. This commitment to environmental responsibility was truly 'world-class'.

The outdoor concert on a summer day perfectly matched BLACKPINK's vibrant energy. This was the first time a K-pop girl group held a solo concert at the Goyang Sports Complex, and with 78,000 attendees, BLACKPINK incorporated elements like fire columns, fireworks, and a festival atmosphere reminiscent of Coachella.

The ambiance of the event felt like a 'world festival', with fans dressing in BLACKPINK-themed outfits, which impressed the members. Jisoo remarked, "Seeing fans in 'Shut Down' outfits in this heat is incredible!"

As the concert drew to a close, the members expressed their gratitude to the fans. Lisa shared her excitement about the tour's kickoff in Korea, while Jennie thanked the audience for their support, noting the impressive turnout.

BLACKPINK concluded the night with '마지막처럼' and 'Forever Young', reaffirming their ability to deliver unforgettable performances. This concert marked the beginning of their world tour 'DEADLINE', a term that seems non-existent for BLACKPINK as they prepare to meet fans in 16 cities worldwide, including Los Angeles, Paris, Milan, London, Tokyo, and Singapore, with 31 performances ahead.