BLACKPINK’s Solo Power Shift: How Jennie, Lisa, Jisoo, and Rosé Are Redefining the K-Pop System

By C.M. Ong | June 23, 2025

Photo by TV10 (티비텐), CC BY 3.0, via wikimedia commons

In the dazzling world of K-pop—where precision, visuals, and group identity rule—few artists have disrupted the machine as thoroughly as BLACKPINK’s members. Traditionally, idols are meticulously trained, controlled by agencies, and marketed as parts of tightly managed collectives. But what happens when the stars outshine the system? Enter Jennie, Lisa, Jisoo, and Rosé—global icons who are rewriting the rules of idolhood by seizing control of their solo destinies.

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Beyond BLACKPINK: Building Independent Empires

While BLACKPINK remains a dominant force in global music, its members have carved out distinct and powerful solo careers:

• Jennie debuted solo in 2018 with SOLO, later launching her own label ODD ATELIER (OA) in 2023 and starring in HBO’s The Idol.

• Lisa became a global sensation with LALISA and Money, founded LLOUD in 2024, and signed with RCA Records for international releases.

• Jisoo ventured into acting (Snowdrop) and fashion (Dior, Cartier) before launching her solo agency BLISSOO in 2024.

• Rosé, known for her unique vocal color, signed with THEBLACKLABEL in 2024, maintaining a close working relationship with longtime producer Teddy.

These ventures go far beyond side projects—they represent a new standard of individual autonomy and brand development in an industry historically resistant to such independence.

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K-Pop's Traditional Model: Built on Control

To understand why this evolution matters, we must examine the conventional K-pop system:

• Rigorous training under strict agency guidance

• Group identity above all, limiting individual visibility

• Centralized management of careers, content, and image

• Risk minimization, ensuring polished but tightly curated public personas

This framework has been successful in producing global K-pop stars—but it thrives on predictability, hierarchy, and group-first branding.

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BLACKPINK’s Disruption: The New Standard of Autonomy

By forming their own labels or signing elsewhere for solo work, BLACKPINK’s members have done what few K-pop idols dared: retain group affiliation while exercising full individual creative control.

Key Disruptions:

• Contract Structure: All four re-signed with YG Entertainment for group activities only, maintaining BLACKPINK while managing solo careers independently.

• Global Outreach: Collaborations with Western artists, acting roles, and luxury fashion partnerships have placed them in mainstream pop culture beyond K-pop.

• Personal Branding: Each member has a unique identity that transcends group constraints—no longer manufactured, but self-curated and globally recognized.

• Fan Loyalty Split: BLINKs now follow both the group and solo endeavors, creating a dual-layer fan economy.

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The Industry’s Fear: Power Shift from Agencies to Artists

This level of autonomy challenges the very structure of K-pop management:

• Less Predictability: Solo schedules aren't dictated by the agency.

• Higher Costs: Agencies must invest more to retain stars who wield massive influence.

• Decentralized Control: Creative decisions shift toward the artists and their personal teams.

• New Precedent: Upcoming idols may demand similar terms, weakening long-standing agency dominance.

What once was a theoretical fear has now become a tangible reality: idols evolving into independent entities without dissolving their group ties.

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The Evolution of K-Pop: From Assembly Line to Artist-Led

BLACKPINK’s solo moves signify more than rebellion—they mark industry evolution. K-pop is becoming more flexible, hybridized, and artist-friendly.

Future trends may include:

• Split contracts (group and solo distinctions) becoming the norm

• Artist-run labels supported by larger distribution partners

• Agencies transforming into co-managers or partners, not sole controllers

• Focus on sustainable, multi-platform careers beyond music alone

Rather than collapsing the K-pop system, BLACKPINK is pushing it toward maturity—where artistry, individuality, and business acumen co-exist with group success.

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K-Pop’s Future Is Independent, Influential, and Borderless

Jennie, Lisa, Jisoo, and Rosé are not abandoning K-pop—they’re redefining it. They’ve proven that idols can build billion-won brands, sign international deals, and still remain part of a group.

Their success is not something the industry should fear—it’s a blueprint for the future, where creative freedom and group loyalty can coexist.