Will K-pop group BLACKPINK repeat BTS’s huge US success?
- The four-member South Korean girl group signs a contract with a US record label linked to Universal Music Group ahead of its expected American debut
K-pop girl band BLACKPINK has signed a contract with Interscope Records, an American record label associated with the Universal Music Group (UMG), in a move widely seen as the group’s preparation for a US debut.
The four-member group will be hoping to emulate the huge American success of another South Korean group, the seven-strong boy band BTS – now in the middle of a world tour – which has topped the US Billboard album chart twice this year.
BLACKPINK’s agency, YG Entertainment, revealed the deal on Tuesday.
It said it was signed “recently” but did not give further details, including which company proposed the deal and its duration.
Interscope represents several global pop stars such as Madonna, Eminem, Kendrick Lamar and Lady Gaga.
Yang Hyun-suk, founder and CEO of YG Entertainment, welcomed the contract, and said he would fully support BLACKPINK’s activities in the US.
“I hope this case will pave the way for other YG artists to enter the North American and European markets,” Yang said.
Lucian Grainge, UMG’s chairman, has high hopes for the band’s success in the US.