BLACKPINK's 'BORN PINK' Finale: Celebrating 8 Years of Stellar Achievements
They've literally traveled the globe. This was their 66th performance for fans worldwide, and every stage felt like a grand finale.
A blend of grace, maturity, passion, and power was evident. Their vocals and raps, piercing through the powerful sound, combined with dynamic performances, captivated both eyes and ears. As the soulful voices of the four members resonated, the night of BLACKPINK began.
On the 16th and 17th, BLACKPINK concluded their epic 'BLACKPINK WORLD TOUR BORN PINK FINALE IN SEOUL' at the Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul's Guro District.
Starting in Seoul last October, they communicated with 1.8 million fans through a massive tour spanning 66 performances in 34 cities across North America, Europe, Asia, Oceania, and the Middle East. The 'BORN PINK' performance at the Sky Dome was the culmination of their experiences.
According to YG Entertainment, a massive crowd gathered early for the concert. Even as 6 PM approached, long lines persisted. Some fans were busy taking photos outside the venue instead of entering. BLACKPINK merchandise sold out before the concert began.
It wasn't just Korean fans. Fans from China, Taiwan, Japan, the UK, and more flocked to the event. Numerous domestic and international media outlets covered the event. Harumi Mase from Japan's JP News mentioned, "BLACKPINK is a hot topic in Japan," explaining her presence.
This concert garnered particular attention due to significant changes in the members' lives. Jisoo began a public relationship with actor An Bo-hyun while also pursuing solo activities. Despite previous denials, this time she openly acknowledged the relationship. Both Lisa and Rosé faced dating rumors. Jennie graced the Cannes Film Festival red carpet for the HBO drama 'The Idol'. Despite personal complexities, both the group and individual members experienced explosive achievements.
Now in their 8th year since debut, BLACKPINK's contract renewal remains undecided. Given that none of the members have re-signed, there's a lingering concern that this might be the last concert with all four members.
Despite concerns, BLACKPINK, known for breaking records, showcased their peak performance. Their choreography was impeccable, and their vocals, combined with dance, were flawless. The concert, starting with 'Pink Venom', was filled with familiar hits, explaining why they're a globally acclaimed group.
Fans responded with 'animal sounds'. Whenever a member's face appeared on the big screen, or when fireworks went off, or during powerful performances, or even when members smiled, the Sky Dome was filled with roaring cheers. The waving pink light sticks resembled pink waves.
After the opening, Jennie playfully commented on fans sitting down, gesturing for them to stand. The fans immediately rose, cheering, and remained standing throughout.
Each member, known for their exceptional musical talents, showcased their solo performances. Jennie's 'Solo' and 'YOU & ME' were highlighted by silhouette dances. Rosé showcased her main vocal prowess with 'Gone' and 'On The Ground'. Jisoo, who began her solo career, performed 'All Eyes On ME' and 'FLOWER', revealing her solo artist potential. Lisa sang 'MONEY' to a band's accompaniment, her finale smile showcasing her top-tier talent and charisma.
Even if you weren't a BLACKPINK fan, the concert was filled with familiar tunes. The footprints of BLACKPINK's intense 8-year journey were evident throughout the concert, from 'Kill This Love' to 'Lovesick Girls', 'Playing with Fire', 'Typa Girl', and 'Shut Down'.
Jisoo expressed, "We started the world tour around this time last year, and I'm so happy we could conclude it safely now. I'm grateful to BLINKs for making it memorable." Rosé added, "It feels like just yesterday when Jennie cried during our first Seoul concert. It's amazing to stand here at the end of our second world tour. It feels eternal. I'm truly happy."
Lisa shared, "Without BLINKs, we couldn't have done this world tour. Thank you for always supporting and enjoying with us. Thank you for making my 20s shine."
Jennie concluded, "It's been 7 years since BLACKPINK's debut. We regret not meeting many BLINKs in Korea, so we wanted to have the encore finale here. Thank you to everyone who made this event shine. We promise to continue being the best BLACKPINK."