BLACKPINK (Funfacts x Trivia)
.jpg "15 Little-Known Secrets of BLACKPINK Members Revealed")
15 Little-Known Secrets of BLACKPINK Members Revealed
Behind BLACKPINK's record-breaking performances and glamorous public appearances lies a fascinating world of untold stories and hidden talents.
While fans know the BLACKPINK members - Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa - for their chart-topping hits and stunning performances, much remains unknown about their journey to stardom. From their diverse backgrounds and training days to their personal struggles and achievements, these four artists have stories that even dedicated BLINKs might not know.
This deep dive reveals 15 lesser-known secrets about the BLACKPINK members, offering a rare glimpse into their pre-debut lives, hidden talents, and the challenging path that shaped them into global superstars. These revelations showcase not just their professional evolution, but also the personal moments that defined their extraordinary journey.
Jisoo's Acting Dreams Before BLACKPINK
Before joining BLACKPINK, Jisoo's entertainment journey began with a series of commercial appearances that showcased her natural talent for performing. Her path to stardom took an unconventional route through acting before ultimately leading to her role as a BLACKPINK member.
Early Commercial Appearances
Jisoo's presence in the entertainment industry started with numerous commercial films and advertisements. Her early portfolio included notable collaborations:
Angel Stone game advertisement
Various music video appearances, including Epik High's "Spoiler + Happen Ending"
Drama Training History
While attending the School of Performing Arts Seoul, Jisoo joined the drama club in her 11th grade, marking a significant step in her entertainment career. This experience provided her with valuable exposure to the industry through numerous auditions. Her first television appearance came in 2015 with a cameo role in KBS's "The Producers," where she appeared alongside established artists Sandara Park and Kang Seung-yoon.
Path to Becoming an Idol
Jisoo's journey to YG Entertainment began in August 2011 when she became a trainee at age 16. Her popularity in school, attributed to both her talents and natural beauty, had already marked her as someone destined for the entertainment industry. After five years of rigorous training, she successfully debuted as a member of BLACKPINK in August 2016, though her acting aspirations never faded. This foundation in acting would later prove valuable, leading to significant roles in productions like "Snowdrop" and "Arthdal Chronicles".
Jennie's Secret Trainee Life in New Zealand
Long before becoming one of BLACKPINK's most versatile members, Jennie's journey took an unexpected turn when she moved to New Zealand at age 10. Her early education journey began at Waikowhai Intermediate School in Auckland, where she lived with a homestay family.
Jennie's Early Education Journey
Unlike the structured Korean education system she was used to, Jennie's New Zealand experience offered a refreshing change. She embraced the new environment with remarkable enthusiasm, particularly enjoying:
Science and mathematics classes
Rewriting notes with colored pens
Hidden Musical Influences
During her time in New Zealand, Jennie first discovered K-pop, developing a particular interest in YG Entertainment's music. This exposure would later prove pivotal in shaping her career path. She appeared in a 2006 documentary titled "English...Must Change to Survive," showcasing her early struggles with the English language.
Pre-YG Entertainment Days
At age 14, Jennie faced a crucial decision when her parents suggested she move to Florida to pursue a career in law. However, her growing passion for music led her to convince her family to let her return to South Korea. In a decisive move that would change her life, she auditioned for YG Entertainment with Rihanna's "Take a Bow". Despite her initial shyness during the audition, her unique background and English fluency caught the company's attention, leading them to suggest she train as both a vocalist and rapper.
Rosé's Untold Musical Journey
Born in New Zealand and raised in Australia, Rosé's musical journey began long before her K-pop stardom, rooted in the rich traditions of church music and self-taught determination.
Church Choir Background
From an early age, Rosé immersed herself in music through her church choir performances. Her initial musical foundation was built around the piano, practicing extensively at home on an old instrument handed down from her aunt. Often, she would play late into the night until her parents had to remind her it was time to sleep.
Self-Taught Guitar Story
Rosé's guitar journey showcases her dedication to mastering music. Her path to guitar proficiency included:
Eventually upgrading to a better instrument that she still uses daily
Developing it into a signature part of her musical identity
Australian Music Influences
Growing up in Melbourne shaped Rosé's musical tastes significantly. She credits Lady Gaga as a major influence, whose songs accompanied her daily commute to school. Despite her natural talent, Rosé initially viewed music as merely a hobby, never imagining she would become a K-pop star while living so far from Korea. She spent countless hours recording herself singing on her iPad, a practice she maintained even after achieving fame.
Lisa's Competitive Dance Background
Lisa's passion for dance emerged at a remarkably young age, setting her on a path that would eventually lead to BLACKPINK's signature choreography. Starting dance classes at age four in Bangkok, she quickly demonstrated natural talent that would shape her future career.
Lisa's Dance Competition History
Her competitive journey began with regular participation in dance contests, including the prestigious To Be Number One competition. Her early achievements include:
Developing versatility in different dance styles
Building stage presence from a young age
Early Dance Crew Experience
A significant milestone in Lisa's dance journey was joining the eleven-member dance crew We Zaa Cool, where she performed alongside future GOT7 member BamBam. The crew achieved notable success when they won the Special Team Award at the LG Entertainment Million Dream Sanan World competition in September 2009.
Influence on BLACKPINK's Choreography
Lisa's extensive dance background has significantly influenced BLACKPINK's performances. Her expertise is evident in her contributions to the group's choreography, particularly in her solo work "LALISA," where she incorporated traditional Thai dance moves into modern choreography. Her understanding of performance and choreography has evolved from simply following counts during her trainee days - "1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8" - to becoming a respected dance mentor, sharing her expertise on programs like Youth With You Season 2 and 3.
The Original BLACKPINK Name Options
The evolution of the world-famous group name reveals an interesting journey through several alternatives before settling on their iconic identity. YG Entertainment initially conceived the group with a different vision, planning for up to nine members.
Rejected Group Names
The group's earliest incarnation was known as Pink Punk, featuring Jennie, Jisoo, Lisa, and a trainee named Eunbi. Other considered names included:
어금니 (Molar) - chosen to represent how they would "chew up the kpop industry"
Meaning Behind Alternatives
Each proposed name carried specific significance, with Pink Punk reflecting their early concept. However, as the group's identity evolved and some original members departed, YG Entertainment recognized the need for a name that better represented their vision.
How BLACKPINK Was Chosen
The final name selection came from a desire to challenge conventional perceptions. As Rosé explained, "We kind of felt like there's two colors that represented us the most because we're very girly, but at the same time, we're very savage too". YG Entertainment elaborated that the name symbolizes that "pretty isn't everything," emphasizing that BLACKPINK encompasses both beauty and talent.
The name perfectly captured their duality, later reflected in their music with songs like "Pretty Savage". This careful selection proved prescient, as BLACKPINK has indeed become synonymous with both fierce talent and elegant beauty in the K-pop industry.
Secret Recording Session Stories
The recording studio has been a second home to BLACKPINK, where countless hours of creativity and determination have shaped their signature sound. Their unique recording process begins with English demos before transitioning to Korean versions, creating what Jisoo playfully calls "songs of their own that only they know about".
First Song Demo Experience
The group's recording journey involves a distinctive approach with producer Teddy Park, who creates initial English versions of songs before finalizing Korean lyrics. This process allows for greater global accessibility while maintaining their authentic sound. During these sessions, the members actively participate in shaping their music, with Lisa notably fighting for songs she connects with, as she did with "Money" and "LALISA".
Late Night Studio Sessions
Their studio time involves extensive collaboration with producer Teddy Park, who considers their global audience when crafting their sound. The process includes:
Experimentation with different linguistic expressions
Integration of personal stories into lyrics
Memorable Recording Moments
Some of their most significant studio experiences include recording their Lady Gaga collaboration "Sour Candy" and incorporating cultural elements into their music. Lisa's determination during challenging English rap sessions demonstrates their commitment to pushing boundaries. The members support each other through these intense recording periods, making the studio environment feel less like work and more like a creative sanctuary.
Hidden Meanings in BLACKPINK Songs
BLACKPINK's songs are rich tapestries of meaning, weaving together personal experiences, cultural references, and hidden messages that showcase the group's artistic depth.
Lyrical Easter Eggs
The group's songs often contain carefully crafted symbolism, particularly evident in "Pink Venom", where the title itself represents their dual nature. As Jennie explained, the contradiction between 'pink' and 'venom' reflects their identity - "a lovely poison" that captures their essence. Their music videos are filled with references to previous works, such as the posters in "Shut Down" that showcase their past achievements and solo ventures.
Personal Stories in Lyrics
BLACKPINK's lyrics frequently reflect their personal journeys and experiences. In "Born Pink", the members address various personal themes:
Response to industry pressures
Individual growth and empowerment
Member Contributions to Songwriting
The members are deeply involved in their music creation process, contrary to common assumptions about K-pop artists. Jisoo revealed, "We don't just receive a completed song. We are involved from the beginning, building the blocks, adding this or that feeling, exchanging feedback". This collaborative approach extends to both lyrics and choreography, with members providing input on various aspects of their songs. Their involvement has grown over time, with Jennie and Jisoo receiving official writing credits for "Lovesick Girls", and Rosé contributing to her solo works.
Pre-debut Living Arrangements
Life in the trainee dormitory revealed a stark contrast to BLACKPINK's current glamorous lifestyle. The members shared cramped quarters during their pre-debut years, facing challenges that would ultimately strengthen their bond.
Trainee Dorm Life
The living conditions were far from luxurious, with the members sharing small rooms in facilities that often housed unwanted guests. They dealt with cockroaches and centipedes, with Lisa emerging as the group's unofficial pest controller. The living space was basic, with limited amenities and a single bathroom shared among all residents.
Daily Routines
Their daily life revolved around:
Simple meals consisting mainly of eggs and strawberry jam
Morning bathroom scheduling decided by Rock, Paper, Scissors games
Bonding Experiences
Despite the hardships, these challenging times fostered deep connections among the members. They would shop for groceries together and cook meals after long training days. Rosé particularly remembers the emotional moment when her parents left her at the dorm, not realizing she would be separated from them. As Jennie reflected, "Those were the times we bonded the most".
The experience of sharing limited resources and facing common challenges created a foundation of mutual support. Their different backgrounds - with members from Thailand, New Zealand, Australia, and South Korea - added unique perspectives to their shared experience, contributing to the strong relationship they maintain today.
Undisclosed Training Evaluations
The rigorous evaluation system at YG Entertainment shaped BLACKPINK's pre-debut years into an intense battle for survival. Each month brought new challenges as trainees faced comprehensive assessments that would determine their future in the industry.
Monthly Assessment Details
The evaluation system demanded excellence across multiple areas:
Language proficiency tests
Team collaboration projects
Training sessions stretched from early morning until 2 AM, with only one day off every two weeks. The curriculum mirrored a professional academy, with Yang Hyun-suk personally monitoring and evaluating each trainee's progress.
Competition Among Trainees
The environment was often compared to a "jungle" where only the strongest survived. Trainees faced monthly eliminations, creating an atmosphere where emotional struggles were considered a luxury. The intensity of competition was so fierce that, as Jennie revealed, they "couldn't even feel homesick" due to the constant pressure of upcoming evaluations.
Survival Stories
Lisa recalls questioning, "When was this going to end? Do we have to get tested every single month?". For Rosé, coping meant private moments of vulnerability: "If I was going through a hard time, I'd go to the bathroom, sob my heart out, then on to the next thing". The experience was particularly challenging for Lisa, who initially struggled with the Korean language while maintaining perfect evaluation scores.
The evaluation system's intensity forged BLACKPINK's resilience, with Jennie noting that they operated in "survival mode" as they watched fellow trainees leave each month. This grueling process, lasting six years for some members, ultimately shaped them into the polished performers they are today.
Members' Secret Language Skills
BLACKPINK's linguistic versatility stands as one of their most remarkable yet understated strengths, with each member bringing unique language capabilities to the group's global communication arsenal.
Private Language Study
Among the members, Lisa demonstrates exceptional linguistic adaptability, speaking five languages including Thai, Korean, English, Japanese, and basic Chinese. Her journey began out of necessity, as she explains, "I had to survive, I guess. It was just common sense, like to get what I want, I had to learn and try to speak with local people".
Communication Methods
The members' collective language abilities include:
Lisa: Multilingual mastery of Thai, Korean, English, and Japanese
Jisoo: Native Korean with developing English skills
International Background Benefits
Their diverse linguistic abilities have proven invaluable for global communication. As Lisa noted, "As a group with a multicultural background, we have the advantage of being able to speak language freely". This multilingual foundation has enabled them to connect authentically with fans worldwide, breaking down language barriers in interviews, performances, and social media interactions.
The group's language diversity reflects their unique backgrounds, with Jisoo being the only member fully raised in Korea. Their combined linguistic skills have become a powerful tool in their global success, allowing them to communicate effectively across cultural boundaries and connect with their international fanbase in more personal ways.
Unknown Friendship Origins
The foundation of BLACKPINK's enduring friendship was laid in the most unexpected moments, beginning with a chance encounter in a YG Entertainment elevator. Lisa still vividly remembers meeting Rosé on May 7th, 2012, at 5 AM, immediately sensing her Australian background.
First Meeting Stories
When Rosé first arrived at YG Entertainment, she found comfort in an unexpected source - a late-night kitchen jam session. After bidding a tearful goodbye to her parents, she joined her future bandmates in the dormitory kitchen, where they sat around a table with her guitar until dawn. Jennie encouraged her to play, while Jisoo demonstrated her natural talent for harmonizing.
Training Period Bonds
Their friendship deepened through shared experiences during training:
Shopping for groceries as a group
Watching Disney films and Korean dramas together
Support System Development
The intensity of their training period forged an unbreakable bond. When Lisa struggled with homesickness and considered quitting, her fellow members provided crucial emotional support. Jisoo and Jennie helped both Lisa and Rosé with Korean language skills, while Lisa assisted others with dance techniques. As Jennie noted, "We had the same problems, so it was better to talk to each other". This mutual support system proved more effective than formal counseling sessions, as the members understood each other's struggles intimately.
Their friendship transcended cultural and linguistic barriers, with Jennie breaking company rules to speak English with Lisa, making her feel welcome when she first arrived. These early bonds laid the foundation for what would become one of K-pop's most iconic friendships.
Hidden Talents Never Shown
Beyond their public personas, each BLACKPINK member possesses remarkable talents that rarely make it to the spotlight. These hidden abilities showcase their versatility beyond singing and dancing.
Unrevealed Member Skills
The members are accomplished musicians, with each mastering multiple instruments:
Rosé: Accomplished pianist and guitarist
Lisa: Plays guitar, piano, and ukulele
Private Hobbies
Away from the cameras, the members engage in various creative pursuits. Jisoo has demonstrated impressive cooking abilities, particularly in pancake flipping and traditional Korean dishes. Jennie excels at precision cooking, mastering techniques like the bottle method for separating egg whites. Their shared love for culinary arts extends beyond basic cooking to experimenting with international cuisines.
Special Abilities
Each member possesses unique physical talents that surprise even their closest fans. Rosé can perform an unusual wrist rotation trick, keeping her palm flat while rotating her wrist 360 degrees. Lisa showcases exceptional physical strength, performing multiple push-ups with perfect form and achieving top scores in physical training. Jisoo demonstrates remarkable mental control, maintaining unwavering focus during flinch tests and displaying perfect bottle-balancing skills on her shoulder. Jennie exhibits natural athletic ability, particularly excelling in activities like kart racing.
These hidden talents reflect the multifaceted nature of BLACKPINK members, demonstrating abilities that extend far beyond their public performances.
Secret Pre-debut Performances
Long before their explosive debut, BLACKPINK members made strategic appearances that hinted at their future stardom. Their journey to the spotlight began with carefully orchestrated performances that showcased their developing talents.
Underground Shows
The members were strategically introduced to the industry through select appearances in high-profile projects. Rosé made her first musical mark in September 2012 with an uncredited feature on G-Dragon's "Without You". Meanwhile, Lisa and Rosé appeared as background dancers in Taeyang's "Ringa Linga" music video in November 2013.
Practice Concerts
The group's preparation for stardom involved intensive rehearsals and practice performances. Notable pre-debut activities included:
Multiple stage rehearsals before actual performances
Early Stage Experiences
Their first major showcase took place at the Nippon Budokan in Tokyo, performing in front of 14,000 fans. This momentous event featured:
Interactive segments with fans
Untold Family Support Stories
Behind every BLACKPINK member stands a network of supportive families who played crucial roles in their journey to stardom. Their diverse family backgrounds have contributed uniquely to their success story.
Parents' Initial Reactions
The path to becoming K-pop idols wasn't always straightforward for the BLACKPINK members. Lisa's mother initially struggled with her daughter's career choice, often receiving late-night calls from a tearful Lisa wanting to quit. However, her mother's consistent encouragement to "hang on just another year" helped Lisa persist through the challenges.
Family Sacrifices
The members' families made significant adjustments to support their dreams:
Jisoo's parents moved to the same apartment building to provide regular support
Jennie's parents remained her "No.1 supporters" throughout her journey
Long-distance Relationships
The emotional toll of family separation continues to impact the members. Lisa recently visited Bangkok for the first time in three years, expressing concern about her aging parents: "Whenever I have time, I want to return to Thailand. I don't want to waste my time". Despite their busy schedules, the members maintain strong family connections. Jisoo shares meals with her parents who live in the same apartment building, while Rosé's family, including her sister Alice, now resides in Seoul, allowing for closer relationships despite their demanding careers.
.jpg "Behind-the-scenes Debut Preparations")
Behind-the-scenes Debut Preparations
The transformation of BLACKPINK from trainees to global superstars involved meticulous planning that began as early as 2011. YG Entertainment initially envisioned a seven-member group, but this vision evolved dramatically over five years of preparation.
Final Member Selection Process
The member reveal process began on June 1, 2016, with Jennie as the first member, followed by Lisa on June 8, Jisoo on June 15, and Rosé on June 22. This strategic revelation built anticipation among fans, with each member's unique talents complementing the group's overall dynamic.
Concept Development
YG Entertainment assembled an impressive team of international choreographers and high-quality directors to craft BLACKPINK's debut. The preparation included:
Development of a distinctive visual identity
Integration of multiple musical styles
Last-minute Changes
The final phase of debut preparation saw several crucial adjustments. Producer Teddy completed the debut album after two years of meticulous work. The group filmed their debut music video "BOOMBAYAH" with director Seo Hyun Seung, known for iconic videos like 2NE1's "I Am The Best" and Big Bang's "Fantastic Baby". Their debut stage was scheduled for SBS Inkigayo on August 14, marking the culmination of years of preparation and training.
FAQS
Fans frequently seek answers about BLACKPINK's journey and structure. Here are some commonly asked questions about the group:
Does BLACKPINK have a leader? No, BLACKPINK operates without an official leader, a deliberate decision by YG Entertainment to promote equal representation among members.
What is BLACKPINK's official fandom name? The official fandom name is "BLINK," which cleverly combines "BL" from Black and "INK" from Pink.
What major milestone did BLACKPINK achieve at Coachella? BLACKPINK made history as the first K-pop group to perform at Coachella in 2019, later becoming the first Asian act to headline the festival in 2023.
Are there any BLACKPINK documentaries? "Light Up the Sky" (2020) on Netflix chronicles their evolution from debut through their Coachella performance.
Did BLACKPINK have their own reality show? Yes, "Blackpink House" aired in 2018, following the members during a 100-day break and garnering over 400 million views.
Weren't there supposed to be more members? Initially, YG Entertainment planned for nine members, but ultimately decided on the final four-member lineup.
What is Lisa's birth name? Lisa was born as Pranpriya but later changed her name to Lalisa. Her stage name "Lisa" is derived from Lalisa.
Post a Comment