BLACKPINK Square Up: Track-by-Track Guide

BLACKPINK's Square Up marked a historic milestone in K-pop history, with its lead single "Ddu-Du Ddu-Du" reaching number 55 on Billboard Hot 100- the highest-charting achievement for any female K-pop group at that time. Released on June 15, 2018, this groundbreaking EP dominated charts worldwide, securing the number one position in South Korea for three consecutive weeks.

The four-track mini album showcased BLACKPINK's versatility and power, notably selling 179,000 copies in just fifteen days after its release in South Korea. In fact, Square Up's impact was so significant that it earned double platinum certification from the Korea Music Content Association for surpassing 500,000 units sold. Furthermore, the EP's success extended beyond Asian markets, debuting at number 40 on the US Billboard 200 - setting another record as the highest-charting album by a female K-pop group in the Western market.

Ddu-Du Ddu-Du's Record-Breaking Success

"Ddu-Du Ddu-Du" shattered multiple records upon its release, establishing BLACKPINK's dominance in the global music scene. The song secured double platinum certification for streaming and platinum for downloads in South Korea, while simultaneously achieving platinum status in Japan and New Zealand.

BLACKPINK Square Up Album Sales Records

The EP "Square Up" demonstrated unprecedented success across international markets, claiming the top position on iTunes album charts in 38 countries. Additionally, "Ddu-Du Ddu-Du" maintained its stronghold on domestic charts, ranking number one on seven major platforms including Genie, Soribada, and Naver Music. The song's remarkable performance extended to China, where it topped the Kugou music chart immediately after release.

Billboard Chart Achievements

BLACKPINK's breakthrough on Billboard charts marked several historic firsts. The EP debuted at number 40 on the Billboard 200, while "Ddu-Du Ddu-Du" entered the Hot 100 at number 55. These achievements positioned BLACKPINK as the highest-charting female K-pop group at that time. The song's success was driven by impressive streaming numbers, accumulating 12.4 million U.S. streams and 7,000 downloads in its first tracking week.

Music Show Wins

"Ddu-Du Ddu-Du" dominated South Korean music shows, securing 11 prestigious wins. The track's remarkable run included:

Four consecutive victories on Show! Music Core
Three wins on Inkigayo
Three triumphs on M Countdown
One win on Music Bank

Cultural Impact

The song's influence extended beyond chart performance, earning recognition as Song of the Year through Gallup Korea's public survey in 2018. The track's signature "gun-shooting hand gesture" choreography sparked a global dance trend, becoming the most covered K-pop song of 2018.

On YouTube, "Ddu-Du Ddu-Du" achieved unprecedented milestones, becoming the first music video by a K-pop group to surpass 2.2 billion views. The video's initial impact was equally impressive, garnering 36.2 million views within 24 hours of release. Subsequently, it averaged 2.5 million daily views, maintaining consistent engagement throughout its run.

Music experts have acknowledged the song's significance in BLACKPINK's trajectory. KBS Radio director Soyeon Kang highlighted how "Ddu-Du Ddu-Du" established the group's musical identity through its distinctive EDM trap beats and powerful hooks. Rolling Stone magazine subsequently ranked it sixth in their list of the 100 greatest Korean pop songs, recognizing its role in elevating the EDM trap template to global prominence.

The song's success also translated into prestigious awards, including Best Dance – Female at the 2018 Melon Music Awards, Artist of the Year – Digital Music at the Gaon Chart Music Awards, and Choice Song: Group at the 2019 Teen Choice Awards. These accolades cemented "Ddu-Du Ddu-Du" as a pivotal release in BLACKPINK's journey toward global stardom.

Forever Young's Infectious Energy

Written and produced by Teddy and Future Bounce in 2015, "Forever Young" emerged as a standout track from BLACKPINK's first Korean EP. The song masterfully blends moombahton rhythms with reggaeton influences, creating an infectious summer anthem that resonates with audiences worldwide.

Production Highlights

"Forever Young" showcases a distinctive production style, opening with Jennie's sweet acapella introduction before transitioning into an energetic EDM arrangement. The track's beachy vibe incorporates elements of moombahton and balaeric beat, setting it apart from typical K-pop productions. Moreover, the song breaks new ground by incorporating English-language elements, marking an uncommon occurrence for K-pop girl groups at that time.

The production seamlessly weaves together various musical elements:

A game boy-inspired synth sound creating a unique plucking effect
Break beat patterns enhancing the rhythmic structure
Smooth vocal transitions between members
High-pitched ad-libs throughout the track

Live Performance Magic

"Forever Young" has graced numerous prestigious stages since its debut. The group first performed the song on Show! Music Core on June 16, 2018, followed by an appearance on Inkigayo the next day. The track's dance practice video, released on June 20, demonstrated the group's dedication to perfection, garnering over 200 million views by December 2021.

The song has become a cornerstone of BLACKPINK's concert setlists, featuring prominently in:

Japan Arena Tour (2018)
In Your Area World Tour (2018–2020)
Born Pink World Tour (2022–2023)

A particularly memorable performance occurred at Coachella 2023, where BLACKPINK made history as the first Korean artist to headline the festival. The group concluded their set with "Forever Young" against a backdrop of spectacular fireworks.

Fan Favorite Moments

The song's impact on fans stems from its ability to capture youthful energy and create lasting memories. During live performances, the track consistently generates electric audience responses, particularly during festival appearances. The song's playful beat and festival-friendly nature made it especially fitting for venues like Coachella.

At concert venues, "Forever Young" often serves as a pivotal moment in BLACKPINK's setlist. During their arena shows, the performance typically concludes with explosive confetti displays, creating an immersive experience for attendees. The track's popularity extends beyond live performances, with fans particularly drawn to its summer-inspired production and the members' vocal arrangements.

The song's enduring appeal lies in its ability to evoke feelings of youth and beauty, with many fans connecting deeply to lyrics about cherishing precious moments. Particularly touching is Jennie's rap segment, which fans describe as emotionally resonant and nostalgic. Though released as a B-side track, "Forever Young" achieved remarkable success, leading many fans to consider it worthy of title track status.

Really's R&B Excellence

"Really" stands out as a groovy R&B masterpiece in BLACKPINK's Square Up mini album, showcasing the group's versatility through its bouncy rhythm and captivating melodies. The track demonstrates BLACKPINK's ability to blend genres effectively, incorporating elements of pop and R&B into their signature sound.

Vocal Arrangements

The song highlights each member's distinct vocal capabilities, with Jisoo's rich contralto tones complementing Rosé's unique timbre. Jennie's versatile voice seamlessly transitions between soft singing and powerful rap sections, demonstrating her range from B3 to D6. Lisa's clear tone adds depth to the track's harmonious blend.

The vocal arrangement features:

Rhythmic adlibs enhancing the song's dynamic nature
Harmonious blend of contrasting vocal colors
Strategic placement of rap verses between melodic sections

Dance Break Highlights

The choreography incorporates precise footwork and fluid body movements, with Lisa's controlled energy leading the dance segments. The dance break showcases the group's synchronized movements, characterized by:

Sharp isolations during the chorus
Smooth transitions between formations
Dynamic level changes highlighting the song's rhythm

Critical Reception

Music critics have praised "Really" for its innovative approach to R&B within the K-pop framework. The track received recognition for its groovy, bouncy beat and catchy melody structure. Critics specifically commended the English rap sections for their natural integration into the song's flow, avoiding the forced delivery sometimes present in K-pop tracks.

The song's production quality earned particular acclaim, with professionals noting how it effectively balances modern pop elements with classic R&B influences. Music experts highlighted the track's ability to showcase each member's individual strengths while maintaining a cohesive group sound.

Nevertheless, certain critics pointed out that the song's structure follows familiar K-pop patterns, albeit executing them with precision. The track's success lies in its ability to blend BLACKPINK's signature style with R&B elements, creating a sound that resonates with both domestic and international audiences.

Fan reception has been overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the song's replay value and addictive chorus. The track's popularity extends beyond its initial release, maintaining consistent engagement through live performances and streaming platforms. Consequently, "Really" has established itself as a fan favorite within BLACKPINK's discography, demonstrating the group's capability to excel across various musical genres.

See U Later's Fierce Attitude

The fourth track of BLACKPINK's Square Up EP, "See U Later," combines pop and hip-hop elements with a distinctive guitar intro and distorted 808 bass. Produced by Teddy Park, R.Tee, and 24, this fierce breakup anthem showcases the group's ability to deliver powerful messages through innovative musical arrangements.

Rap Verses Analysis

The track's rap segments demonstrate BLACKPINK's lyrical prowess, with Jennie and Lisa delivering sharp verses that emphasize independence and self-worth. Their collaborative rap sections feature memorable lines like "woulda coulda shoulda didn't," highlighting the song's theme of moving beyond toxic relationships. The track gained attention when KBS deemed certain expressions unfit for broadcast, primarily due to strong Korean phrases that emphasized the song's rebellious nature.

Choreography Breakdown

The dance routine perfectly complements the song's fierce attitude through:

Dynamic formation changes that mirror the track's emotional intensity
Sharp movements synchronized with the beat switches
Powerful gestures emphasizing key lyrics
Solo spotlights during individual verses

The choreography garnered significant attention at MOVE Dance Studio, where dance covers continue to attract millions of viewers. Throughout live performances, the group incorporates live band elements, including drums, guitar, and piano, adding an extra layer of energy to the stage presence.

Fan Reactions

"See U Later" resonated deeply with audiences, primarily because of its empowering message and unique musical structure. Fans particularly praised:

Jisoo's unexpected opening verse, breaking from traditional BLACKPINK song structures
The innovative pre-chorus arrangement featuring Lisa and Jennie's collaboration
The bridge section's emotional delivery, notably Jisoo's "Goodbye Baby" moment

The track's production quality earned recognition for its strategic use of space and clear drum sounds, alongside unexpected arrangements that enhance each section's impact. Despite being a B-side track, many fans consider it title track material, citing its catchy melody and distinctive structure as standout elements.

The song's message of self-empowerment struck a chord with listeners worldwide. Its lyrics address themes of breaking free from unfulfilling relationships and embracing personal growth. The track's arrangement, which alternates between intense rap verses and melodic sections, creates a dynamic listening experience that underscores its emotional depth.

Iconic Music Video Moments

The "Ddu-Du Ddu-Du" music video showcases BLACKPINK's artistic vision through intricate symbolism and stunning visuals. Upon release, the video amassed 55 million views, setting new standards for K-pop productions.

Set Design and Aesthetics

Each set piece carries profound meaning, from Jennie's chess-themed throne room to Lisa's symbolic classroom setup. The video features a striking contrast between black and white elements, representing the duality between public personas and authentic selves. Throughout the scenes, pink accents appear strategically, reinforcing BLACKPINK's signature color while symbolizing strength and empowerment.

The production incorporates various symbolic elements:

A chess board throne emphasizing power dynamics
Hanging wisteria flowers blooming in darkness
Elaborate murals depicting celebrity culture
Mirrored surfaces creating visual depth

Fashion Highlights

The wardrobe choices reflect careful consideration of each member's persona. Jennie appears in a rainbow-colored gown atop her queen's throne, making a bold statement about breaking conventional rules. Jisoo dons a striking pink wig, traditionally symbolizing rebellion in Korean culture. Lisa's outfits range from powerful suits to edgy streetwear, complementing her dynamic scenes with the katana and lightstick.

Memorable Scenes

The video presents several iconic moments that resonated with audiences worldwide:

Jennie's Tank Scene: Filmed atop a bedazzled tank, Jennie delivers an intense rap verse while confidently tossing popcorn, creating one of the most memorable visuals.
Rosé's Chandelier Sequence: Initially planned at a lower height, Rosé requested the chandelier to be raised higher, demonstrating her commitment to creating impactful scenes.
Lisa's Bird Interaction: A scene featuring Lisa with a pink cockatoo symbolizes freedom and fearlessness, although the interaction left a memorable mark on the artist.
Jisoo's Mirror Scene: A powerful commentary on celebrity culture, showing contrasting reactions to her public image versus authentic self.

The video's production quality earned praise for its innovative use of props and settings. Each member's solo scenes were meticulously crafted to convey specific messages about identity and empowerment. The set designs incorporated numerous Easter eggs and references to previous BLACKPINK releases, rewarding attentive viewers with deeper layers of meaning.

The music video's success extended beyond its initial release, becoming a significant part of BLACKPINK's legacy. Its influence prompted the creation of a special "Square Up" concept pop-up store, where fans could experience original props and sets from the video firsthand.

Live Stage Performances

Square Up's live performances captivated audiences through meticulously crafted stages, setting new standards for K-pop productions. From music show appearances to worldwide concerts, BLACKPINK's dedication to perfection shone through every performance.

Music Show Stages

BLACKPINK kicked off Square Up promotions with their comeback stage on Show! Music Core on June 16, 2018, followed by an appearance on SBS's Inkigayo the next day. The group's seven-week promotion period featured powerful renditions of both "Ddu-Du Ddu-Du" and "Forever Young". Their music show appearances demonstrated remarkable versatility, as each performance cost approximately USD 4,000 to produce.

The group strategically chose their music show appearances, primarily performing on Inkigayo, Show! Music Core, and M Countdown. Through a special arrangement between SBS and YG Entertainment, Inkigayo performances were uniquely available on both BLACKPINK's and SBS' YouTube channels.

Concert Performances

The songs from Square Up became cornerstones of BLACKPINK's concert repertoire, first showcased during their Japan Arena Tour in 2018, which attracted 125,000 spectators. The tracks gained even broader exposure during the In Your Area World Tour, which spanned 36 shows across 17 countries.

The concert performances featured distinctive elements:

Live band accompaniment enhancing the songs' energy
Elaborate stage designs incorporating water effects
Synchronized choreography with backup dancers
Pyrotechnic displays during key moments

Dance Practice Videos

The dance practice video for "Forever Young," released on June 20, 2018, amassed an impressive 508 million views. Similarly, the "Ddu-Du Ddu-Du" practice video garnered 524 million views, underscoring the group's dedication to perfecting their routines.

These practice videos offered fans unprecedented access to BLACKPINK's preparation process, revealing intricate details often missed during live performances. The "moving version" format, pioneered by these releases, provided dynamic angles that highlighted the complexity of their choreography.

The practice sessions demonstrated BLACKPINK's commitment to excellence through:

Precise formation changes
Flawless timing coordination
Individual member spotlights
Seamless transitions between segments

The success of Square Up's live performances ultimately contributed to BLACKPINK's growing global influence. Their stages consistently drew attention for their production quality, helping establish new benchmarks for K-pop performances worldwide. These appearances played a crucial role in expanding their international fanbase, paving the way for future achievements like their historic Coachella performance.

Album Production Excellence

Under Teddy's creative direction, Square Up showcases masterful production techniques that blend contemporary R&B with innovative pop elements. The mini album's sonic landscape demonstrates YG Entertainment's commitment to pushing musical boundaries through sophisticated arrangements and cutting-edge sound design.

Teddy's Production Style

Teddy Park's signature production approach shines throughout Square Up, incorporating his trademark elements of R&B and electronic music. His work on "Ddu-Du Ddu-Du" exemplifies this fusion, combining oriental percussion rhythms with trap beats and whistling elements layered over a distinctive bassline. The producer's expertise in crafting hit songs stems from his extensive experience, having produced numerous chart-topping tracks for YG artists since 1999.

Recording Process

The recording sessions for Square Up took place at YG Entertainment's state-of-the-art studios, where meticulous attention was paid to capturing each member's unique vocal characteristics. The album's production team, consisting of 24, Choice37, Future Bounce, R.Tee, and Teddy, worked collaboratively to create a cohesive sound.

The EP's tracklist underwent careful arrangement:

"Ddu-Du Ddu-Du" opens with fierce hip-hop elements
"Forever Young" follows with moombahton-based dance rhythms
"Really" showcases chill hip-pop arrangements
"See U Later" concludes with trap-laden chorus structures

Sound Engineering

The sound engineering process, overseen by mixing engineer Jason Robert and mastering engineer Chris Gehringer, focused on creating distinct sonic identities for each track. The production team paid particular attention to:

Instrumental layering: The incorporation of oriental percussion in "Ddu-Du Ddu-Du" required precise balance with modern trap elements
Vocal processing: Each member's parts were engineered to complement their natural tones
Bass management: The implementation of distortion 808 bass enhanced the tracks' impact
Dynamic range: Careful attention to maintaining clarity across various musical elements

The album's sound design incorporates diverse musical elements, from bubblegum pop to trap beats. This versatility reflects BLACKPINK's musical evolution, as evidenced by the seamless integration of multiple genres within each track. The production team's expertise in balancing these elements resulted in an EP that maintains cohesion throughout its runtime.

The recording process prioritized authenticity, with each member's unique vocal color preserved through careful microphone selection and placement. This approach allowed the group to deliver powerful performances while maintaining their distinctive sound. The final mix achieved a perfect balance between modern production techniques and organic musical elements, creating an immersive listening experience that resonates with audiences worldwide.

Commercial Achievements

Square Up's remarkable commercial success solidified BLACKPINK's position as global music powerhouses. The EP's impact resonated across multiple platforms, setting unprecedented records in sales and streaming metrics.

BLACKPINK 1st Mini Album Square Up Sales

Upon release, Square Up dominated South Korean charts, selling an impressive 179,000 copies within its first fifteen days. The mini album's success continued to grow, ultimately achieving double platinum certification from the Korea Music Content Association for surpassing 500,000 units sold. This milestone positioned BLACKPINK among the highest-selling K-pop girl groups.

The EP's commercial triumph extended beyond domestic markets, as evidenced by:

First-day sales reaching 19,094 copies on Hanteo
First-week sales totaling 102,001 copies
Total sales in South Korea reaching 566,995 copies

Streaming Records

Square Up's streaming performance shattered existing benchmarks, reaching one billion streams on Spotify. The EP's tracks demonstrated remarkable staying power across streaming platforms, with "Forever Young" receiving platinum certification for accumulating 100 million streams. Furthermore, the Japanese market embraced the album, with "Forever Young" earning gold certification after surpassing 50 million streams.

Awards Won

The EP's critical acclaim translated into numerous prestigious accolades. At the 10th Melon Music Awards, Square Up received a nomination for Album of the Year. The EP's success at award shows included:

Best Album Bonsang at the Golden Disc Awards
Best Dance Performance at the Mnet Asian Music Awards
Song of the Year nominations at multiple ceremonies

The EP's commercial achievements marked several historic firsts for BLACKPINK, including becoming the highest-charting female K-pop group on the Billboard 200 at that time. Their success paved the way for future accomplishments, ultimately leading to their recognition as the most-streamed female group on Spotify. These milestones underscored Square Up's pivotal role in establishing BLACKPINK's global dominance in the music industry.