BLACKPINK Makes History as First Asian Group on Rolling Stone Cover

BLACKPINK's Rolling Stone cover appearance in June 2022 shattered a 21-year tradition, marking the first time a girl group graced the magazine's cover since Destiny's Child in 2001. As the second all-Asian act to achieve this milestone, the K-pop sensation sparked unprecedented engagement for the publication, generating nearly three million Instagram interactions in a single day.

The global pop supernova, known for blending hip-hop with EDM, has consistently broken barriers since their 2016 debut. Notably, their photos claimed five of the top six most-liked posts in Rolling Stone's Instagram history. Their remarkable success extends beyond magazine covers, as demonstrated by their 2020 album sales of 1.2 million copies, establishing them as the first million-selling K-pop girl group. This historic cover feature showcases the diverse talents of members Lisa from Thailand, Rosé from New Zealand, and Jennie and Jisoo from South Korea, solidifying their position as the world's biggest girl group.

Rolling Stone Breaks Tradition with Historic BLACKPINK Cover

Rolling Stone magazine's June 2022 issue marked a significant milestone in Asian representation, as BLACKPINK became the first Asian girl group to grace its cover. The magazine described the quartet as a 'Pop Supernova' who consistently delivered chart-topping hits.

The group's appearance on Rolling Stone's cover represented a broader cultural shift in the music industry. Their massive success exemplifies the growing influence of the Korean Wave, which encompasses the global reach of South Korea's cultural exports. BLACKPINK's distinctive musical style combines powerful hip-hop beats with house and EDM elements, creating what the magazine termed "serious bangers".

Beyond their musical prowess, BLACKPINK demonstrates substantial creative control over their artistry. The members actively participate in every aspect of production, from initial concept development to final styling decisions. Furthermore, they contribute as co-writers on numerous successful tracks, including 'Lovesick Girls' and their respective solo releases.

The group's commercial impact has been equally impressive. In early 2021, their management company YG Entertainment reported an 84% increase in revenue compared to the previous year, primarily attributed to BLACKPINK's success. Their presence extends throughout Seoul, from elevator screens to skyscraper billboards, reflecting their cultural dominance.

At the core of BLACKPINK's musical identity stands Teddy Park, their primary producer, who helps craft their signature sound that balances confidence with vulnerability. Their influence extends to international collaborations with prominent artists such as Lady Gaga and Cardi B, while maintaining their position as YouTube's most-followed music act.

The Rolling Stone feature included exclusive interviews conducted at YG Entertainment's headquarters in Seoul, where journalist Haeryun Kang spent time with members Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa. The coverage delved into their formation, interpersonal dynamics, and musical evolution, offering readers unprecedented insight into the group's journey. This historic cover story joins only two other girl groups in the magazine's history - the Spice Girls and Destiny's Child.

BLACKPINK Members Share Intimate Behind-the-Scenes Details

Behind the glossy pages of Rolling Stone's historic cover story, BLACKPINK members revealed candid insights about their journey, creative process, and personal struggles. During the photoshoot at YG Entertainment headquarters in Seoul, the members displayed their down-to-earth personalities, often talking over one another and sharing laughter.

The group's creative involvement extends beyond performances. "We don't just receive a completed song," Jisoo explained. "We are involved from the beginning, building the blocks, adding this or that feeling, exchanging feedback". Additionally, the members actively participate in conceptualizing and collaborating on almost every creative aspect of their music.

Despite their global success, the members maintain grounded perspectives. "My mom and dad are proud of me, but I don't feel like a world star," Jisoo shared, speaking through her beige mask between sips of iced coffee. Moreover, Jennie emphasized their desire for normalcy: "More than anyone, we want to be ordinary girls. What we actually love is talking about our cats, dogs, good food, and pretty places".

The members also opened up about their personal challenges. Jisoo acknowledged the pressures of performing: "When I'm onstage, I think about not making mistakes. Performing sometimes feels more like a test than something genuinely fun". Lisa reflected on her early struggles as a trainee who initially didn't speak Korean: "I'd call my mom in Thailand, wanting to quit, and she'd tell me to hang on just another year".

The group's bond strengthened during their trainee days, living together in a three-bedroom apartment with white walls faded to ivory. They shared simple moments, like playing Rock, Paper, Scissors to decide bathroom privileges and cooking frozen meals after training. These experiences fostered a deep connection that transcends their professional relationship. As Jennie expressed, "I don't think BLACKPINK will ever end in my heart. It's a part of my family".

Their diverse backgrounds contribute to their global appeal. The group represents multiple nationalities: Jennie and Jisoo from Korea, Rosé from New Zealand, and Lisa from Thailand. This multicultural composition enables them to connect with fans worldwide through various languages.

Magazine Sales Shatter Previous Records

The Rolling Stone magazine's June 2022 issue featuring BLACKPINK achieved unprecedented success across multiple platforms. The publication's Instagram account experienced its most successful day on May 23, with nearly three million users engaging with the posts. Subsequently, BLACKPINK-related content secured five positions among the six most-liked posts in Rolling Stone's Instagram history.

In response to overwhelming demand, Rolling Stone launched an exclusive Collector's Edition Box Set. This comprehensive package, originally priced at USD 129.00, included the main June 2022 issue alongside four individual member covers, specifically created for this special release. The set featured a 44-page supplementary magazine containing alternate group photos, exclusive interviews, and previously unreleased content.

The group's record-breaking streak extends beyond magazine sales. Their studio album "Born Pink" established new benchmarks by becoming the first album by a Korean girl group to simultaneously top both the Billboard 200 and UK Albums Chart. The album's domestic performance proved equally impressive, selling over 2.14 million copies in less than 48 hours of tracking.

BLACKPINK's influence resonates throughout the music industry, accumulating 40 billion streams and 20 million records sold worldwide. Their concert tours demonstrate similar commercial prowess, with their recent world tour generating USD 148.30 million from 29 shows, surpassing the Spice Girls' previous record for the highest-grossing concert tour by a female group.

This pattern of breaking sales records mirrors a broader trend in K-pop's impact on magazine circulation. Similar to BTS's effect on publications like Variety, WSJ Magazine, and Esquire, which necessitated additional print runs, BLACKPINK's Rolling Stone feature triggered significant market response. The magazine's Twitter presence soared as BLACKPINK-related stories trended worldwide across four separate days.

The success prompted Rolling Stone to offer the collector's box set at a discounted price of USD 79.00, including complimentary shipping within the United States. This special edition package represented the magazine's recognition of BLACKPINK's global influence and their dedicated fanbase's enthusiasm.

FAQS

Common questions about BLACKPINK's Rolling Stone cover story reveal fascinating insights into the group's personal experiences and creative journey. Here are key revelations from their groundbreaking interview:

Mental Health and Personal Growth Jennie openly discussed her struggles after their last world tour in 2020, experiencing both physical and mental exhaustion. Through this challenging period, she discovered the importance of self-care, incorporating meditation, yoga, and Pilates into her routine. Rather than traditional therapy, the members found solace in confiding with each other, as they uniquely understood their shared experiences.

Creative Process and Musical Journey The members acknowledged the evolving pressures of recording music. "The most fun is before we start making it," Jisoo remarked, whereas Jennie added, "Now, no matter how hard I try, a part of me is never satisfied". Nevertheless, their dedication to artistic excellence remains unwavering, with each member contributing to songwriting and creative direction.

Performance Pressures Jisoo offered a candid perspective on performing, stating that it sometimes feels more like a test than enjoyment. This revelation highlights the intense scrutiny and expectations placed on global artists. However, the group maintains their authenticity through regular communication with fans, treating them like friends while managing their personal challenges.

Early Career Misconceptions Jennie addressed early misconceptions about her personality, particularly during trainee days when people mistook her shyness for anger. "I wasn't bright and bubbling with energy; I was shy, even about saying hello," she explained, demonstrating how public perceptions often differ from reality.

Pandemic Impact The unexpected pause during the pandemic proved challenging for the group. Jennie described it as "terrible," experiencing physical manifestations of stress, therefore leading to a period of self-discovery and personal growth. This time allowed the members to develop their individual interests and strengthen their bond as a group.

Future Aspirations Looking ahead, BLACKPINK remains focused on creating meaningful music that resonates with their audience. As Jennie expressed, their music serves as a source of comfort during difficult times, hoping to provide the same solace to others. The group continues to push boundaries while maintaining their authentic artistic vision.