Does BLACKPINK Still Need ... BLACKPINK?

We finally have BLACKPINK's first EP since 2022, the highly-anticipated Deadline, a five-track release that includes "JUMP" and "GO." But does the EP live up to the hype? In the weeks since its release, the reaction from critics and fans alike has been mixed. That tepid response contrasts to the praise for the member's recent solo music — which includes a Grammy nomination. All of this got us wondering about what's next for the group.

And, importantly, do the member's current solo careers outshine their latest release as a group?

To help us analyze the latest from BLACKPINK, we invited Jeff Benjamin, music journalist and writer of The Crossover Newsletter. Over the years, Jeff has interviewed pretty much every K-pop idol you can think of, including Blackpink.

Tune in to hear us discuss:

• BLACKPINK's album sales
• Our first impressions on the EP
• Hits and misses from Deadline
• The response from critics and fans
• Hearts2Hearts' win over BLACKPINK on the music shows
• Our thoughts on the member's solo music

Plus, highlights from their solo careers, including:

• Rosé's songwriting and Grammy nomination
• JENNI's cohesive album and presence at festivals
• Jisoo's acting career and new drama
• LISA's entrepreneurial side quests

Lastly, we discuss what we hope to see in the group's next chapter.

It's a K-pop Thing is hosted by two journalists and longtime K-pop stans, Alexis Hodoyán-Gastélum and Theresa Avila.

LINKS TO SOCIAL:

• It's a K-pop Thing: @ikptpod
• Alexis: @hoe_doyan
• Theresa: @theresa__avila

CONTACT:
E-mail us at: [email protected]