BLACKPINK Credit: YG Entertainment
History is made at the London festival as the girl group become the first Korean act to headline a UK festival
BLACKPINK is no stranger to wearing the mantle of “first,” and opening doors that were previously closed off to Asian artists: the first K-pop girl group to perform at Coachella, the “first” K-pop girl group to win a VMA, and the “first” K-pop girl to be recognised by RIAA. So, it came as no surprise that Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa made history as the “first” K-pop group to headline a UK festival when they performed at British Summer Time (BST) Hyde Park on Sunday (July 2).
A sea of pink took over London to mark the occasion as fans came from far and wide to share in the group’s momentous achievement. Most came in the group’s signature colours (the clue’s in the name), while other BLINKS got creative with their uniform and came in Calvin Klein and the French designer Celine – brands that group members Jennie and Lisa are global ambassadors for.
The quartet lit up the sky with their record-breaking hits, sass, and playful vivacity that was very much matched by the cheering crowd of 65,000. “We didn’t expect this much energy from London,” a surprised Rosé said. “London, what a nice breeze you have.” Fun, fashionable, and with K-Pop’s trademark finesse, let’s hope we see the ladies in our area again.
Here are seven of the best moments from BLACKPINK’s BST Hyde Park.
Fashion statements
It would be remiss to talk about BLACKPINK and not mention their outfits. The group may have gone for the simple colours of black and white (as noted by a fan page, the white ensembles designed by Dion Lee) but nothing about their clothing was basic. From Jennie’s hooded Lara Croft-style raider top and Lisa’s slashed-to-the-thigh trousers, to Rosé’s mismatched boots and Jisoo’s white one-shoulder mini dress – all we’d like to know is if we can raid the tour wardrobe?
BLACKPINK Credit: YG Entertainment
The solo stages
Early in the set, the quartet got to express their individualism by performing each of their solo songs. Jennie treated fans to her unreleased song “You and Me” as well her first live performance of her debut single – the aptly named “Solo” - in three years. Rosé gave a good production transition from the B-stage to the main with her performance of “Gone” and “On the Ground”. Jisoo had the audience in the palm of her hand copying the fun choreography of “Flower” at exactly the right moment. Lisa completed the celebration of every member in OT4 by showcasing her star power and commanding the stage with the explicit version of her track “Money”. All we want to know now is: When will the explicit version be available on streaming platforms?
Love Sick Girls unites the crowd
Their 2020 hit “Love Sick Girls” got the biggest crowd pops of the night, with jumping, chanting, and waving of pink hammers as far as the eye could see. There’s no question that the David Guetta-produced track is a fan favourite.
BLACKPINK Credit: YG Entertainment
The live band
A live band can take catchy songs and breathe new life into it and that’s what The Band Six, did. Members Brandon Finklea, Bennie Rodgers, Omar Dominick, Yung Wurly, and Chuckie G, have been with BLACKPINK throughout their “BORN PINK” tour (although some of the group members have a long-standing history with YG artists including Big Bang, Psy, and 2NE1) and have been responsible for adding the flavour to the group’s musical arrangements. “How You Like That” and “Shut Down” were definitely the highlights.
BLACKPINK Credit: YG Entertainment
Typa Girl but make it burlesque
Who knew we needed a burlesque rendition of “Typa Girl”? With their crew of male background dancers armed with white ostrich feathers, a remixed intro to the song, and empowering, girl-boss lyrics such as: “thinkin' 'bout me, but there's nothing to consider. If I let you in my circle, you a winner” – it was one of the standouts of the night.
BLACKPINK Credit: YG Entertainment
The battle cry of “Tally”
In a world where K-pop idols are expected to meet unrealistic standards of perfection, face harsh criticism for minor mistakes, and are expected to do this all with a pretty smile on their face – BLACKPINK have said no! Every one of the ladies has faced cruel commentary on everything from their weight, to clothing choices and dating rumours. What better way to get revenge on the nay-sayers than to make 65,000 people sing: “I say ‘f*ck it’ when I feel it. Cause no-one's keeping tally, I do what I want with who I like.”
BLACKPINK Credit: YG Entertainment
The confidence
If you were expecting the members would display their nervousness in the presence of their first UK festival crowd, you thought wrong. The ladies oozed confidence and gave arguably the most competent live performance of their career. This was exhibited in the dance break in “Pink Venom”, the sensual chair choreography in “Pretty Savage” and throwbacks to the earliest stages of their career with “Bombayah” and “Whistle”.They say: “BLACKPINK is the revolution.” – we understand why.
BLACKPINK Credit: YG Entertainment
