BLACKPINK’s contract with YG will expire in August 2023, posing the question of whether the girl group will choose to stay in the agency.
In August 2023, BLACKPINK’s exclusive contract with YG Entertainment will officially expire. As a result, fans show great worries about the girl group’s possibility of contract renewal, hoping for a positive result.
However, Korean media outlet Sports World believe that chances for renewal are low, and posed 4 reasons why BLACKPINK is likely leaving YG.
The introduction of YG’s new girl group
On January 1st, 2023, YG Entertainment announced that their new girl group, BABYMONSTER, will be debuting within the year. Ever since, the company has released various teasers and trailers to promote BABYMONSTER.
Regarding this, Sports World pointed out a “trend” in YG’s contract renewal years. In particular, BLACKPINK’s debut dates back to 2016, which was also the year when YG’s senior girl group, 2NE1, renewed their contract. As a result, YG did not continue with 2NE1 and instead went all-in with the then new girl group, BLACKPINK.
Similarly, the debut year of BABYMONSTER falls into the same period where BLACKPINK’s contract expires. Therefore, it may be likely that YG will be focusing on this new girl group instead, while BLACKPINK may follow the steps of 2NE1 by leaving.
The age factor
In addition, the current idol market is getting younger and younger, with 4th generation idols debut as early as 13-14 years old. Meanwhile, the average age of BLACKPINK is 26.3 years old, with Jisoo and Lisa, the oldest and youngest, being 28 and 26 this year, respectively.
Prospective individual careers
Sports World also wrote that all BLACKPINK members are recognized for their individual popularity and solid solo careers. Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé or Lisa are the current holders of various high-valued advertising contracts as well as the global brand ambassadorship. As of the present, Jisoo and Jennie are also staying active in acting, allowing them more chances to work in the field in the future.
BLACKPINK can also follow the path of their senior, BIGBANG
A route BLACKPINK can go on is the same one BIGBANG walked before. While the future of no contract renewal can be daunting, fans can look forward to the album release that does not involve promotional activities from the members.
Source: Sports World
