A final decision on BLACKPINK’s contract renewal with YG has yet to be made, but the outlook is not necessarily grim
BLACKPINK debuted seven years ago in August, and with the expiration of their exclusive contract, YG has yet to provide a clear statement on the renewal status.
In the past, it’s not common for agencies to openly discuss contract renewals unless they were officially confirmed, especially in the case of high-profile groups like BLACKPINK. The group, often regarded as the first girl group to conquer Billboard, holds a significant presence in terms of both numerical achievements and influence. This has kept the public’s attention focused on the ongoing negotiations, with YG repeatedly stating, “BLACKPINK’s contract renewal is under discussion.”
As of the latest update on the 15th, YG responded to Star News, stating, “There is no change in our position regarding BLACKPINK’s contract renewal.”
The recently released YG quarterly report also included a comment on the BLACKPINK contract renewal issue. In particular, YG still listed BLACKPINK in their artist lineup with a note stating, “As of the disclosure date, exclusive contract negotiations with the artist (BLACKPINK) are in progress. The final results will be announced later through the ‘Major Management Matters Related to Investment Decisions’ disclosure.”
While the uncertainty around BLACKPINK’s contract renewal persists, there have been concerns that their August world tour conclusion at Gocheok Sky Dome might have been the group’s last stage. The securities industry is closely monitoring the situation, but with BLACKPINK reportedly entering a rest period after the world tour, there is a subtle atmosphere of a temporary halt in activities.
Korea Investment & Securities highlighted the uncertainty about next year’s performance in relation to BLACKPINK’s re-contracting, mentioning that various factors, including individual re-contract decisions, contract terms, album release frequency, and tour schedules, could significantly impact earnings estimates.
While investors express concerns, there is a positive signal amid the uncertain atmosphere. The official announcement of members establishing their individual agencies, as previously rumored, has not yet materialized. This aligns with YG’s repeated statement of being “in discussions.” It is inferred that both sides are continuing negotiations for a favorable conclusion. Even if members’ individual agencies are confirmed, it’s widely agreed that the BLACKPINK IP will not crumble, preserving its integrity.
Source: Daum
