Rare photos of BLACKPINK member Rosé from her trainee days have resurfaced online, captivating fans with a look that’s almost unrecognizable compared to her signature blonde image.

The photos, recently shared on a popular online community under the title “The Legendary Black-Haired Rosé During Her Trainee Days,” quickly became a hot topic among K-pop fans. The viral images were reportedly taken while Rosé was a trainee at YG Entertainment, long before BLACKPINK’s debut in 2016.

Instead of the platinum blonde hair that has become synonymous with her public image, Rosé sports long, straight black hair, giving off an elegant, chic, and sophisticated aura.

Wearing form-fitting outfits, she highlights her slim figure, sharp jawline, and striking facial features. The photos showcase a noticeably cooler, more mysterious vibe, contrasting with the soft, warm image fans have come to associate with her today. Many fans have since dubbed the pictures “legendary,” praising how effortlessly she pulls off both styles.

The resurfaced photos sparked an outpouring of reactions online, with fans expressing surprise at how dramatically a simple hair color change altered her overall image. Some of the most popular comments included:

  • She was already perfect back then.
  • I miss black-haired Rosé.
  • Black hair actually suits her even better than blonde.
  • She looks so chic and elegant.
  • Her current image feels much softer.
  • At this point, it’s not the hair it’s just her incredible face.

Many also noted that despite the different styling, Rosé’s natural beauty remains instantly recognizable.

Rosé gradually transitioned to blonde hair during BLACKPINK’s promotions for “As If It’s Your Last” in 2017. Since then, she has consistently favored lighter hair colors, with platinum blonde becoming her signature look. The bright shade complements her fair complexion and has become one of the defining elements of her visual identity. Although she occasionally experiments with subtle color variations, blonde has remained closely associated with her image throughout most of her career.

Rosé debuted with BLACKPINK in 2016 before launching her solo career in 2021. One of her biggest milestones came with “APT.”, her collaboration single with Bruno Mars, which became a global phenomenon beginning in late 2024. The song debuted at No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 before climbing to No. 3, setting the highest chart peak ever achieved by a female K-pop soloist.

Sources: Daum | 마이데일리