The solo releases highlighted the members’ distinct styles. Rosé leaned into Western pop, drawing comparisons to Taylor Swift and Olivia Rodrigo. Lisa embraced a bold, edgy persona. Jisoo delivered a romantic, Kylie Minogue-inspired album. Jennie surprised with versatility and high-profile collaborations, earning the strongest praise. Fans speculated that YG tried to undermine Jisoo’s success by announcing Blackpink’s tour just before her release. Lisa faced mixed reviews for Alter Ego but broke streaming records for a female rap debut.

Despite disbandment rumors, Blackpink’s tour is confirmed, with 18 concerts across Asia, North America, and Europe. However, details on new music remain unclear. Their last major hits came before 2020, and even Born Pink (2022) is now over two years old. While a May release was rumored, no official announcement has been made, raising questions about YG’s plans.

Comparisons between Blackpink’s solo work and their group identity are inevitable. Lisa’s confident energy mirrors Blackpink the most, while Jennie balances softness with genre exploration. Rosé and Jisoo lean into Western and soft K-pop influences, respectively. Each solo project allowed for greater creative freedom, showing that the members have outgrown the typical YG sound and can set their own trends.

Lisa, in particular, has faced scrutiny over her vocal performance, with some attributing her success to her rumored relationship with billionaire heir Frédéric Arnault. However, she was already a global star before their connection was public. Her 2025 Oscars performance attracted massive attention, with many noting vocal improvement. Jennie proved to be a charismatic live performer, and Rosé’s Apt live performance amassed 70 million views, showcasing her stage presence. If they shine individually, they will undoubtedly dominate together.

YG, once a K-pop powerhouse, is struggling. Their 2023 group BabyMonster has yet to match past successes, and their creative output seems stagnant. Some believe this is why they revived 2NE1 in 2024. YG arguably needs Blackpink more than Blackpink needs YG. Ideally, the company would grant them full creative control, as their solo projects demonstrate artistic growth beyond what YG currently offers. However, with Lisa and Jennie set to perform at Coachella 2025, their focus may be elsewhere.

Regardless, there’s no doubt that Blackpink’s next move will be massive. Their solo ventures proved their individual strengths—if they come together, they could exceed all expectations.