K-pop group BLACKPINK returns with new release after more than three years hiatus

K-pop superstars BLACKPINK released their new EP titled «DEADLINE» on February 27, the group's first release in over three years since the release of their second full-length album in 2022.

The National Museum of Korea in central Seoul was flooded with pink lights in honor of the album's release, writes Reuters. On Friday, more than 300 fans lined up in the museum's atrium for a listening area for five tracks from the EP.

The global popularity of the four-member group helped it set records, xrust states. Earlier this month, BLACKPINK became the first artist in the world to surpass 100 million subscribers on YouTube, according to a statement from the group's agency YG Entertainment.

The group also became the first K-pop group to headline the Coachella and British Summer Time festivals.

“These days, I hear K-pop even on the street, in a clothing store, restaurant or cafe,” said Ko Song-ah, a 20-year-old Korean living in Japan who visited the museum on Friday.

The new EP features five tracks, including the title track «GO» and the previously released EDM track «JUMP».

All four members renewed their contracts with the agency in 2023, but also created their own agencies or entered into various agreements for solo activities.

They all worked on solo projects, including ROSÉ member's single «APT.» 2025's chart-topping album with Bruno Mars.

Some fans hoped that the global popularity of K-pop groups like BLACKPINK would also help spread Korean culture more widely.

“I hope Korean traditional culture will become known through K-pop,” said Kwon Hyuk-jae, a 30-year-old man wearing a pink traditional Korean hanbok costume.

Xrust K-pop group BLACKPINK returns with a new release after more than three years of hiatus