“BLACKPINK IN YOUR AREA.”

K-pop girl band BLACKPINK made a powerful return as a full group after nearly two years, launching their highly anticipated new world tour “DEADLINE” at Goyang Sports Complex on July 6. Despite scorching temperatures above 30 Celsius degrees, the performance was even hotter, proving that the girls have not lost a step during their time away from team activities. From vocals to choreography and stage presence, every element was flawless, underscoring why BLACKPINK remains a top K-pop girl group. Over just two nights, July 5 and 6, the concerts in Korea drew a total of 78,000 fans, demonstrating the group's ticket power ahead of their upcoming stadium-scale shows across the globe.

The concert kicked off with fireworks and BLACKPINK’s dramatic entrance on rising lifts, accompanied by their signature phrase, “BLACKPINK IN YOUR AREA.” They opened the night with the global hit “Kill This Love,” which boasts over 2.1 billion views on YouTube. The crowd instantly erupted in a massive singalong.

Though the open-air venue made it impossible to avoid the heat, both BLACKPINK and their fans pushed through with passion. Audience members clung to handheld automatic fans before the show, but once it began, the heat seemed forgotten as everyone was swept up in the performance.

BLACKPINK’s setlist took fans on a journey through their musical evolution, starting with their debut track “Whistle” released in 2016. Hit after hit followed, “How You Like That,” “Lovesick Girls,” “BOOMBAYAH,” transforming the stadium into one massive karaoke session. During a nostalgic moment ahead of their debut track, Jennie asked, “Shall we rewind the clock to nine years ago?” prompting Jisoo to whistle the song’s iconic intro, drawing cheers.

The group also debuted a brand-new song, “JUMP,” ahead of its official release. “What did you think? It’s addictive, right?” Jisoo asked the crowd. “Please show it lots of love when it drops.” With its fast-paced beat and explosive energy, the song had both the group and the fans literally jumping with joy.

Each member also performed solo stages, showcasing their unique styles and global appeal. Jisoo appeared in a soft pink dress, performing “Earthquake” and “Your Love” with a floral-themed stage that symbolized blossoming beauty. Lisa, who made headlines earlier this year as the first K-pop artist to perform at the Oscars, delivered powerful renditions of “New Woman” and “Rockstar” in edgy leather fashion.

Jennie, dressed in all white, performed “Mantra” and “Like Jennie.” Her solo charisma, sharpened by her previous appearance at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, radiated confidence and control.

The loudest singalong of the night came during Rosé’s solo stage of “APT.,” as fans of all nationalities chanted the title in unison, “APT, APT! APT, APT!” Before her ballad “3AM,” she shared the story behind the song’s creation. “It was after two tough weeks of songwriting last year,” she said. “On the day I was leaving, I needed something that felt like home, and this song came to me like a gift.”

Originally formed under YG Entertainment, BLACKPINK’s members parted ways with the label for individual promotions in 2023, though group activities remain under YG Entertainment. Many fans had worried a full-group comeback might not be possible, but BLACKPINK stayed true to their promise they made in their world tour in 2023, “We’ll continue to be the amazing BLACKPINK you love.” Starting with their concerts in Korea on July 5 and 6, BLACKPINK will go on to perform 31 shows across 16 cities worldwide.