The solo careers of the members of Blackpink are in full swing.
Blackpink last month signed an exclusive contract with YG Entertainment for group activities to continue their musical partnership. “After careful discussions with Blackpink, we signed an exclusive contract for the group’s activities based on our strong trust,” YG said. “With YG’s full support, Blackpink plans to repay fans’ love around the world with activities that match their global status, including the release of new albums and mega world tours.”
However, the members’ individual activities will be conducted separately from YG. The management agency on Dec. 29 said, “YG recently signed an extension contract for Blackpink’s group activities, and agreed not to proceed with additional contracts for the members’ individual activities,” and added, “We will do our best to support Blackpink’s activities and will cheer for the members’ individual activities.”
While the members had begun standing alone, Jennie was the first to officially announce her fresh start. Jennie on Dec. 24 announced the establishment of her own label, ODD ATELIER, through her social media account. The label, co-founded by Jennie’s mother, will be Jennie’s new home for her personal activities apart from Blackpink. Jennie, who has always shown her special affection for her mother, chose her family as her partner for her solo career.
Jisoo also joined hands with her family to announce a new start. Both Jennie and Jisoo plan to get support from their families at a one-person agency for each of them only, rather than big agencies. Earlier, there were many speculations about Jisoo’s future, including rumors of transferring to or investing in another company, but she would reportedly start her solo activities with her brother.
It was recently revealed through a job posting of an infant health functional food brand run by Jisoo’s brother. The brand late last month posted an announcement for a career opportunity to work with artists. “A startup that will grow globally and faster than any others in the K-pop industry. A meeting between artists and startups that no other company can easily experience,” the statement explained with a photo of Jisoo posted. “We are rapidly expanding our entertainment business domestically and internationally to receive even more love from K-pop fans, along with the artist’s growth.” The recruitment for its entertainment business included roles of video editing PDs, designers, accounting managers, and security guards. In particular, the company name was also specified as “Blissoo,” reminiscent of an entertainment company for Jisoo.
This article was originally published on Jan. 2, 2024.
