Hidden Meanings and Designed Details in Stage Performances
The visuals displayed on the LED screens during BLACKPINK's 2019 Coachella performance were not merely for visual spectacle; they were carefully selected to reflect each member's solo identity through unique motifs. During Lisa's dance segment, the graphics in the background featured references to Thai temple architecture; however, this detail went unnoticed by most viewers.
The massive rose petal-shaped platform used in the stage design for the “BORN PINK” world tour was specially crafted to represent the group's “delicately dangerous” image. This stage element carried a refined aesthetic message that contrasted with the songs' hard trap beats.
The stitching motifs featured in some of BLACKPINK's stage costumes are not merely fashion elements but symbolize the group members' diverse cultural backgrounds “sewn together” on their musical journey. Some of the stage dresses worn by Jennie feature modernized versions of Korean hanbok, combined with elements from Japanese and French fashion through internal stitching.
Fashion, Color, and Symbolism in Music Videos
The red, black, and gold tones in the “Kill This Love” music video are not merely an aesthetic choice. These three colors are based on the traditional color trio in Korean martial arts, which represent “anger, darkness, and spirit.” The snake-patterned dress Jennie wears in the “Pink Venom” music video directly references the song's symbolic narrative. Here, the snake represents both poison and seduction, creating a visual language that parallels Jennie's lyrics at that moment.
The motorcycle scenes in Lisa's “LALISA” solo music video were inspired by the “nak leng” figure, a symbol of freedom and rebellion in Thai culture. The black leather costume and gold details in the video reinterpret this mythological figure with a modern “queen warrior” image. The burning rose scene in Rosé's “On The Ground” music video symbolizes the reversal of the phrase “everything I need is on the ground” from her own lyrics. In other words, it emphasizes that not only luxury but also pain and rebirth are experienced on the ground.
Recurring Themes and Messages in BLACKPINK Songs
Words like “crown,” “queen,” “fire,” and “ice,” which frequently appear in the group's lyrics, are not only chosen to create a powerful image but also to leave a lasting impression on listeners outside of K-pop. These words align with symbols commonly found in international pop culture.
The phrase “hit you with that ddu-du ddu-du” in the song “DDU-DU DDU-DU” is not just onomatopoeia. This phrase matches the sound effect used in South Korean video games to silence an enemy and contains a direct message to the youth of the digital age.
Expressions like “Born skinny bitch” in the song “Pretty Savage” are written as an ironic challenge to the beauty standards in the industry. The group uses such lyrics to convey the message “be yourself” to female audiences, but these lines are often misinterpreted in Western media.
Unforgettable Moments in Live Performances
During the 2018 Osaka Dome concert, technical difficulties caused the lights to go out on part of the stage. However, Lisa's improvised freestyle dance performance not only saved the show but also became part of the choreography for the subsequent world tour as an “emergency set.”
When Rosé's voice cut out unexpectedly during her 2022 Los Angeles concert, the backup vocal group on stage paused briefly. Rosé filled the gap by accompanying herself on guitar in an improvised manner, and the video of this moment went viral on social media. However, this improvised moment was not included in the official tour DVDs.
Jennie injured her knee while dancing on stage at Coachella, causing her to stop the performance. However, she returned to the stage a few minutes later and continued the song from where she left off, which was praised by American music critics as “rare stage courage in the idol system.”
Rehearsals, Stage Preparations, and Behind-the-Scenes Strategy
The sound systems used during BLACKPINK's stage rehearsals operate at a lower decibel level than those used during the actual performance. This is done to allow the group members to hear their own voices internally, thereby enhancing vocal control. In particular, Rosé and Jisoo intentionally remove their in-ear monitors during rehearsals to establish physical proximity to the stage.
Even the wind machines used during the performance are simulated during the group's dance practices. Lisa tests every detail in advance, including how her hair will flow on stage, because the visual impact of the stage choreography is enhanced by taking into account the camera angle and wind effects.
One of BLACKPINK's pre-performance rituals is for all members to hold hands and say a short word in four languages (Korean, English, Thai, and Japanese) just before the lights go out. These words are usually “light,” “trust,” “energy,” or a word specific to the country they are performing in at the time. However, this ritual has never been shared publicly.
Behind-the-Scenes Secrets and Hidden Scenes in Music Videos
The classical music sample (Niccolò Paganini - La Campanella) featured in the “Shut Down” music video is not only used in the song but also in the visual narrative. The antique piano used in Jennie's piano scene is from the 1800s and was specially brought from France. Although this scene lasts only a few seconds, it serves as a reference to music history.
In the “AS IF IT'S YOUR LAST” music video, the scene where Rosé walks alone in the subway may seem romantic at first glance, but it was actually written as a reference to the group's loneliest trainee period. During the filming of this scene, Rosé was played an emotionally charged song prepared specifically for her to prepare for the tearful scene, but those shots were later cut from the video.
The wall graffiti in the “Lovesick Girls” music video—such as “Why can't I be loved like this?”—was added at the last minute on set. Some of these phrases were inspired by letters sent by fans. After the music video was released, secret thank-you notes were sent to the fans who wrote those words.
Repeated Objects and Hidden References in Music Videos
The pink smoke effect that stands out in many BLACKPINK music videos does more than just serve the group's image. This smoke is a reference to the fog symbol seen in Korean folk tales, which represents “spiritual transition.” This motif is particularly prominent in Rosé's scene in the “How You Like That” music video.
The mirrors frequently used by Jennie in her music videos are not just for feminine aesthetics; they represent the “visual duality” theme that BLACKPINK has established with the industry. In an interview, Jennie explained that she interprets the mirror scenes as “confronting yourself, the difference between how the public sees you and how you see yourself.”
The chain-detailed accessories Lisa uses in many of her music videos reflect her spirit of being chained to dance but having found freedom. The gold chains she wears on her wrists in the “MONEY” performance video are not part of the choreography but are based on a personal story: they were inspired by a chained bracelet she was given as a child in Thailand.
Cultural Codes Used in BLACKPINK's Music
The term “Oppa” used in the song “BOOMBAYAH” may seem like a simple Korean word to many international viewers, but the way the group uses it carries an ironic take on traditional gender roles in Korean society. When combined with the choreography in the music video, the word is presented as “joke” rather than “obedience,” which is noteworthy.
The phrase “I bring the pain like” in the lyrics of the song “Typa Girl” is not just a tough line. The group uses this phrase as a direct reference to the 'femme fatale' image in the Western music industry. Such lines, delivered with a particularly strong pronunciation by Jennie and Lisa in the rap sections, subvert Western music conventions.
Hidden Meanings and Silent Messages in Choreography
In the second chorus of the “Kill This Love” choreography, Jennie kneels on the ground and raises her fist in the air. This is not just a powerful pose. The figure was added to the choreography inspired by athletes who gave the Black Power salute at the 1968 Olympics. It was seen as a political gesture emphasizing “women's power and freedom,” particularly for American audiences.
Lisa's wallet movement in the “MONEY” performance choreography may seem like just a fun detail to many, but it is a tribute to street dancers in Bangkok, Thailand. The wallet-throwing movement, which Lisa grew up watching street dancers perform, has been brought to the stage.
The sequences where the girls kneel down and stomp their feet in the “Pretty Savage” stage performance were created as a more intense version of the traditional Korean folk dance “Ganggangsullae.” This traditional dance is a ritual where women hold hands and stomp their feet on the ground under a full moon – BLACKPINK adapted it for the stage in a “rebellious and modern” way.
Stage Accidents and Improvised Solutions
During a concert in Paris in 2023, Jisoo's microphone stopped working in the middle of the performance. Without anyone noticing, Rosé quietly shared her microphone with her, and this moment was edited out of the video by changing the camera angles. However, thanks to a fan camera, this moment went viral.
During her “SOLO” performance, when Jennie's costume zipper opened, she continued dancing instead of stopping, repeating a turn in the choreography twice to hide the malfunction. Later, special rehearsals were conducted to recreate this moment in behind-the-scenes footage—now, this turn has become a staple of every concert.
During Lisa's Seoul concert, the platform stage rose earlier than scheduled, causing her to lose her balance. However, she changed her position without losing the rhythm and transitioned into her solo dance earlier than planned. Following this incident, the choreography for that section was specially rearranged for Lisa throughout the tour.
Secret Messages and Coded Lines for Fans
During her performance of “You & Me,” Jennie whispers the word “BLINK” with a quick lip movement at the end of the English part. Although the sound is inaudible, fans who read lips noticed it and it was adopted as a special gesture among the BLINK community. The small sticker on the neck of Rosé's guitar during her “Gone” performances is taken from a note written by her aunt when she was young, who gave her her first guitar. This detail was never revealed in any promotions; it is known as an Easter egg only noticed in stage footage.
The special lighting effects used in the live versions of the song “Ready For Love” vary depending on the stage, but in some concerts, the first letters of the members' names are briefly projected into the air with lasers. This lighting effect lasts only one second and is usually only noticeable from the front rows.
Details That Made It Through Censorship in the Music Video and Live Performances
In the music video for “Lovesick Girls,” Jennie's nurse costume was met with backlash from the Korean Nurses Association after its initial release and was removed from the video by the agency. However, the same costume was used in a variation during the world tour's live performances; this time, the design details were altered, but the symbolic message remained intact.
In the “Shut Down” music video, the chain motifs used on Jennie's black mini dress were deemed “violence-evoking accessories” by some streaming platforms in certain countries. To pass the video algorithm scan, a version of the chains adorned with sparkling stones was specially produced for the clip.
The Thai royal motifs featured in Lisa's “LALISA” music video were approved by the official Thai film board to avoid violating YouTube's regional content censorship rules. This is one of the rare examples in K-pop history where a music video obtained official permission from the government for its use of cultural motifs.
Behind the Scenes of International Collaborations and Cultural Balances
During the recording process for the song “Kiss and Make Up” with Dua Lipa, the members of BLACKPINK did not travel to the UK. All recordings were done in separate studios; however, Jennie watched Dua's old live performance videos to practice her vocal parts to ensure they matched Dua's tone. This detail is not mentioned in official documents but was later shared by the producers.
In the collaboration with Lady Gaga on “Sour Candy,” Lisa's rap section was originally planned to be in Thai, not English. However, this version was canceled because it was thought that it would have limited global reach. A studio demo of this section was later leaked for Thai fans but was not officially released.
During the filming of the music video for “Ice Cream” with Selena Gomez, the two groups did not physically come together. BLACKPINK filmed at an ice cream set in Korea, while Selena filmed in Los Angeles. However, Jennie specifically chose accessories that matched the pastel tones used by Selena to ensure the scenes looked cohesive. This detail is an example of the subtle coordination that ensures visual consistency in the music video.
Samples and Background Stories Used in BLACKPINK Songs
The string instruments used in the intro of the song “How You Like That” may sound like they were influenced by Middle Eastern music, but they are actually a digitized version of a melody taken from Balkan folk music. The song's producers obtained the rights to use this sample from an old Serbian music archive.
Paganini's “La Campanella,” used in the background of “Shut Down,” is a rare example of classical music combined with modern trap beats. During the production process, the song was originally planned to be created using only digital strings; however, when Jennie expressed a desire for a “real classical feel,” a string ensemble from Vienna was brought in for a special recording. However, this group was neither credited in the credits nor mentioned in promotions.
The background drum sounds used in Lisa's song “MONEY” were layered with a percussion sample taken from traditional festival music in Thailand. The producers wanted this effect to be deliberately hidden because the song was intended to have a “universal street rhythm.”
Hidden Meanings and Overlooked Details in Solo Songs
While the lyrics of Rosé's “On The Ground” have been interpreted by many as a personal inner reckoning, it is believed that the song also carries an internal critique of the group's increasing collaborations with luxury brands during its release period. The line “Everything I need is on the ground” symbolizes Rosé's conscious distance from the superficiality that comes with fame.
Jennie's stage costumes in her song “SOLO” featured elements of Victorian-era fashion. This choice was inspired by Jennie's theme of a woman who waits for love but ultimately chooses loneliness, portrayed as royal solitude. The white corset dress was designed as a visual symbol of this idea.
Lisa's wearing a police uniform in the “LALISA” music video was interpreted in some countries as “flirting with authority.” However, this scene was added as a reference to the past in Thailand, where women's right to represent authority was suppressed. The uniform in the video is based on Lisa's childhood desire to portray a female traffic police officer she saw on the street.
Political and Cultural References in Stage Designs for World Tours
The lotus flower animation that rotated on the giant screens used in the “BORN PINK” world tour was used extensively, especially in Asian concerts. Although this animation symbolizes spiritual rebirth in different cultures, it was combined with “beopgo” (sacred flower), one of the Buddhist symbols of Korea, at Jennie's special request. (sacred flower), one of Korea's Buddhist symbols, at Jennie's special request.
The words “You make us feel like queens” that appeared on stage during the US concerts were not only addressed to the audience but also referred to the struggle of female artists to take their place on stage. This text was inspired by Billie Eilish's message “We all deserve this” used on stage.
The black swan visuals used at the opening of the Paris concert directly referenced BLACKPINK's “dual nature.” The black swan figure, suggested by the stage designer, symbolizes both ballet and inner conflict. This theme was used exclusively in Paris because it was associated with European classical art.
BLACKPINK Members' Physical and Psychological Preparations Before Going on Stage
Rosé prefers to be alone about 90 minutes before going on stage. She has a “dark room” routine before going on stage, where she reads the lyrics she has written over and over again by candlelight. This technique is a method she uses to adjust her emotional intensity rather than her voice. Jennie does not practice meditation before the stage; instead, she listens to hip-hop music at full volume and does jumping exercises. This physical activity helps her raise her heart rate, allowing her to feel more energetic on stage. Five minutes before taking the stage, she follows a rule of not speaking at all; her team members refer to this as “silent mode.”
Lisa always ties her dance shoes herself before going on stage. She politely declines the stylists' offers to help because it is considered lucky for her. It is known that she performed the same ritual during her childhood dance competitions in Thailand, and this habit has remained with her since then. The most noticeable thing Jisoo does before going on stage is biting her lips. Although it may seem like a sign of anxiety, it is actually a habit that calms her down. She also has a special note backstage regarding the microphone pack attached to her back: because she has skin allergies, a special hypoallergenic pad is placed under the pack before every concert.
Behind-the-scenes facts not featured in the documentaries
An incident that took place during filming but was not included in the “BLACKPINK: Light Up the Sky” documentary: A scene where Lisa meets one of her former trainers was cut for technical reasons because Lisa broke down in tears during the interview and was unable to compose herself for a long time. The producers decided to remove the scene from the documentary, thinking it might have too strong an emotional impact on viewers.
While scenes of Jennie working alone in the studio are frequently shown in the documentary, in one of these scenes, Jennie accidentally hums another artist's demo melody during a recording. As soon as this was noticed, the recording was stopped, and that section was removed from the documentary. Subsequently, there was debate over whether the song would be given to BLACKPINK or another YG artist.
During preparations for the scene where Rosé reads the lyrics she wrote while sitting at the piano in the documentary, a member of the crew waited at the door to prevent her from leaving the set because Rosé had tried to avoid the camera several times until she felt comfortable on stage. This information was not shared in the documentary but was mentioned indirectly in interviews with crew members.
Unreleased Song Sections Written for the Music Video and Performance
The first version of the song “Pretty Savage” featured a solo pre-chorus section by Jisoo. This section included a few lines in which Jisoo explored the theme of “what's under my mask” in a more melancholic tone. However, it was completely removed as it was deemed to lower the song's energy. The rap section prepared for Lisa during the recording of “Lovesick Girls” was actually composed of two parts. In the second part, Lisa delivered a darker verse about the feeling of emptiness in relationships. However, this section was not included in the final version as it was deemed to not fit the song's tone.
There is an unreleased outro section in Jennie's “SOLO” song. In this section, Jennie sings the line “You were my moonlight, now I'm my own sun” accompanied only by piano. While this outro would have made the theme of inner strength more prominent, it was removed because it disrupted the song's tempo coherence.
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Creative Control and Secret Negotiations in Brand Collaborations
Although BLACKPINK members work with many luxury brands, they do not play a completely passive role in these collaborations. Jennie personally suggested the advertising slogan used in her collaboration with CHANEL. The phrase “Coco, but make it savage” was initially deemed “too aggressive” by brand managers, but Jennie argued that the expression would create a strong connection with the younger audience, ultimately securing its approval.
When the first teaser video for Rosé's Saint Laurent campaign was deemed too “cold” by the director, Rosé suggested changing the tone by playing her own guitar and proposing a scene. This improvised scene was later placed at the center of the entire campaign. The brand redefined the style of the promotional film as “minimalism with emotional weight” based on Rosé's suggestion.
Lisa directly intervened in some elements of the styling used in the CELINE campaign. While the brand wanted to showcase a clothing line that made Lisa appear too “punk,” Lisa preferred to keep her look closer to the style of young people dancing on the streets of Thailand. As a result, some pieces in the campaign visuals were taken from Lisa's personal wardrobe.
Jisoo objected to the overly classic interpretation of the concept of “elegance” during one-on-one meetings with Dior's creative director. Following her suggestion, the floral motifs used in the campaign were redesigned with more abstract and sharp lines. In fact, Dior's 2022 Spring campaign was shaped according to the moodboard Jisoo proposed.
Behind-the-Scenes Dialogues and Moments at Fashion Shows
During Paris Fashion Week, Jennie refused to meet with all press representatives before the CHANEL show because she had been described as a “pop culture object” in a fashion review published that same day. Jennie found this comment insulting and chose to protest passively by not making a statement before the show. This situation was only reported in a few industry magazines.
Lisa wanted to change her hairstyle five minutes before the CELINE show started, causing panic among the crew. However, Lisa said she felt “too serious” when she looked in the mirror and chose a side braid that was closer to her childhood style instead of parting her hair in the middle. This small change directly affected the visual tone of the show.
Rosé couldn't decide which dress to wear for the MET Gala for a long time after accepting the invitation because most of the outfits suggested to her didn't reflect her signature style. She ultimately chose a black mini dress not only for aesthetic reasons but also because it shared the same color tone as Lisa's outfit. She explained that this allowed her to reflect both her solo and group identity.
Unwritten Rules in Social Media Strategy
Although BLACKPINK members' Instagram accounts appear to be individual, every post is actually timed to align with YG's content plan. However, some posts requested by the members can be posted outside of the plan with special permission. Lisa, in particular, sometimes shares dance videos without company approval, which can lead to minor crises with the social media team.
Jisoo never shares direct advertisements in her Instagram stories. This is because her digital reputation strategy centers on “organic engagement.” Although many brands offer Jisoo in-story promotions, she only accepts post-based content.
Jennie's frequently used blurry aesthetic photos on Instagram are actually a deliberate algorithm strategy. These visuals create more dwell time because they feel visually incomplete, which increases engagement on the platform's algorithm. Jennie learned this method from some fashion content creators on TikTok.
BLACKPINK's Creative Control Process in Advertising and Brand Collaborations
During the campaign shoot for Jennie's collaboration with Chanel, it is known that there was intense debate over her desire to use her own choice of a pale peach lipstick shade instead of the classic red shade suggested by the brand. Ultimately, Chanel accepted Jennie's request because her aesthetic sensibility was recognized as crucial for the brand's connection with the younger generation.
Rosé rejected the first version of the transparent tulle dress she wore in the Saint Laurent campaign. The original design proposed by the fashion house did not align with Rosé's preference for a simpler, more emotional look offstage, so the shoulder details were covered at her request. This intervention allowed Rosé to be seen in the campaign as both a fashion icon and a figure who defines her personal “emotional boundaries.”
During her collaboration with Celine, Lisa is known to have directly rejected some of the poses suggested by the brand's photographer. Instead of poses focused solely on a “sexy gaze,” Lisa proposed “movement-focused” shots. In these shots, Lisa successfully expanded her sense of control by letting her hair flow freely during dance sequences.
The element Jisoo wanted to emphasize most in her collaboration with Dior was “power, not elegance.” For this reason, at the 2022 Paris Fashion Week, she chose a masculine-cut, dark-toned Dior blazer jacket instead of a soft, romantic dress. This decision had an impact that even the brand did not anticipate, leading to the collection being reintroduced under the title “strong women.”
Fashion Shows and Behind-the-Scenes Decisions
Jennie's front row seat at Paris Fashion Week was originally planned for LISA. However, due to Jennie's impact in the Chanel campaign, the brand made a last-minute change and placed Jennie in the most visible spot. Lisa didn't make an issue of it and chose to be in another shoot at the time. This was an important behind-the-scenes detail that showed the balance and professionalism within the group.
Before attending the Saint Laurent fashion show, Rosé had a lengthy discussion about her style. The high platform shoes suggested by the fashion house were disrupting the silhouette of her dress due to her slender build. Ultimately, the style was adjusted according to Rosé's suggestion, opting for simple heels, which became a standout aesthetic touch of the show.
On the day Lisa attended the Celine fashion show, her shoe suddenly tore while she was dancing backstage. While the event crew wanted to give her a new pair, Lisa preferred her own dance shoes, and that short dance performance behind the runway became the most-watched video on the brand's social media.
Unknown Aspects of BLACKPINK's Social Media Strategy
Approximately 70% of the content shared on the group's official social media accounts is not directly approved by BLACKPINK members. Jennie and Lisa, in particular, make the final edits to photos that will be posted on Instagram and often reject filter suggestions from brands.
Even the emojis used in Instagram posts are chosen according to the members' personalities. For example, Jisoo often uses the 🐰 (rabbit) emoji because her family nicknamed her “토끼 (tokki – rabbit)” when she was a child. Lisa adds the 🌶️ (hot pepper) emoji to symbolize her energy offstage; this is connected to her connection with street food in Thailand.
Rosé had an image removed from social media during her solo debut because an unwanted notebook was visible in the background. The notebook contained an unreleased lyric, so the post was deleted within 20 minutes out of security concerns.
Jennie responded to some special comments as part of a secret project called “Love Chain,” created to interact with fans on social media. However, these comments were triggered only when they contained specific keywords and were presented as short texts written directly by Jennie, not generated artificially.