Post break-up glow-up

The era of the K-pop superband is over, along with their cult fandoms. No need for tears. Stars such as Rosé and Jennie are proving they shine brighter solo

- Christalle Fernandes [e-mail]

At the MTV VMAs last month, Rosé from Blackpink won Song of The Year for APT., becoming the first K-pop artist to do so. Though Rosé, 28, already had two albums and seven singles, APT. felt different. Reels picked it up. We all knew the dance. Suddenly, everyone was shipping Rosé and Bruno Mars.

Rosé isn’t the only Blackpink member chasing solo success. Jennie came out with Solo in 2019, three years after the group debuted. Then Lisa released Lalisa, in 2021, collabed with Meghan Thee Stallion and Doja Cat, and made her acting debut with The White Lotus this year. Even with other K-pop bands, the solo works have been more fun, more sparkling, more creative. So, has the K-pop band peaked?