Blackpink announces a new album that should be presented during the month of August, just before the start of their long-awaited world tour and after more than a year and a half of inactivity and multiple rumors of separation. Lisa, Rosé, Jisoo and Jennie had announced earlier in the year that the band was working on joint projects in addition to continuing to release solo music.
As announced by production company YG in a statement, "The project is now in the final phase of recording their latest album. They will start filming a music video this month and release new songs in August," adding that the group will kick off the biggest international tour ever by a South Korean girl band at the end of the year.
Thus, this announcement denies the separation rumors that appeared after Jennie's solo debut in 2018, and that of Rosé and Lisa last year. The only member without solo work is Jisoo, who said during an interview with Rolling Stone magazine: "I'm not sure I want to do solo music. I like music with many instruments. What do people want from me?" These solo works were a sales success.
Despite this new album and tour, the future of the band remains uncertain. Blackpink has a contract for a duration of 7 years from its debut in 2016. Thus, the end of their employment relationship will be at the end of 2022 if the members decide not to agree on a new contract.
