By Shim Sun-ah
Excitement filled the air as dozens of BLACKPINK fans, phones in hand and faces aglow with pink light, made their way to an exclusive pre-listening event for the globally acclaimed K-pop group’s new album.
The event, a collaboration between BLACKPINK, Spotify, and the National Museum of Korea, offered approximately 300 lucky fans a sneak peek at “Deadline” a day before its official release. This album marks a highly anticipated return, being the first full group effort from the quartet in four years since “Born Pink.”
A “path of history” led visitors on a journey, guided by a giant carpet emblazoned with “BLACKPINK WILL MAKE YOU,” culminating in a seating area arranged around the digitally restored Gwanggaeto the Great Stele.
The memorial stele, dedicated to Gwanggaeto the Great, the 19th monarch of Goguryeo (37 B.C.-A.D. 668), stands as a significant national treasure, representing ancient Korean history and heritage.
As the opening notes of “Jump,” a pre-release track from the upcoming album, echoed through the usually tranquil space, LED pillars illuminated with vibrant visuals and pulsating rhythms, setting the stage for an unforgettable experience.
Across six sessions, each hosting 50 fans, attendees were treated to five new tracks, including the title song “Go” and “Fxxxboy,” transforming the museum’s solemn atmosphere into an electrifying, futuristic concert setting.
Following the album’s official release on Friday at 2 p.m., the public can participate in the listening experience at a dedicated zone in the museum lobby during regular operating hours.
The collaboration extends beyond the pre-listening event. BLACKPINK members have lent their voices to provide commentary on eight of the museum’s most prized artifacts, offering visitors a unique audio guide to Korea’s rich historical treasures.
To commemorate the album release, the museum’s exterior will be bathed in BLACKPINK’s signature pink hue until March 8, creating a stunning visual spectacle.
Fans captured the moment, posing for photographs against the illuminated museum backdrop, their excitement intertwined with a sense of awe and cultural appreciation.
“Hearing BLACKPINK’s new songs here felt incredibly special,” remarked Lee Hak-min, an office worker from Seoul who attended with a group of friends. “When the music started in front of the Gwanggaeto monument, it even felt a bit patriotic. That’s the power of BLACKPINK, I guess.”
Another fan, Ko Eun-seo, shared her emotional reaction, saying she was almost moved to tears by the music.
“I almost cried because the songs were so good, but I didn’t want my friends to tease me,” she confessed with a laugh. “It’s amazing to see how far they’ve come in 10 years. I’ll love BLACKPINK forever.”
