Blackpink at the National Museum of Korea, BTS returns to Gwanghwamun: K-pop raises the stakes

"We never settle for second place, we need that gold medal" (from the lyrics of the title track "GO").
With their first full-group release in about three years and five months, Blackpink has written a new chapter in the history of Korean popular music (K-pop) girl groups. Their third mini album "Deadline," released on the 27th of last month, sold 1,461,785 copies on the first day alone, according to Hanteo Chart. This not only set a new personal best for the group, but also marked the highest first-day sales ever for a K-pop girl group.■ Blackpink’s first new album in 3 years and 5 months sets new records
According to YG Entertainment on the 2nd, "Deadline" has topped the iTunes album charts in 32 regions, reaching No. 1 on worldwide charts. The title track "GO" has secured a spot near the top of major domestic music streaming platforms, while the other tracks on the album are also enjoying broad popularity.
The music video for "GO" has taken the No. 1 spot on YouTube’s global daily popular music video chart. According to the latest chart released by YouTube, the video shot straight to No. 1 on YouTube’s worldwide trending list as soon as it was released, and was named the "most-viewed video in 24 hours." It has now surpassed 30 million views and sits at the top of the rapidly rising music chart.
The "GO" music video is drawing praise for its lavish CGI and unprecedented scale, reminiscent of a work of art. Critics note that its intense sound, transcendent spatial imagery, and message of courage and solidarity are woven together organically, inviting multiple interpretations and deep immersion.
"GO" is an anthem of confidence that encapsulates Blackpink’s signature style. It is also the first song for which all four Blackpink members participated in composing, making it especially meaningful. Chris Martin, the vocalist of the world-renowned rock band Coldplay, also took part in writing, composing, and arranging the track. Another track, "Champion," features lyrics and composition by EJAE, known for creating and performing "Golden." Foreign media including AP have described the album as "a powerful return fans have waited more than three years for" and praised it for "successfully blending Blackpink’s signature style with new sonic experiments." They particularly highlighted how the songs are energetic and instantly catchy.■ K-pop meets cultural heritage: BTS is next in line
In this comeback cycle, Blackpink is carrying out a large-scale collaboration project with the National Museum of Korea, successfully presenting a new cultural experience that fuses K-pop with cultural heritage.
Through the "National Museum of Korea X BLACKPINK" project, which runs until the 8th, the museum’s exterior walls and open plaza are bathed in pink lighting, the group’s signature color, creating distinct atmospheres by day and by night. The nighttime illumination operates from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., and all visitors are free to enjoy the display.
Inside the museum, the permanent exhibition hall "Path of History" features a listening zone where visitors can hear the new songs. Audio guide content voiced by the Blackpink members is also available. Offered in Korean, English, and Thai, the guides introduce different artifacts, adding a pop music element to the traditional exhibition format and creating a fresh viewing experience. As a collaboration between a traditional cultural venue and a global K-pop act, the project is being hailed as a case study in expanding cultural content.
This trend is extending to the Gwanghwamun area in central Seoul. On the 21st at 8 p.m., BTS will hold "BTS The Comeback Live: Arirang" at Gwanghwamun Square. The performance, which marks the release of their fifth studio album "Arirang," will be their first full-group comeback stage in about three years and nine months. Staging a show titled after "Arirang," Korea’s representative folk song, in a symbolic space flanked by Gyeongbokgung Palace and major government buildings such as the Government Complex Seoul underscores the powerful sense of place and symbolism.
BTS previously staged performances of "Idol" in front of Geunjeongjeon Hall at Gyeongbokgung Palace and "Mikrokosmos" at Gyeonghoeru Pavilion in 2020. The upcoming "BTS The Comeback Live: Arirang" concert will be free of charge, and the on-site performance will be broadcast live exclusively by Netflix to more than 190 countries and regions.
This will be the first time Netflix has streamed a single artist’s concert live in real time. On April 11 in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, and on April 18 in Tokyo, the group’s concerts will be shown in a live viewing format at about 3,800 theaters across 80 countries and regions. Observers are watching closely to see whether using historic sites as integral parts of performances will become a key expansion strategy for K-pop and further boost the global influence of K-culture.
jashin@fnnews.com Shin Jin-a Reporter