Blaↄkpink is indeed the revolution.
The Pink Rangers just hit you with the infectious “Ddu Du Ddu Du”, ignited a widespread of Pink Venom across sunny island over the hottest weekend we had in May 2023, and rained a Pink Confetti snow storm in Singapore’s biggest concert arena.
If they had you going “krra-ta-ta-ta, I bring the pain like…” after the concert, fret not. We’ve got you covered with a review of the “Born Pink” gig to reminisce with lots of photos and wonderful memories.
Other than being the 1st KPOP act to sell out 2 nights at the Singapore National Stadium to 50,000 audience per night (equivalent to 12 nights at Indoor Stadium), the iconic landmarks in Singapore (Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay, National Stadium) were being lighted up in PINK, to extend a warm welcome to Blackpink for gracing our shores.
This speaks volumes of their STAR Power.
These chic ladies are back after 4 years, with a much bigger and better stage presence (unfortunately not better venue), with the self-confidence that needs no validation.
Clad in their iconic and signature pink costumes, the Pink Puff Girls (which they nicknamed themselves) ignited their gig on fire with a popular track, “How You Like That”.
Bet no one liked the unforgiving heat and massive jams that day, but all present undoubtedly loved their presence and performances.
It instantaneously brought us back to their “In Your Area” Concert in 2019, whereby they were also decked in shimmery and pink outfits for their opening act.
Other than the glitz and sizzling glamour, the main selling points of Blackpink’s concerts are all about youth, vigour and vitality.
Just like how it’s being depicted on one of their palpable tracks “Forever Young”, their zestful performances appeal to all ages as they would swing you back to your younger, adolescent years in a flash.
Their songs are somewhat addictive like your favourite potato chips or bubble tea, you would just keep reaching out for more.
The quartet’s monumental success as one of the biggest KPOP girl groups of all time, has amassed fans by millions and millions in a short span.
“Born Pink” World Tour has smashed the track record held by Spice Girls as the highest grossing concert tour by a female group. This is a testament that they are a global phenomenon.
Any products that these girls endorse would turn gold, anything that they use or wear daily, such as their favourite food, clothes, accessories, make up, would all sell like hotcakes.
Apart from being fashionistas and trend setters, these girls are highly regarded ambassadors of some of the renowned global fashion brands like Chanel, Celine, Dior and YSL.
Their respective solo tracks have been garnering the highest number of streams across the globe as soon as they were being released.
With more songs on their repertoire and all 4 members being able to perform respective solo hits which they can call their own now, it makes their concert more complete, as compared to “In Your Area” World Tour.
We love the classics like “Boombayah”, “As If It’s Your Last”, “Ddu Du Ddu Du”, but newer tracks like “Pink Venom” and “Kill This Love”, evoked some of the loudest cheers.
Although they only have 2 full studio albums, their performances were nothing short of mesmerizing and electrifying.
Blackpink isn’t just your ordinary girl group, with a demure and feminine image or are only good at doing ageyos, they also show you what a new age young lady with a mind of her own is like.
“I may look sweet, but don’t mess with me. I’m a feisty badass”.
Living up to their band name, they served up a combination of feisty, suave (meosisseo) performances with the BLACK, and showcased a platter of cutesy and feminine dances with the PINK.
Hot like chilli padis, but sweet like honey at the same time.
Several of their new hits such as “Shut Down” are targeted at shutting haters down, and even having coarse words in “Tally” (banned track in South Korea).
They have undoubtedly found their placing on the global stage, and are no longer “lost“ about their identity, like back when they first debuted.
They have carved out another route for themselves.
From the stage settings (elevated V shape stage, lightings) to their international band and dancers, they are all of top notch world class standard. Sound system was doing fine, though the bass booming was a tad too loud, we could hear the girls’ vocals distinctly.
Just like the sweltering heat that hit 37 degrees (at the highest point) on Day 1, the atmosphere was LIT.
Roars of thunderous cheers were so audibly clear and loud across the stadium (like Dolby Digital Surround Sound), with the “BI-ping-bong” pink hammer hearts pounding hard in the air, just like your hearts thumping with excitement.
Taking on the SG crowd with new tracks like “Kill This Love”, the cupid arrows have shot their ways right into fervent BLINKs‘ hearts.
Cheers, screams, hoot calls, fan chants were synonymously heard across the stadium.
BLINKs were seen donning pink and black outfits, with Blackpink inspired hair styles, full of braids and ribbons, to show their love, support and to honour their dream girls’ arrival to Singapore.
From young kids, teenagers, young and middle-aged adults to the elderly, BLINKs of all age groups and nationalities gathered in Singapore to meet the “Princesses” of their hearts.
Albeit with only 20 songs on the setlist which lasted 1 hour 50 min felt way too short, it was a precious and memorable experience for many Blinks who had a tough time battling out for the tickets.
Applause to everyone who braved the heat and insanely long queues to get into the stadium too!
Blackpink Born Pink SG Setlist
Set 1: The Enchanted Garden (VCR)
1) How You Like That
2) Pretty Savage
3) Whistle
4) Don’t Know What to Do
5) Lovesick Girls
Set 2: Monochrome Paradise (VCR)
6) Kill This Love
7) Crazy Over You
8) Stay
9) Tally
10) Pink Venom
Set 3: Solos
11) Flower (Jisoo Solo)
12) You & Me (Jennie solo)
13) Hard to Love / On The Ground (Rosé solo)
14) Lalisa / Money (Lisa solo)
Set 4: Queen’s World (VCR)
15) Shut Down
16) Typa Girl
17) DDU-DU DDU-DU
18) Forever Young
Encore
19) Boombayah
21) As If It’s Your Last
Group Performances
Frequent concert goers would realise that some songs may not sound that appealing on music platforms, but when you watch the performances LIVE, you may fall in love with them.
Didn’t feel much about “How You Like That” or “Pink Venom”, they were not just well executed, but also also appealing to the audience when performed LIVE.
These songs drew some of the loudest cheers.
Most fans would know that some of Blackpink’s 1st album songs were supposedly written for 2NE1.
The high energy “Boombayah“ exuded a tinge of 2NE1, but Blackpink has given it a “cuter” twist, while these girls emanated a tinge of sexiness with their grooves during “Ddu Du Ddu Du”.
My favourites were “Don’t Know What To Do”, “Forever Young”, “Boombayah”, “Ddu Du Ddu Du”,” As If It’s Your Last“ and last but not least, “Tally”.
“Tally”‘s being banned in Korea due to use of coarse language, but you can see how these girls enjoy belting out to this forbidden song elsewhere.
It totally spoke our minds that day amidst the unforgiving heat and crazy queues.
It should be apparent by now that these ladies have renewed their contracts with YG, since there are more dates added to their concert tour beyond August.
We can only hope that there’s a clause for them to release at least 1 album per year.
The 1st and 2nd sets comprised of cool 멋있어 (meosisseo) upbeat tracks such as “How You Like That”, “Pretty Savage”, “Kill This Love” and “Pink Venom”.
“Don’t know what to do” and “Lovesick Girls” emit the more laid back and chirpy retro 80s vibes.
3rd segment consisted of the highly anticipated solo performances, while the final segment and Encore were packed with high-energy EDM classics that shot Blackpink to fame, such as “As If It’s Your Last” and “Ddu Du Ddu Du”.
Not forgetting, a strong message that they wanted to send to haters and naysayers with “Shut Down”.
The Highly Anticipated Solos
It’s been an excruciatingly long wait, but 4 years after Jennie’s solo, Rose, Lisa and Jisoo FINALLY have their respective singles too!
Jisoo – The Flower That Blooms in its Own Time
1st on stage was Blackpink’s eonni, Jisoo, with her 1st solo single – “Flower” that blossoms so fine across the globe since its release on 31 March.
The single has surpassed 100 millions streams on Tiktok since, and also racked up a smashing record of 4.6 million streams on Spotify for 1st-day streams.
“Flower” is a mid-tempo track which doesn’t have a fast catchy tune, but it has the world going on a viral Flower “Tiktok” dance challenge spree.
Drapped in a lovely lavender purple frilly dress, Jisoo was akin to a beautiful purple hydrangea swaying in the breeze, being the center of attention and envy, whilst being surrounded by her entourage of dancers.
This flower has waited patiently, and her perseverance has paid off.
It is now her time to bloom.
SG Blinks are lucky to get the opportunity to witness her solo performance.
Like what Lisa pointed out, we could hear fervent Blinks chanting (or rather shouting) to the last few syllabus to the chorus in a ferociously loud manner.
“Kkochyanggiman namgigo…. GAT-DANDA”.
不用怀疑，that’s how supportive BLINKS were.
Jisoo may not be as outstanding as her peers in terms of dancing or vocals, but we have seen her growth.
Her vocals may not be as stable as Rose’s, but it’s uniquely on a lower bass tone and she sounded much better than the last tour.
Dancing may not be her forte, but she nailed the “Flower” dance aptly.
Sometimes, simple does it.
There is something very zen and likable about her. She’s not the competitive type, but a patient one who’s waiting for the right time.
Dancing in the Moonlight with Jennie
It was delectable and refreshing to watch Jennie sing and dance to her new single “You & Me”. With her dancers standing in line, doing the pointe (ballerina tiptoe) and swaying to the mid-tempo moves, we could visualise a ballerina “dancing in the moonlight” with the big moon on the backdrop.
With its catchy tune, easy-to-remember lyrics and ballad dance moves, “You & Me” proved to be one that’s not just artistic in its choreography, but also brought out the poetic and romantic vibes.
You would find yourself singing along to the chorus unknowingly.
It was 诗情画意.
The mood was accentuated with a featured duo dance that Jennie shared with a male dancer, which made it seem like they were lovers dancing in the moonlight.
A great fit with the lyrics :
“I love you and me
Dancing in the moonlight
Nobody can see
It’s just you and me tonight”
When you are head over heels with each other during the “honeymoon” phase, you would be oblivious to your surroundings and everyone else. All you can see is your other half.
I prefer “You and Me” over “Solo” as it exudes pleasant, chillax and joyful vibes, just like how you would look forward to your dates.
This track was recorded around the same time as “Solo” some 4 years back, but it wasn’t part of the album.
We’re glad they decided to revisit this song and give it a chance to shine now.
Lifted Off the Ground by Rosé’s Sweet Nectar Vocal
Rosé did a 2-song medley for her solo.
Standing on the stage like a rock star with her hands on the mic stand, she started rocking to “Hard to Love”.
It infuses the elements of city-pop, 90s “rock and roll” and “edgy” pop, and disco.
Her vocal is strong, soothing and melodious, just like Ariel, the Little Mermaid.
“On The Ground” is our all-time favourite from Rosé. With its electropop, EDM music and meaningful lyrics, it remains an evergreen.
With Rosé penning the heartfelt lyrics, we get a glimpse into her inner world, about the magical, fulfilling moments, but also the emptiness and sacrifices, what she has lost in the pursuit for her dreams.
She was seeking for answers on what’s really important to her and finding her purpose in life. But at the end of the day, she realised that what she needed was all within her.
It’s something that we all can somehow relate to. Amidst all that hustle and bustle, busy chasing for a better life or your dreams, but you felt like losing a little piece of you every other day.
We love how she was doing all those slick and sassy dance moves too.
Lisa’s the Explosive Dynamite on Stage
As the saying goes, you “save the best for the last”. We can say so if it pertains to the heat of the night.
Lisa never disappoints. She slayed like a feisty, warrior princess.
Taking after her actual name, “Lalisa” was Lisa’s first debut solo single, which incorporates EDM, hip hop and some Thai Pop elements in the dance break.
The girl who loves dancing has made it on the world stage as “Lisa“. Look at how she has everyone chanting her real name too.
One would absolutely love her energy on stage, even if you aren’t a fan.
The dance intermission has Lisa doing an alluring pole dance, which she took great pains to master for the MV and concert tour.
BLINKS marveled in awe and cheered as Lisa maneuvered her seemingly effortless back hook and cross legged spins with her impressive core strength.
“Money” was da Bomb. It was an absolute sensation.
Lisa’s badass rendition of this hip hop track had the stadium in an outburst as she swayed with “dollar bills” fluttering all around her.
With Lisa’s star quality, rap skills, twisting, twerking and those punches that were so full of zest, she literally glittered and shimmered like GOLD in her furry and glittery gold costume.
Her solo performance was the most highly rated in the quartet. You could see viral videos streaming all over social media after the concert.
These songs weren’t particularly captivating when you hear them on the music platforms, but you totally understand why they were made for her when you watch her perform them LIVE.
We don’t always need meaningful lyrics to dance tunes. Sometimes all we people need is to let go of all that stress and release their penned up frustrations by grooving to the music.
Stage Costumes
One would anticipate the costumes that the girls would don at the respective stops of their concert tour.
There would be new outfits every few gigs which make them look so fabulous, though I wished they would wear the denim costumes which they had at their Seoul concerts too.
Favourite set for the SG leg would be their iconic pink costumes during the 1st segment and the one in the 4th segment where Jennie, Jisoo and Rose donned black dresses, while Lisa was in a long sleeved cropped top and red tights.
It felt like they were at a racing course whereby Lisa was a racer.
SG fans may rejoice if you noticed that the black and white boots these ladies worn, are from our local shoe brand – Charles and Keith.
Check them out before they run out of stock.
Sweet Gestures
When it comes to fan service, Lisa is the one that enchanted many, by not just acknowledging fans and their boards, but also interacted with them.
Even while she was busy performing on stage, she would take note of her surrounding fans at the mosh pit. Reading what’s on their signages, boards and reciprocating with hand signs, poses or mouthed a reply to them.
For instance, someone held a placard asking to be her “bangs” (fringe) and she said “Ok!”.
It doesn’t take much to make someone’s day. This is the type of interaction and engagement that fans would hope to see more at any concert.
Oh, this was also one of the rare times Lisa showed her pretty forehead.
The sweetest gesture was when a fan at the mosh pit signaled that they needed water, Lisa nodded her head and did an “okay” sign while she continued with her performance.
Subsequently, the security crew passed bottles of mineral water to the fans at that area.
Lisa had her fans’ well-being at heart, and meant what she promised.
Small Episodes
– While Jennie was wiping her perspiration during one of their MENTs, the tissue paper flew off her hand due to the strong wind. The same happened when the fan banner on Jisoo’s hands flew off and hit Jennie’s face.
It was a hilarious, yet worrying moment.
Luckily, there were no scratches on her face (like how she hurt her face previously) but she pretended to “bawl” and said “Jisoo hit me!” while the rest crowded round to “pacify” her.
– Main Vocalist Rosé was cued by Lisa to rap her part during “As If It’s Your Last”. She was caught unaware, but took it on readily. The shocked look on Rosé‘s face was epicly adorable.
– Jennie calling out fans again for using their cell phones to record their performances, instead of partying with them.
“But I must say, I’m seeing more cell phones than faces today. So, I don’t know if I like that. So for the last 2 songs, I want everyone to connect and interact with us, sing and dance and just party, okay?”
She mentioned the exact thing during their last tour too. This has been a long, withstanding issue at every concert, not just Blackpink’s.
It’s more apparent at the standing pens because they were on flat ground. Fans with banners, props and mobile phones up high would block those behind them.
In turn, these people might do the same and this cycle went on for those further behind could only see better through their own screens instead of peering through the sea of heads.
Concert goers have the liberty to snap moments that are meaningful to them, but should also try to enjoy most part of the concert by basking in the atmosphere.
Just be mindful to be more considerate to those behind you.
A little kindness, goes a long way.
How Much They Have Grown
Blackpink is so popular now that even kids in elementary school dance to their songs.
Regardless how successful you are, all artistes (especially girl groups) would have haters.
Many netizens have been demeaning Korean female artistes, ostracizing them based on looks, age and figure.
Blackpink has their fair share of hate from netizens too, especially Jennie and Lisa, but the girls have learnt to manage this better.
It extended to racism in Blackpink’s stance, since Lisa is the only non-korean based on ethnicity.
We have watched how far she has come and earned all that respect bit by bit, with every step along the way.
The tenacity and determination to do her best, against all odds. The best way to shut haters down, is through your action.
Being on China’s dance variety as a strict dance instructor, she takes her work and passion seriously. Unafraid to draw hate, because she just has to say it as it is.
People say they seem to be more like brand ambassadors and influencers than singers, but I must agree that this strategy worked.
It made them a worldwide phenomenon.
With their international presence + the ability to infiltrate into America’s market, they have become the biggest girl group in this era.
Their fluency in English aids to bridge the language barrier and makes it easier to assimilate into the western culture.
From being pushed out as the “prettier version” of 2NE1 by YG back in 2016 (when they disbanded 2NE1 without notice), to being brand ambassadors, to finally finding their footing now, it had been an uphill, but victorious climb.
Always felt that Lisa had the best stage presence, but it was as if the company and media purposely “dimmed” that aura when they first debuted.
Now, you can’t even hide that glow. Lisa literally shines.
Jennie is the first to break into Hollywood. She’s still the cool, icy princess, but we get less complaints about her “lazy” dancing.
Rosé has the best vocal and has maintained that standard on the world stage all these years. We love her sweet and graceful demeanor too.
Jisoo remains that 一股清流 that would soothe your nerves.
She’s debuted as an actress. There is always something suitable for everyone.
No rush, no fuss. The time will come.
Kallang Wave, Fan Projects, Dressing
The girls have a penchant for seeing the “Pink Wave” at their concerts and they requested the same in Singapore.
Sad to say, the Kallang Wave wasn’t that well coordinated and was a little lackluster on Day 1 , but probably better on Day 2.
Many fans were clad in black and pink, with hair braided in Jisoo and Jennie’s styles mostly.
Fanmade paper banners and signages were also distributed at the entrances.
There wasn’t any customisation of colours for the girls’ solo performances like in Manila too.
As for the Encore portion, most fans shouted “Encore” in the beginning. It gradually became a little spooky as BLINKS sang “Blackpink” (using “Shutdown”‘s opening tune), instead of shouting “Blackpink”.
It was indeed creative nonetheless.
Queue Sytem
We would like to thank the security and crew for their massive efforts to keep things orderly and eased the facilitation of the queues for a 50,000 strong crowd. It was no easy feat getting in or going home.
Despite efforts to put up barricades across the National Stadium and Indoor Stadium a week before the concert, there were still insanely snaking queues that didn’t move at the security checkpoint till it was close to 7 pm.
Security checks were supposed to start from 6 pm, so we aren’t too sure if they started the sound check late or some other issues cropped up.
Part of those at the standing pens were at Indoor Stadium and were relocated to National Stadium thereafter. This was thoughtful so that these fans do not need to withstand the unyielding heat for hours.
It was so squeezy at the pens that most fans felt rather uncomfortable.
Could Have Been Better
“Born Pink” is better on the overall as compared to “In Your Area”, but we can’t say so about the venue and mosh pit experience for many.
There were more slick dance moves, steadier vocals, and a sheer world class KPOP performance. They were in considerably high spirits and had an overall okay energy level.
However, the lack of interaction and engagement made it feel more like watching a short performance than an actual concert. More heartfelt exchanges or thoughts would be very much appreciated.
Many felt that if the girls had given the same energy level at Coachella, it would really have been so much more LIT.
Nonetheless, Lisa’s energy was the most infectious and her stage presence left the most impression. This young lady is a feisty badass on stage!
Word has it that their energy level was lower on Day 2, which could be due to the sweltering heat or being too tired from their hectic schedules.
The lack of the following elements still remain : short performance duration, lack of interaction and engagement.
Concert Duration
If you have been to previous concerts by YG artistes before (of Big Bang and 2NE1), you would not be surprised that Blackpink’s concert doesn’t span beyond 2 hours.
In fact, it was a mere 1 hour 50 mins with just 20 songs.They actually have enough songs on their list now to last 2.5 hours.
Perhaps, YG can consider being more generous when it comes to the playtime for their artistes’ gigs.
Banter and Engagement
Similar to the last tour, the gals didn’t really chat much and it was more on-the-surface type of banter.
It wouldn’t hurt but could draw fans nearer if they were given just a few minutes each to speak.
They probably had more heartfelt words in 2019, when they spoke about their experience visiting SG as tourists in their younger days.
It was more of expressing about how happy they are to be back after 4 years at a bigger venue, how hot the weather was (it was extremely hot) just like in Thailand, and reminding fans to stay hydrated.
There wasn’t something that was more in depth about their 心路历程 these 4 years, etc. It felt like merely going through the motion.
While they waved and responded to some fans at the pens, the only “engagement” as a whole was requesting for the pink wave across the stadium.
Although the sheer presence of the gals on stage would draw cheers, more fan interaction and engagement would have made the concert experience more heartfelt.
VCR
There wasn’t any connection between the intermission VCRs to the concert theme. What we had were VCRs of the girls looking gorgeous just like in commercial ads.
It would be great if they played videos of the girls saying some heartfelt words or like the previous round, whereby fans worldwide spoke of their love for Blackpink.
Well, you don’t expect reflective moments in YG concerts. Just like you wouldn’t expect anything except to party hard when you go clubbing, and you don’t recall much the next day.
While the short concert duration could build up the hype, it wasn’t long enough to allow concert goers to sustain that moment of bliss after 4 years of wait and long hours queuing up.
Rosé’s sweet closure to the 1st day’s gig warmed many hearts:
We want you guys to know that we are really, really grateful for meeting everyone of you, for loving our music and supporting us.
Blackpink loves Singapore.”
With that, the Pink Puff Girls disappeared down the stage while throngs of pink confetti were scattered all over and BLINKs taking remembrance photos before leaving.
These girls are definitely capable of more.
They did not just sweep the world by storm when they debuted. They are still bringing hurricanes and tsunamis wherever they go now, conquering more parts of the world.
We sincerely hope that YG be reminded they should not derail too far and dedicate more time to the girls’ music.
May these lasses maintain their zestful vigour, exuberance and positivity while scaling greater heights.
May we all stay forever young at heart.
To revisit memories from Blackpink “In Your Area” SG, pls visit:
https://www.livevizlife.com/blackpink-in-your-area-singapore/
Blackpink “In Your Area” Singapore:
https://www.livevizlife.com/blackpink-in-your-area-singapore/