Lisa, the Thai-born member of the global K-pop phenomenon Blackpink, has officially kicked off a new chapter in her solo career with the release of her single "Rockstar." The track has quickly become a global hit, and in the United Kingdom, its immediate success has enabled Lisa to break a historic tie with her fellow Blackpink bandmate Jennie. This milestone underscores the continuing rise of K-pop solo acts on international charts.
"Rockstar" debuts at No. 49 on the U.K. songs chart this week, giving Lisa her third solo entry on the ranking of the most-consumed tracks in the nation. Prior to this, Lisa and Jennie were tied for the record of the most hits on the tally among solo female stars primarily known for their work in the K-pop space. Now, Lisa stands alone at the top with three entries, while Jennie remains at two. The other two Blackpink members, Jisoo and Rosé, have each landed one solo hit on the U.K. chart so far, and Blackpink as a group has pushed ten songs onto the list, cementing their status as one of the most successful South Korean acts in U.K. history.
Lisa's Solo Journey on the U.K. Chart
Lisa first reached the U.K. songs chart in September 2021 with her debut solo single "Lalisa." Named after herself, the track entered at No. 68 and spent just one week on the tally. A month later, she returned with "Money," which became a much longer-lasting hit. "Money" debuted and eventually peaked at No. 46, spending a total of eight weeks on the U.K. chart. The song also performed strongly on streaming platforms worldwide, becoming one of Lisa's most recognizable solo releases.
Now, with "Rockstar," Lisa adds a third hit, and the new single arrives with significant buzz. The song showcases her signature blend of rap, dance, and pop, and its music video amassed millions of views within hours of release. The track's debut at No. 49 is impressive given the competitive nature of the U.K. singles chart, which is dominated by British and American artists, as well as global pop hits.
Jennie's U.K. Chart Achievements
Jennie, the first Blackpink member to debut as a soloist back in 2018 with "Solo," has also made her mark on the U.K. chart, albeit with slightly different timing. Her first solo entry came in 2023 with "You & Me," a song that debuted at No. 39 and spent just one week on the chart. Later that year, she collaborated with The Weeknd and Lily-Rose Depp on "One of the Girls" for the HBO series The Idol. That track became a global smash, climbing to No. 21 on the U.K. songs chart and racking up 17 weeks on the list—far longer than any other Blackpink solo entry at the time.
Jennie's two hits set a high bar, but Lisa's third entry now gives her the edge. However, the competition among Blackpink members is friendly, and all four have expressed support for each other's solo endeavors. The group's collective success on the U.K. chart includes ten entries as a group, with songs like "Ddu-Du Ddu-Du," "Kill This Love," and "How You Like That" reaching the top 40.
Historical Context: K-pop Soloists in the U.K.
The U.K. singles chart has historically been dominated by Western artists, but K-pop has made significant inroads over the past decade. BTS, of course, leads the way with multiple top 10 hits, but Blackpink and its members have also built a strong presence. Among female K-pop soloists, the chart has seen entries from artists like CL (formerly of 2NE1), Sunmi, and HyunA, but none have achieved more than one or two hits. Lisa's three entries now place her ahead of all other female K-pop soloists, including her bandmates.
This milestone reflects not only Lisa's individual popularity but also the growing global appetite for K-pop and its various sub-genres. The U.K. is a particularly important market for music because of its influence on global trends and its status as a hub for music journalism and radio. Chart success in the U.K. often translates into increased streaming numbers and concert ticket sales worldwide.
Broader Implications for Blackpink's Solo Careers
The solo activities of Blackpink members have been a major topic of discussion since the group's contract renewals in late 2023. While all four members remain part of Blackpink and continue to release group music under YG Entertainment, they have also signed separate contracts with other labels for solo projects. Lisa launched her own management company, LLOUD, and has been releasing music independently. Jennie founded Odd Atelier and has been working on solo releases as well. Jisoo and Rosé have also pursued solo paths, with Jisoo releasing the single "Flower" (which charted in the U.K. for one week at No. 38) and Rosé's solo debut "On The Ground" becoming a hit globally, though it did not chart on the U.K. singles chart.
The competition for chart positions among the members is a healthy driver of creativity and fan engagement. BLINKs (Blackpink fans) often rally behind each member's solo releases, leading to strong streaming numbers and chart performances. Lisa's new record might spur Jennie and the others to release more music, potentially leading to further milestones.
Beyond the U.K., Lisa's "Rockstar" has been performing well on other international charts. In the United States, the song debuted at a career-high position for Lisa, marking her biggest hit yet in America. The track also topped charts in several Southeast Asian countries and entered the top 10 in many others. This global success is a testament to Lisa's star power and the dedicated fanbase that supports her.
The journey of Blackpink members as solo artists is still in its early stages, but the competition for chart records adds an exciting narrative to their careers. Lisa's breaking of the tie with Jennie is just one chapter in a story that will likely see many more achievements. As each member explores their musical identity, fans can expect more records to be broken, more chart milestones to be reached, and more opportunities for the women of Blackpink to shine individually while continuing to dominate together as a group.
The U.K. singles chart, which has long been a benchmark for global pop success, now features three hits from Lisa and two from Jennie, with Jisoo and Rosé also having made their mark. The future looks bright for all four artists, and music fans around the world will be watching to see who next climbs the ranks of the U.K. chart.
Source: Forbes News