Thoughts on Jisoo’s role in Blackpink

On reddit I was responding to a number of Jisoo bias’ comments related to “Deadline”. Some examples:

“Can’t hear Jisoo much on this minialbum :(“

“Queen mistreated once again 💔”

“Jisoo’s lines… under one minute across five songs?? She barely feels like a member, more like a featured artist. Blackpink ft. Jisoo.”

“he disrespect to jisoo is HUGE. barely any lines..”

Jisoo is both my group bias and my ultimate bias so I obviously have thoughts on this, and here they are (and what I responded):

I think there is a different way to think about it.

I too am upset when Jisoo is overlooked but it’s by other parties, not YG.

For example, in the People article about the new album where they mention the other three solo albums but not Jisoo’s (as if it doesn’t count because it’s not a full album or because they don’t know about – either way not ok). (The whole People article is not well done but the Jisoo omission there particular annoyed me.)

And there have been many examples of this towards Jisoo particular in Western media, which also gets really “blind” when the people speak less English.

(The Western sports media almost completely ignored the Japan team in the last Women’s World Cup and they were easily one of the best teams there.)

In Blackpink however I think you have to think of Jisoo as you would if you were the ones blending the different elements into a song.

Obviously you use Lisa for things like “Me and my” and if not her then Jennie. This is fitting. Then you Rosé and Jisoo in key places there as a contrast – and for some us as a musical relief as rap isn’t our go to mode.

And a song like “Fucktoy” is built for Rosé. HOWEVER, and this is a big HOWEVER: the part of the song that is the killer lyric and the titular lyric and is Jisoo and switching to her vocal tone and power there IS what elevates it then.

Jisoo’s role in Blackpink vocally is always this elevation of the sonic quality at key points. She does this on “Deadline” especially on Jump, Go, and Fuckboy, because it works better there.

This has always been Jisoo’s role and the parts of the song where she comes ALWAYS are elevated in this way.

It isn’t a contest and quantity doesn’t matter; what matters is using this power in the RIGHT places EFFECTIVELY to utilize her specialties to elevate the whole.

Jisoo’s solo albums are songs that fit her vocal strengths throughout. Blackpink songs are songs that switch in nature throughout and draw on the different strengths of each member, so when a members strength works it works in these contexts.

Another point I would make is that JISOO doesn’t seem bothered by this, she never even has indicated a hint of this. Yes I recognize it’s not in her nature but I mean she’s had a DECADE to express even the slightest complaint about this and there has been none.

I love Jisoo AND I also love her role as the one who cuts in at keys times and elevates the songs. I have never thought to complain about it; I like the group dynamic as it is, it’s one of the best in music.

Historically there have been huge bands that have members that barely tolerate each other (Van Halen. Journey. The Police. Et cet) Even now I bet you can name KPOP groups where the chemistry between certain members is sort of iffy, and you can tell.

The chemistry between all four Blackpink members and ESPECIALLY Jisoo towards the other three comes across as nothing but positive. So I don’t think SHE is upset, I don’t think any of them are about their roles in Blackpink.

And their solo endeavors relieve whatever creative tension could start to build even more.

Those are my thoughts on it.

– Eric John, CEO, Erotique Entertainment