[Review] BLACKPINK’s ‘Born Pink’ in London
As BLACKPINK’s year long world tour, Born Pink, draws to a close, ending with a final performance in Seoul on the 17th of September, we reminisce some of the show-stopping highlights from their concert in London back in December 2022.
BLACKPINK take a photo with LA fans to end their US leg of the Born Pink tour. Image: BLACKPINK Official Twitter.
BLACKPINK, the most popular Korean girl band in the world right now, where even in a small town in the north west of England, I spotted a young fan proudly wearing the t-shirt with the band’s ubiquitous logo. Jennie, Jisoo, Lisa and Rosé make up the four piece group, and have enjoyed worldwide success since their debut in 2016.
Their Born Pink World Tour commenced in Seoul on October 15, 2022 and will conclude in the same city on September 17, 2023. During their almost year long tour, they visited 5 continents —spreading their infectious energy and songs for 66 dates along the way. As their final few remaining tour dates looms, I’m reminded of my personal experience at the O2 back in December, 2022.
Even before the concert started, the outer dome was lit with a brilliant pink hue to signal that BLACKPINK were ‘in our area’. It added to the excitement and anticipation of the show stopping performance that we would be experiencing in only a few hours time.
BLACKPINK held an unforgettable show in London back in December 2022. Image: Kathy Yeung.
This was my first ever K-pop concert and I had no idea what to expect. The lack of warm-up act, common for western performers, surprised me, as well as the up-keep of a tight schedule and constant energy throughout the show. The audience was a total cross section of demographics which highlights the universal appeal for BLACKPINK and also K-pop as a whole. I’ve often made the comment that K-pop is like any other type of pop music (albeit with it’s own uniqueness that sets it apart from other countries in many ways) and it should be no surprise that the songs can break language barriers. If the music is good, then it shouldn’t matter.
We waited in our seats along with 20,000 other fans, surrounded by pink heart shaped light sticks, the group’s music videos playing on the big screen until the arena lights dimmed and the four familiar silhouettes emerged on the stage. The screams filled the air and the group and the audience all sing in unison; “BLACKPINK in your area.” This is what we’ve all missed the last few years; the shared experience of live music in real-life.
The set list was split into four acts: the first two sets contained the hits and kept the party mood throughout. The impressive sustained energy and the spot on choreography was a delight. I really enjoyed the group’s small interaction with each other, just the smallest of knowing smiles and a the occasional winks. It helps to know that the group’s relationship is as close and intimate as it’s portrayed.
The third set showcased the solo works of the individual members. Each member had their own aura and spirit that mirrored their solo tracks. Rosié and Jisoo had a more serene and melodic set which matched their vocal performance, whilst Jennie and Lisa had a much more upbeat mood to feature their tracks.
The stadium is illuminated in pink for the arrival of Blackpink. Image: Kathy Yeung.
There a was, however, a small interruption to the concert, with a safety concern on the standing floor area, which in the weeks following the tragedy in Itaewon, it felt appropriate that it was highlighted and managed.
The concerted ended with ‘As If It’s Your Last’ —again with everyone singing and enjoying the final moments together. We all left the venue with the biggest smile and grateful for the shared experience.
Since my first encounter with BLACKPINK they continue to add to their list of achievements by being the first K-Pop act to headline Coachella in April to the BST Hyde Park concert in July both during 2023. What will this star-studded quartet do next?
Edited by Abby White.
