Everyone has their role within a K-Pop group—a very specific part to play. And whether you’re the main rapper, lead vocalist, center, visual, or main dancer, all of them are important. These different roles contribute to the overall success of the group, heighten performance experiences, and strengthen their relationship with the fans. But while all of them are vital, there might be one specific position that tops them all—and it’s that of the leader.
What does being the “leader” mean in K-pop?
Most K-Pop groups have a leader, and their importance should not be underestimated. The leader isn’t just the one who most often gets handed the mic in interviews or the one who makes the speeches at award ceremonies. Leaders are often the voices of their groups to their respective companies, sometimes making decisions that concern their schedules and their comebacks or issuing complaints. Leaders have an undeniable hand in shaping their group and its dynamics—as well as the all-important parasocial relationship with the group’s fanbase and the general public.
Some leaders are put in their position by the company in the very early stages of the group’s genesis. Think Red Velvet’s Irene, for example, or arguably also BTS’ RM—since the group was literally folded around him. Other leaders are voted in by the members once the group’s final lineup has been decided—TWICE’s Jihyo is a famous example of this democracy in action.
But of course, K-pop is a varied industry—meaning that while trends are hugely common, they do not (and probably will never) apply to all groups. And this is where BLACKPINK come in—because they unexpectedly do not have a leader.
Why this is unique
There are a couple of reasons why BLACKPINK has gone this route, but first, here’s why it’s so unusual. First, BLACKPINK is firmly a 3rd generation K-pop group, where structures were not as fluid as they are now in the current 4th generation—where we see a lot more groups forgoing the “traditional” positions and switching up trends that were thought pretty unshakable in the industry as a whole.
Second, BLACKPINK’s eldest label mates, 2NE1, whom they were arguably modeled after, had a leader—and a very popular one as well, since we’re talking about CL, one of the most influential female rappers in the K-Pop scene. And yet, when BLACKPINK released their dual debut singles “BOOMBAYAH” and “WHISTLE” in 2016, it was announced that none of the four girls would pick up the leader position.
The members’ strengths help them divide and conquer
That is, of course, not to say that no one speaks during interviews, or makes speeches at awards shows, or cheers up the members when they need support. As Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé and Lisa have explained multiple times, each of them is good at something different and so each of them is in charge of something different.
Rosé is the native English speaker of the group—since she was born in New Zealand and raised in Melbourne, Australia—so she will most often take the lead during English interviews. Then there’s Jennie, the center and face of the group. BLACKPINK is immediately associated with Jennie—she’s the most recognizable. Lisa is the maknae, the youngest member—the one who makes mischief and is cuddled by all the other girls. Jisoo, on the other hand, will more often than not act as the silent support whenever members feel down or are nervous before a big performance.
Of course, Jisoo is also the oldest in BLACKPINK—and that definitely means something important in South Korean culture. Acting as the “mom friend” is kind of what is expected of her—which might also answer the question of “who would BLACKPINK’s leader be if they had one?.” Jisoo would definitely be a good candidate since, by virtue of being the eldest unnie, she already takes on some traditional leader responsibilities.
All and all, the bottom line is—BLACKPINK does not have an official leader, and it is very unlikely to suddenly get one after almost seven years of activity, but that doesn’t mean all of the women don’t have important roles to play. And sharing the responsibility seems to work for them just fine.
(featured image: YG Entertainment)
