BLACKPINK has reached a major turning point in their career. After nearly ten years at the top, attention is now shifting from packed stadiums to contract talks behind the scenes. The group will wrap up its massive “Deadline World Tour” in Hong Kong on January 26, and will soon begin discussions with YG Entertainment about their future.
A reputable local media outlet, Korea Herald, reported that MONSTA X, BLACKPINK, and SEVENTEEN will hold talks with their respective agencies for contract renewal this year.
These talks could decide what’s next for BLACKPINK. Even as one of K-pop’s biggest groups, they have had fewer group releases and haven’t received the same level of support from their agency that HYBE gives BTS.
With the members focusing more on their solo careers, fans are now wondering if BLACKPINK might disband instead of renewing their contract.
The contracts under discussion are not ordinary idol agreements. If both parties come to term, this will be the second extension after the landmark renewal in 2023, when BLACKPINK rewrote the rules.
At that time, the group renewed contracts with YG only for group activities. This covered music releases, tours, and promotions as BLACKPINK. However, none of the four members renewed their individual contracts. Instead, they chose to manage solo work through their own companies.
The deal was reported to last about three years, which places the next renewal window in 2026. When the agreement was announced, YG Entertainment’s stock rose more than 25 percent, which shows just how valuable BLACKPINK is to the company.
Since that renewal, the group has followed a clear timeline. In late 2023, the members officially began operating independently for solo activities. Over 2024 and 2025, each member built her own label and brand. Jennie launched ODD ATELIER, Jisoo founded Blissoo, Lisa established LLOUD, and Rosé signed with THEBLACKLABEL. During this time, they focused on solo music, acting, fashion, and global endorsements, while group activities were mostly paused.
The group reunited in mid-2025. In July, BLACKPINK released the single “JUMP” and launched the “Deadline World Tour.” The tour ends in Hong Kong later this month, and the group is set to release its third mini-album, “DEADLINE,” on February 27, 2026. Formal contract talks with YG are expected to begin in the second half of the year.
After the album release, members Jennie, Jisoo, Lisa, and Rosé will release solo music. Jisoo and Jennie have already confirmed solo comebacks this year.
This round of negotiations will be very different from the last one. The members now have years of proven success, support from international labels, and full control over their solo careers. This gives them significant leverage. One key question is whether YG still offers enough value for group projects compared to the freedom of complete independence.
The company’s financial health is closely tied to BLACKPINK. Its stock price often rises or falls based on news about the group. A renewed deal would bring stability to investors, which strengthens BLACKPINK’s position at the negotiating table.
Creative control will likely be another major issue. The members have spoken openly about wanting more music and a better balance between group and solo schedules. Any new agreement would need to address how often the group releases music and how profits are shared, especially since solo work is now managed outside YG.
The members themselves have consistently reassured fans. In August 2024, Lisa said in an interview with Elle group would continue and made it clear that the decision was for both the fans and themselves.
She also explained, “We still want to accomplish more… But on the other side, we also wanted to do something for our solo careers.”
In an Interview with Billboard, Jennie shared that she missed the members, saying, “Everyone took their own journey (during) this time, and I’m excited to share that with the girls.” Rosé has also spoken about sharing her solo music with the others.
Several outcomes are possible. BLACKPINK could renew their group contract with YG under improved terms, including more control and higher profit shares.
Another option is a looser partnership, where YG handles distribution and promotion while the members jointly own the BLACKPINK brand. The most dramatic option would be full independence. This means the group will be managing everything through a combined structure of their own companies, though this is considered less likely.
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