Every KPop group has a set of positions – main and lead vocalists, rappers, and dancers, center of the group, visual or face of the group, and of course, leader – but YG Entertainment’s BLACKPINK is quite unconventional. That is, since their debut in 2016, they have none.
While it’s clear that Jisoo and Rosé are the team’s vocalists, rappers Lisa and Jennie are quite flexible as they also do equal vocal parts in songs. Usually in groups, rappers are distinctly only given rap lines in a song. As for dancing, they are all considered good dancers, but Lisa stands out as the main dancer, which is probably the only position that has a clear, irrefutable owner. The center and face of the group have always been debated by fans because every single one of them could actually nail it. For starters, all of the girls are luxury brand ambassadors – Jisoo for Dior, Jennie for Chanel, Rosé for Yves Saint Laurent, and Lisa for Celine. They also endorse a lot of other products and are now the biggest faces of the KPop Girl Group in global markets.
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In fact, they were one of the first few groups to have this kind of setup – after JYJ (a trio that formed after the disbandment of TVXQ) and MissA (now-defunct girl group from JYP). And now, new groups debuting are also following the same blueprint.
Many are curious as to how this works because even in groups with no set positions, there are still leaders. The main reason behind this is that leaders are essential in bridging the group with the company and vice versa. They relay concerns as well as feedback and help navigate important decisions of the group and for the group.
When asked about this in Knowing Brothers, a South Korean variety show also known as Men on a Mission or Ask Us Anything, Lisa explained that the reason behind this is that all four members of the group are good in different things and they all possess certain leadership qualities.
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In another interview, the group shared that they spent so many years training together and have become good friends which was why they decided not to appoint a leader. And since they are also close in (Korean) age – Jisoo, 29; Jennie, 28; Rosé, 27; and Lisa, 26 – it makes even more sense. And whenever they needed guidance, they often look up to the oldest (their unnie 언니) Jisoo. If you watch videos of them, you’d see how strong Jisoo is and how she holds all four of them together.
So if anyone’s gonna ask if BLACKPINK has a leader, the answer is none. But if the question says unofficial, then Jisoo is the answer.