Blackpink, the sensational four-member K-pop act, is set to perform in Hong Kong, a move that signifies K-pop's revival in the post-Covid era. The group, consisting of Jennie, Rosé, Lisa, and Jisoo, debuted in 2016 and has quickly become one of South Korea's biggest pop acts. As travel restrictions ease, fans from mainland China, known as Blinks, eagerly anticipate the concert. This event highlights Blackpink's role in pushing K-pop toward a new stage of globalisation.
The concert in Hong Kong is particularly significant as normal travel resumed on January 8. This allows Blinks from mainland China to attend and experience the group's electrifying performance. Blackpink's return to the stage not only delights fans but also marks a pivotal moment for K-pop's transition into the post-Covid world. The group's music and performances have gained a substantial following in China and other parts of Asia, underscoring their influence and popularity.
Historically, K-pop has had a profound impact on Chinese audiences. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between South Korea and China in 1992, groups like H.O.T. and NRG became popular among young Chinese. This cultural exchange deepened when China's state broadcaster CCTV aired the South Korean television drama "What is Love" in 1997. However, K-culture faced challenges when it became a target of "social purification" campaigns in China following South Korea's deployment of the US-made anti-missile weapon system THAAD in 2016.
Moreover, Beijing's strict zero-Covid policy further restricted the expansion of K-pop in the Chinese market. Despite these hurdles, Blackpink's success has empowered young people and boosted multiculturalism, becoming a key part of K-pop's globalisation. Their return to the stage after the pandemic is a significant event in the industry, symbolizing resilience and progress.
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