Netflix’s first ever K-pop documentary will see its premiere today, starring one of the top-charting female acts of the industry, Blackpink.
Directed by Caroline Suh, the Netflix original strikes a fine balance between sit-down interviews, behind-the-scenes exclusives as well as their soul-stirring debut story.
Some of the people closest to the quartet — like producer Teddy Park and make-up artist Lee Myeong-Seon — made candid features in the 80-minute documentary.
The film recounts their experience during their [In Your Area] world tour. Captures intimate moments right from their production studio. And tells the story of the girls prior to their debut.
At one point, the film was deliberately segmented to give spotlight on the individual members: Jennie, Lisa, Jisoo and Rosé.
Korea-born Jennie Kim lived in New Zealand with her mother. But her subsequent reluctance to relocate to America gave rise to the thought of becoming a singer. “I don’t know where it came from,” she shyly admitted.
Then came Thailand-born Lalisa Manoban, now known globally as Lisa. Jennie, too, recognises that she’s a born celebrity. “As soon as Lisa came in, that’s when I thought that there are people born to do this,” she said.
Her sentiments were evidently shared by most, if not the whole of Thailand. Their back-to-back three day show in her hometown, Bangkok, was a complete sell-out.
Their world tour experiences, along with the glitz and glamour, were also documented in the film. But their dilemma between loving what they do, as well as having to face the loneliness and emptiness they feel after each show, was also openly presented to viewers.
“I didn’t feel like I have any personal life, and basically what I’m living for is for tomorrow’s show,” says Rosé. But it’s that kept that kept all of them going.
And that’s the BLACKPINK spirit to date, which allowed them to check off many milestones. Perform at Coachella 2019, check. Fastest debut music video to hit 100 million views on YouTube, check. Collaborate with icons such as Lady Gaga and Cardi B, check.
With so much under their belt, much awaits, as to what the quartet can bring to the table in due time.
