After a series of scattered rumors, YG still only announced that they are continuing to negotiate, no decision has been made. YG’s latest statement on November 14 is an update on BlackPink’s contract extension after two months. Therefore, fans are even more curious about the group’s future activities.

YG said BlackPink’s contract will be announced soon.

A notable revelation amid the noise, Jennie was discovered to have applied to register the trademark “Jennie Ruby Jane” with the Korean Intellectual Property Agency in January this year. Trademarks are registered in ten different categories, such as services, fashion, cosmetics… marking an important step forward in protecting intellectual property rights.

The filing of the trademark application shows Jennie’s intention to protect her name in many future business activities. Many people believe that Jennie has a foresight and clearly shows her intention not to depend on YG.

Why did YG delay the contract announcement?

After 7 years, BlackPink has built a solid foothold in Korean showbiz, becoming a global girl group with a large fan base. Each member has achieved certain successes in music, especially fashion. Not everyone wants to continue sticking with the old company but wants to be independent in their artistic activities and conquer higher goals.

Jennie’s filming in the Hollywood movie – The Idol and Lisa’s performance at the Crazy Horse strip bar have shown BlackPink members’ ambition to reach the European and American markets. In addition, Jisoo has confirmed her participation in many future film projects. YG wants to continue accompanying and connecting the members as a complete group, which is not easy.

To renew a contract with a famous artist, management companies usually have to spend a large amount of money to receive the other party’s consent. In September 2023, BTS continued their 5-year contract with HYBE. Daol Investment & Securities estimates that the upfront payment for BTS’s exclusive contract was more than 21 billion won ($15.6 million) per member.

Besides the cost issue, many people believe that YG and the four members of BlackPink have not yet reached a consensus on artistic activities, leading to the extension of the contract.

Many viewers believe that YG failed to renew the contract with BlackPink, deliberately delaying it to wait for Baby Monster to debut.

Many people feel that the company is hesitating to reveal the results of months-long negotiations, waiting for their new girl group to debut – Baby Monster – the group that is said to be an alternative. BlackPink.

“They just waited until Baby Monster came out… Who here really thought they had reached a compromise? It’s ridiculous”, “The way YG handles business is definitely unique”, “I just wish they would get rid of the stripper (referring to Lisa – Reporter)”, “I bet they just hope wait until Baby Monster comes out”, “I think YG failed in negotiations. They don’t want the stock price to drop before Baby Monster comes out”, “This really takes a long time. Will this end this year?”, “I have a feeling they continue to push the announcement because it can’t be renewed”, “I think group activities with YG are extended, but as for individual activities, “Humanity, they will go their separate ways”… the audience’s speculations were made.