K-pop girl group Blackpink might have taken a lengthy break between releases, but they're still one of the world's most in-demand bands. So news that they plan to release a full-length album in September will surely be met with much excitement among fans.
It was announced on Monday, May 18 by the band's Korean label, YG Entertainment, that more than 10 songs have been recorded in order to create the group's first full-length album.
A single is on its way next month, while a second song will be released in July or August, as a prelude to the album drop in the autumn.
“As we’ve prepared for this album for a long time, we will release contents in three different terms so that the group will get opportunities to visit the fans with more contents and performances," the label said.
This model might be normal for many mainstream groups in other parts of the world, but in the business of K-pop, it's actually quite unusual. Then again, as are the lengthy breaks between releases that Blackpink are known for.
This is the first release from the group in one year and two months, a matter that has been irking fans the world over.
Despite that, the band has racked up some remarkable achievements since they released their debut in 2016.
That includes a record for most number ones from a female K-pop group on Billboard's World Digital Song Sales chart, as well as the only K-pop group with a video that has more than one billion views on YouTube. That was for the 2018 song Ddu-Du Ddu-Du (see video above), which went platinum.
Manchester City (0) v Liverpool (3)
Uefa Champions League, quarter-final, second leg
Where: Etihad Stadium
When: Tuesday, 10.45pm
Live on beIN Sports HD
Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction
Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.
Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.
Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.
Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.
Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.
What are the guidelines?
Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.
Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.
Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.
Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.
Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.
Source: American Paediatric Association
Electoral College Victory
Trump has so far secured 295 Electoral College votes, according to the Associated Press, exceeding the 270 needed to win. Only Nevada and Arizona remain to be called, and both swing states are leaning Republican. Trump swept all five remaining swing states, North Carolina, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin, sealing his path to victory and giving him a strong mandate.
Popular Vote Tally
The count is ongoing, but Trump currently leads with nearly 51 per cent of the popular vote to Harris’s 47.6 per cent. Trump has over 72.2 million votes, while Harris trails with approximately 67.4 million.
