After three years, BLACKPINK have finally returned with their new EP DEADLINE.

While the members have been doing solo activities, this album is the first group release in some time. After the release of “JUMP,” it took some time for BLACKPINK to finally start teasing the album when the date was announced, but the concept images were sexy, bold, and raised excitement.

However, the comeback has been riddled with controversy.

Starting with the constant change in timelines, with the album release being delayed, to the songs being leaked online, and anger about the group working with problematic artists, a lot of fans have had mixed feelings about the release. After waiting so long for a new release, a mini album felt like a disappointment, and the actual songs don’t do much to quell that.

“JUMP” was released back in 2025, and it was surprising to see that one of the few tracks from the song was one already released. It was definitely a different genre than what fans had heard in the past, whether it was a group or solo release, and was definitely out of the usual K-Pop realm, seeming more at home in a club. Aside from the few lines of Korean, it could have passed for a Western song, which emphasises the members’ artistic evolution. Compared to past videos, it was also unique, using brighter colours for the members’ outfits and a set on a huge scale.

Following the pre-release, the lead song “GO” also seemed better suited to the Western music industry than to K-Pop. Given the lack of Korean and the fact that the whole song is in English, the overall feel is more R&B than some of the group’s previous songs. The members’ vocals and the rap sections blend well and have a lot of power and emotion. Yet the long instrumental, used three times as a chorus, is definitely going to be a hit-or-miss. Luckily, Lisa and Jennie’s raps for the first appearance and vocals for the second time blend the sections of the song together. Sadly, this is not felt when used for the final time and would definitely not be missed. The ending also feels like something else should be there, rather than ending on chanting.

Sadly, aside from the use of AI, the music video also felt underwhelming, focusing mainly on solo shots of the members, which took away from the group vibe BLACKPINK debuted with. While the visuals of the sets and the members were gorgeous and bold, it would have been nicer to see the members together more, as well as the choreography teased during the concerts.

The lyrics of” Me and my” seem corny, and the flow, while the musical melody follows a trend seemingly seen by artists at YG, feels wrong for BLACKPINK, a group known for releasing great and meaningful songs. Although the heavy rap is better suited to Lisa and Jennie, Rosé and Jisoo can barely be heard, and on first listen, it’s almost impossible to remember if they had any lines, which is disappointing, as both have voices suited to many genres. Also, upon listening, the lyrics seem very misogynistic, including the line,  “You know, that’s my girl/ When I call her bitch, it’s a compliment.” It doesn’t seem to fit the image and influence BLACKPINK has, especially with female fans.

“Champion” worryingly starts off with the same rap intro, but luckily quickly moves to Rosé’s stunning vocals, which contrast the heavy beat of the melody. The chanting chorus is extremely catchy, and while some might think it’s corny, it is actually refreshing and perfectly blends with Lisa’s following rap, which then sees Jisoo showcase her unique vocal tone. It might be hit-or-miss with listeners, but “Champion” feels more like the classic BLACKPINK debut tracks, blending genres while staying easy on the ears. Despite the name, “Fxxxboy” also starts more melodically and with Rosé’s voice. Allowing each member to sing in a ballad-type song properly is refreshing for the album. Even Lisa’s rap is softer and contrasts with the harsher tones that the idol used in the other songs.

The album is definitely a tale of two halves.

Some songs feel off the mark and too noisy for the group, but beautiful vocals balance it out in the final two songs. Yet, it’s hard not to feel disappointed after waiting so long for a BLACKPINK group release. While it’s understandable that the album is more driven by Western standards, it is sad to see BLACKPINK moving away from its Korean roots, with only one song featuring any Korean, and it’s only a few lines.

BLACKPINK is on X. You can listen to “DEADLINE” here.