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Forever Young (Blackpink song)

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"Forever Young"
Song by Blackpink
from the EP Square Up
ReleasedJune 15, 2018 (2018-06-15)
Recorded2015
Genre
Length3:59
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
  • Teddy
  • Future Bounce
Dance practice video
"Forever Young" on YouTube

"Forever Young" is a song recorded by South Korean girl group Blackpink. It serves as the second track from the group's first Korean extended play Square Up, released on June 15, 2018. It was written and produced by Teddy and Future Bounce, and originally recorded in 2015. A Japanese version of the song was included in the group's first Japanese compilation album, Blackpink in Your Area (2018).

"Forever Young" experienced commercial success despite not being released as a single, where it peaked at number two on the Gaon Digital Chart in South Korea. It sold over 2.5 million digital downloads and became the group's second song to receive a platinum certification from the Korea Music Content Association (KMCA). In Japan, it peaked at number 36 on the Japan Hot 100 and was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ) for surpassing 50 million streams in the country. It additionally reached the top five in Malaysia and Singapore.

Background and development

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YG Entertainment's headquarters
Prior to Blackpink's debut, the members were heard singing the song from outside of YG's building in November 2015.

Blackpink began the recording process for "Forever Young" a year prior to their official debut in 2016. An Instagram video from November 15, 2015, resurfaced following the official release of the song, capturing the group members singing a portion of the then-unreleased track from outside of YG Entertainment's headquarters in Seoul. The person recording originally believed that it was an upcoming song by 2NE1, the agency's only girl group at the time, but expressed doubt as the voices of the singers were different from the members of the group.[1] It was later observed in 2018 that Blackpink members Rosé and Lisa were singing their lines from the first verse.[2]

"Forever Young" was written and produced by Teddy and Future Bounce, and runs for three minutes and fifty-nine seconds.[3] Tamar Herman of Billboard characterized "Forever Young" as a song with a "beachy" vibe rooted in moombahton, where the members proclaim "Blackpink is the revolution" in the lyrics. She also highlighted the inclusion of English-language swear words in the song, which she regarded as an uncommon occurrence in songs by K-pop girl groups.[4] Chase McMullen from The 405 noted the track's influences from reggaeton and balaeric beat.[5] A Japanese-language version of "Forever Young" was included in the group's first compilation album release in Japan, titled Blackpink in Your Area, which was first made available through YGEX on November 23, 2018.[6]

Critical reception

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"Forever Young" was met with generally positive reviews from music critics. Chase McMullen from The 405 wrote that although "YG has been holding on to the song for years", "it hardly matters when the groove kicks in" and deemed it the best track from Square Up.[5] Tone Glow placed it at number 11 on their list of the top 50 Korean songs of 2018, noting that "Forever Young" triumphs due to its "vibrant energy", despite its "straightfoward" composition.[7] In 2019, Rhian Daily from NME ranked it as the group's third-best track, commenting that the group embraced the moombahton genre with laser-like house beats and reggaeton rhythms to create a "vibrant and colourful foundation" for a song that celebrates youth.[8] Conversely, Palmer Haasch from Insider felt that while the song is catchy, it lacked a certain connection, resulting in an "ending that was not as satisfying as it could have been."[9]

At year-end award shows, "Forever Young" received a nomination for Artist of the Year – Digital Music (June) at the 8th Gaon Chart Music Awards alongside Square Up's lead single "Ddu-Du Ddu-Du",[10] with the latter winning the award.[11]

Commercial performance

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The song was commercially successful in South Korea upon the release of Square Up. "Forever Young" peaked at number two on the Gaon Digital Chart during the week of June 23, 2018, with "Ddu-Du Ddu-Du" occupying number one.[12] It also reached the top five in Malaysia and Singapore,[13][14] and peaked at number four on the US World Digital Song Sales chart.[15] It additionally peaked at number 10 on the New Zealand Hot Singles chart and number 36 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100.[16] The song was certified platinum for download and streaming by the Korea Music Content Association (KMCA), for reaching 2.5 million digital downloads and 100 million streams, respectively.[17][18] In July 2023, it was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ) for having surpassed 50 million streams.[19]

Promotion and live performances

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To promote "Forever Young", Blackpink premiered it live along with "Ddu-Du Ddu-Du" on the music program Show! Music Core on June 16, 2018.[20] They performed it on Inkigayo for the first time the following day.[21] On June 20, the dance practice video for "Forever Young" was uploaded to Blackpink's official YouTube channel; it garnered over 200 million views on the platform by December 2021.[22] "Forever Young" was featured on the setlist of Japan Arena Tour (2018),[23] In Your Area World Tour (2018–2020),[24] and Born Pink World Tour (2022–2023).[25]

During Blackpink's appearance at the Lotte Duty Free Family Festival on June 24, a staff member abruptly halted the group's performance of "Forever Young" before escorting the members off stage. The group did not return to finish their performance, leaving fans angry and confused. The event organizers soon apologized for the incident.[26] At year-end award ceremonies and festivals, Blackpink performed a medley consisting of "Solo", "Ddu-Du Ddu-Du" and "Forever Young" at the 2018 SBS Gayo Daejeon held on December 25.[27] They made a performance with the song at the 33rd Golden Disc Awards on January 5[28] and the 8th Gaon Chart Music Awards on January 23, 2019.[29]

In the United States, Blackpink performed "Forever Young" on Good Morning America and Strahan and Sara in February 2019.[30][31] In April, it was performed during the group's appearance at the 2019 Coachella Festival as a part of their 11-song setlist.[32] In April 2023, Blackpink became the first Korean artist to headline the festival and concluded their performance with "Forever Young", which was set against a backdrop of exploding fireworks.[33][34]

Credits and personnel

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Credits adapted from Tidal.[35]

Charts

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Certifications

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Certifications for "Forever Young"
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Brazil (Pro-Música Brasil)[41] 2× Platinum 80,000‡
South Korea (KMCA)[17] Platinum 2,500,000*
Streaming
Japan (RIAJ)[19] Gold 50,000,000†
South Korea (KMCA)[18] Platinum 100,000,000†

* Sales figures based on certification alone.
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.
† Streaming-only figures based on certification alone.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Ajeng Misudanar Azryatiti, Tisa (June 22, 2018). "Ini Bukti Jika Lagu 'Forever Young' Milik Blackpink Sudah Ada Sejak 2015, Disangka Milik 2NE1!" [This is proof that Blackpink's song 'Forever Young' has been around since 2015, thought to belong to 2NE1!]. Tribun Network (in Indonesian). Archived from the original on June 26, 2018. Retrieved February 20, 2024.
  2. ^ "Fans Find Blackpink's 'Forever Young' Being Played Three Years Ago". SBS Star. June 22, 2018. Archived from the original on February 20, 2024. Retrieved February 20, 2024.
  3. ^ "Blackpink's "Forever Young"". KKBox. Archived from the original on May 22, 2021. Retrieved June 27, 2020.
  4. ^ "BlackPink Release 'Square Up' EP Fronted by Sharp-Shooting 'Ddu-Du Ddu-Du' Music Video". Billboard. Archived from the original on April 12, 2019. Retrieved December 15, 2019.
  5. ^ a b McMullen, Chase (June 28, 2018). "Review: K-pop favorites Blackpink aim for global domination with Square Up". The 405. Archived from the original on June 28, 2018. Retrieved June 28, 2018.
  6. ^ "Forever Young -Japanese Ver.-" (in Korean). YGEX. Archived from the original on May 22, 2021. Retrieved December 15, 2019.
  7. ^ "The 50 Best Korean Songs of 2018". Tone Glow. January 9, 2019. Archived from the original on November 21, 2021. Retrieved February 20, 2024.
  8. ^ Daly, Rhian (May 7, 2019). "Blackpink songs – ranked". NME. Archived from the original on May 7, 2019. Retrieved February 20, 2024.
  9. ^ Haasch, Palmer (October 8, 2020). "Every Blackpink song, ranked". Business Insider. Archived from the original on November 14, 2020. Retrieved April 9, 2021.
  10. ^ Whitney, Kayla (January 9, 2019). "8th Gaon Chart Music Awards nominees and categories". AXS. Archived from the original on April 13, 2019. Retrieved July 9, 2020.
  11. ^ Hicap, Jonathan (January 25, 2019). "Winners at the 8th Gaon Chart Music Awards". Manila Bulletin. Archived from the original on January 26, 2019. Retrieved July 9, 2020.
  12. ^ a b "Digital Chart – Week 25 of 2018" (in Korean). Gaon Music Chart. Archived from the original on October 29, 2020. Retrieved June 28, 2018.
  13. ^ a b "Top 20 Most Streamed International & Domestic Singles In Malaysia" (PDF). Recording Industry Association of Malaysia. Archived from the original (PDF) on July 1, 2018. Retrieved July 1, 2018.
  14. ^ a b "Singapore Top 30 Digital Streaming Chart – Week 25" (PDF). Recording Industry Association (Singapore). Archived from the original (PDF) on July 2, 2018. Retrieved July 2, 2018.
  15. ^ a b "Blackpink Chart History (World Digital Songs)". Billboard. Archived from the original on December 11, 2019. Retrieved June 26, 2018.
  16. ^ a b "NZ Hot Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. June 22, 2018. Archived from the original on June 9, 2019. Retrieved June 22, 2018.
  17. ^ a b "South Korean single certifications – Blackpink – Forever Young" (in Korean). Korea Music Content Association (KMCA). Retrieved November 12, 2018.
  18. ^ a b "South Korean single streaming certifications – Blackpink – Forever Young" (in Korean). Korea Music Content Association (KMCA). Retrieved March 13, 2020.
  19. ^ a b "Japanese single streaming certifications – Blackpink – Forever Young -KR Ver.-" (in Japanese). Recording Industry Association of Japan. Retrieved August 22, 2023. Select 2023年7月 on the drop-down menu
  20. ^ '음악중심' 블랙핑크, 글로벌 들썩이게 한 컴백..'뚜두뚜두' ['Music Core' Blackpink, a comeback that shook the world... 'Ddu-Du Ddu-Du']. Osen (in Korean). June 16, 2018. Archived from the original on November 2, 2021. Retrieved November 2, 2021 – via Daum.
  21. ^ "블랙핑크, 독보적이다" [Blackpink is unique]. TenAsia (in Korean). June 17, 2018. Archived from the original on November 2, 2021. Retrieved November 2, 2021 – via Daum.
  22. ^ Lee, Sun-min (December 13, 2021). "Choreography video for Blackpink's 'Forever Young' surpasses 200 million views". Korea JoongAng Daily. Archived from the original on January 16, 2024. Retrieved February 20, 2024.
  23. ^ "Blackpink Arena Tour 2018 'Special Final in Kyocera Dome Osaka'". Billboard Japan (in Japanese). March 22, 2019. Retrieved February 20, 2024.
  24. ^ Benjamin, Jeff (May 10, 2019). "Blackpink Wrap First North American Tour With a Natural, Superstar Aura". Billboard. Archived from the original on January 4, 2024. Retrieved February 9, 2024.
  25. ^ Chelosky, Danielle (November 10, 2022). "What Is Blackpink's Song Setlist For 'The Born Pink World Tour?'". Uproxx. Retrieved February 20, 2024.
  26. ^ Yun-myung, Cho (June 24, 2018). "Lotte Duty Free apologizes for cutting off Black Pink mid-song". The Korea Herald. Archived from the original on June 5, 2023. Retrieved February 20, 2024.
  27. ^ Park, Mi-ra (December 25, 2018). '2018 SBS 가요대전' 블랙핑크, 제니 'Solo'·완전체 '뚜두뚜두' 무대..섹시美 뿜뿜 ['2018 SBS Gayo Daejun' Blackpink, Jennie performs 'Solo' and reunites with 'Ddu-Du Ddu-Du' stage]. The Korea Economic Daily (in Korean). Archived from the original on November 2, 2021. Retrieved November 2, 2021.
  28. ^ Kim, Hyung-seo (January 5, 2019). [2019 골든디스크 어워즈] 블랙핑크(Blackpink), 디지털음원 본상-코스모폴리탄 아티스트상 수상…'뚜두뚜두'-'Forever young' 열창 [[2019 Golden Disc Awards] Blackpink, Digital Music Main Award-Cosmopolitan Artist Award… 'Ddu-Du Ddu-Du' - 'Forever Young' passionate song]. Topstarnews (in Korean). Archived from the original on February 20, 2024. Retrieved February 20, 2024.
  29. ^ 블랙핑크 (Blackpink) 뚜두뚜두 + 포레버영 4K 60P 직캠 190123. Rock Music. January 23, 2019. Retrieved February 26, 2024 – via YouTube.
  30. ^ Herman, Tamar (February 12, 2019). "Blackpink Perform 'Ddu-Du Ddu-Du' on GMA, Talk Upcoming Tour: Watch". Billboard. Archived from the original on April 19, 2023. Retrieved February 20, 2024.
  31. ^ "Preview: Blackpink on Strahan and Sara this Friday, Feb. 15!". Good Morning America. February 12, 2019. Retrieved February 20, 2024.
  32. ^ Young, Alex (April 13, 2019). "Blackpink become first K-pop girl group to play Coachella: Video + Setlist". Consequence of Sound. Archived from the original on November 12, 2020. Retrieved September 10, 2020.
  33. ^ Havens, Lyndsey (April 16, 2023). "Blackpink Make History With Celebratory Headlining Set at Coachella 2023". Billboard. Retrieved February 20, 2024.
  34. ^ Williams, Aaron (April 17, 2023). "What Was Blackpink's Coachella Setlist For 2023?". Uproxx. Retrieved February 20, 2024.
  35. ^ "Forever Young / Blackpink – Tidal". YG Entertainment. June 15, 2018. Archived from the original on December 14, 2019. Retrieved December 14, 2019 – via Tidal.
  36. ^ "BLACKPINK Chart History (Japan Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved December 14, 2018.
  37. ^ "Blackpink Chart History (K-pop Hot 100)". Billboard. Archived from the original on July 8, 2021. Retrieved June 30, 2018.
  38. ^ 2018년 07월 Digital Chart [July 2018 Digital Chart] (in Korean). Gaon Music Chart. Archived from the original on December 16, 2018.
  39. ^ 2018년 Digital Chart (in Korean). Gaon Music Chart. Archived from the original on March 11, 2021. Retrieved January 15, 2019.
  40. ^ 2019년 Digital Chart (in Korean). Gaon Music Chart. Archived from the original on November 25, 2016. Retrieved January 10, 2020.
  41. ^ "Brazilian single certifications – Blackpink – Forever Young" (in Portuguese). Pro-Música Brasil. Retrieved August 14, 2024.
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