Pink Venom – BLACKPINK
The release of BLACKPINK’s “Pink Venom” marked the group’s highly anticipated return to the global music scene in 2022. Known for their dynamic sound, powerful visuals, and undeniable influence in the K-pop industry, BLACKPINK has consistently delivered genre-defying music since their debut. “Pink Venom” is no exception. The song’s title alone signals a striking duality—combining the concepts of sweetness (pink) and danger (venom), a theme BLACKPINK explores through their signature blend of fierce energy and irresistible charm.
The Essence of “Pink Venom”
“Pink Venom” is a track that perfectly embodies BLACKPINK’s evolution as a group. It merges various genres, from hip-hop to EDM, while maintaining the strong K-pop essence that has catapulted the group into global stardom. The song is produced by long-time YG Entertainment collaborators Teddy Park and 24, both of whom have been instrumental in shaping BLACKPINK’s unique sound.
Lyrically, “Pink Venom” is an unapologetic declaration of confidence and power. The members—Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa—deliver verses that speak to their dominance in the music industry, using metaphors of poison and allure to describe their influence. The venom referenced in the song title symbolizes their potency, while “pink” signifies their feminine strength. Together, these elements create a song that feels like a celebration of their ability to captivate audiences with both their sweetness and their bite.
The pre-chorus builds up with a hypnotic intensity as the phrase “taste that pink venom” is chanted, creating an addictive hook that sticks with the listener. The song’s energy crescendos into a drop that feels equal parts aggressive and celebratory, fitting with the track’s overall theme of dangerous allure. It’s a sonic statement that leaves no room for ambiguity—BLACKPINK is here to dominate.
The Fusion of Genres and Influences
Musically, “Pink Venom” showcases BLACKPINK’s versatility. The song opens with a traditional Korean instrument, the geomungo, a stringed instrument whose deep, resonant tone sets a mysterious and captivating mood. This cultural nod serves as an introduction to a fusion of global sounds that follow, seamlessly blending trap beats, hip-hop rhythms, and electronic influences.
As the track progresses, it oscillates between softer, melodic moments and high-energy, hard-hitting beats. The verses incorporate elements of trap music, particularly with Jennie and Lisa’s rap sections. The two rappers deliver fiery, confident lines that emphasize their status as leaders in the K-pop world. Lisa’s quick delivery and Jennie’s cool demeanor complement each other perfectly, showing off their respective strengths as vocalists and performers.
The bridge offers a more melodic and soulful moment, with Rosé and Jisoo taking the lead. Their vocal harmonies add a layer of vulnerability and sweetness that contrasts with the song’s otherwise aggressive tone. This balance between softness and intensity is one of BLACKPINK’s signature strengths, allowing them to play with the contrast between the “pink” and the “venom.”
The chorus itself is minimal yet impactful. Instead of relying on a lyrical hook, the song opts for a chant-like repetition of the title, backed by explosive instrumentation that heightens the sense of tension and release. It’s an unconventional approach but one that works exceptionally well in creating a memorable, crowd-pleasing anthem.
The Visual Impact of the Music Video
The official music video for “Pink Venom” is as much a visual spectacle as it is a musical one. Directed by Seo Hyun-seung, who has worked with BLACKPINK on several iconic videos, the “Pink Venom” video is a masterclass in high-concept artistry. The video showcases a series of bold, cinematic vignettes that combine fantasy, luxury, and rebellion.
Each member is given their own distinct moment to shine, with individual sets and aesthetics that reflect their unique personas. Jennie opens the video in a sleek, futuristic setting with a black outfit that exudes power and sophistication. Lisa, with her fierce stage presence, takes on a rebellious street-style look, standing in front of a vandalized car—a symbol of defiance and strength.
Rosé and Jisoo, known for their vocal prowess and more ethereal presence, are shown in contrasting settings. Rosé is surrounded by shattered glass, representing both fragility and resilience, while Jisoo is depicted in a serene yet eerie environment, dressed in white and holding a traditional Korean instrument. These visual elements add depth to the song’s themes, blending elegance with danger, tradition with modernity.
The choreography in the video is another highlight. BLACKPINK is known for their precise, impactful dance routines, and “Pink Venom” is no exception. The group’s synchronization and energy are on full display, with powerful moves that match the intensity of the song. The dance break toward the end of the video, set against a backdrop of flashing lights and explosive visuals, is a testament to their skill as performers.
Global Reception and Impact
Upon its release, “Pink Venom” quickly gained international attention, topping charts around the world and breaking records for the most views on YouTube within 24 hours. Fans, both old and new, were drawn to the song’s bold sound and the group’s undeniable charisma. The track’s success was further amplified by BLACKPINK’s highly anticipated performances, including at award shows and festivals, where “Pink Venom” became a standout moment.
Critically, the song was praised for its genre-blending production and BLACKPINK’s confident delivery. Many reviewers noted the song’s ability to merge traditional Korean elements with contemporary pop and hip-hop influences, reflecting the group’s role in bridging cultures through their music. The song’s empowering message and fearless attitude resonated with listeners, especially within the context of BLACKPINK’s continued rise in the international music scene.
Conclusion
“Pink Venom” is more than just a song—it’s a statement. Through its combination of fierce lyrics, innovative production, and captivating visuals, BLACKPINK has once again proven that they are a force to be reckoned with in the music industry. The track exemplifies their ability to balance softness and strength, sweetness and danger, in a way that feels both authentic and empowering.
With “Pink Venom”, BLACKPINK continues to push the boundaries of what K-pop can achieve on a global scale. The song serves as a reminder of their versatility as artists and their unwavering confidence as performers, solidifying their place as one of the most influential music acts of their generation.
BLACKPINK – ‘Pink Venom’
Kick in the door Waving the coco
팝콘이나 챙겨 껴들 생각 말고
I talk that talk Runways I walk walk
눈 감고 pop pop 안 봐도 척
One by one then Two by two
내 손끝 툭 하나에 다 무너지는 중
가짜 쇼 치곤 화려했지
Makes no sense You couldn’t get a dollar outta me
자 오늘 밤이야 난 독을 품은 꽃
네 혼을 빼앗은 다음 Look what you made us do
천천히 널 잠재울 FIRE 잔인할 만큼 아름다워
I bring the pain like
This that pink venom
This that pink venom
This that pink venom
Get ‘em, get ‘em, get ‘em
Straight to ya dome like whoa whoa whoa
Straight to ya dome like ah ah ah
Taste that pink venom
Taste that pink venom
Taste that pink venom
Get ‘em, get ‘em, get ‘em
Straight to ya dome like whoa whoa whoa
Straight to ya dome like ah ah ah
Black paint and ammo, got bodies like Rambo
Rest in peace, please light up a candle
This da life of a vandal, masked up and I’m still in Celine
Designer crimes or it wouldn’t be me
Diamonds shinin’ drive in silence I don’t mind it I’m ridin’
Flyin’ private side by side with da pilot Up in the sky
And I’m wildin’, stylin’ on them and there’s no chance
Cuz we got bodies on bodies like this a slow dance
자 오늘 밤이야 난 독을 품은 꽃
네 혼을 빼앗은 다음 Look what you made us do
천천히 널 잠재울 FIRE 잔인할 만큼 아름다워
I bring the pain like
This that pink venom
This that pink venom
This that pink venom
Get ‘em, get ‘em, get ‘em
Straight to ya dome like whoa whoa whoa
Straight to ya dome like ah ah ah
Taste that pink venom
Taste that pink venom
Taste that pink venom
Get ‘em, get ‘em, get ‘em
Straight to ya dome like whoa whoa whoa
Straight to ya dome like ah ah ah
원한다면 provoke us
감당 못해 and you know this
이미 퍼져버린 shot that potion 네 눈앞은 핑크빛 ocean
Come and give me all the smoke 도 아니면 모 like I’m so rock and roll
Come and give me all the smoke 다 줄 세워 봐 자 STOP DROP
I bring the pain like
La tatata La tatata La tatata La tatata
La tatata La tatata
Straight to ya
Straight to ya
Straight to ya dome like
La tatata La tatata La tatata La tatata
La tatata La tatata
I bring the pain like