Princewill Pius
While Forbes predicted in December 2019 that Blackpink’s comeback, which was then slated for early 2020, would lead to a huge surge in popularity and music streams stateside for the group, the projections look like they’re going to be derailed. The reason? You guessed it — the coronavirus.
As reported by Koreaboo, investor reports revealed that Blackpink’s next mini-album and subsequent tour — which their agency YG Entertainment announced in January 2020 was scheduled for a release sometime between March and April 2020 — was postponed due to the growing number of COVID-19 cases in South Korea.
While at first glance it seems that COVID-19 would feasibly only effect promotional events and touring, its reach is sadly more widespread. Album production itself, and even shipment of fan merchandise, is also currently delayed with no sign of resuming anytime soon.
Another major factor? South Korea has been one of the countries hit hardest by the novel coronavirus. As of April 6, 2020, over 10,000 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed since the first diagnosed case in the country in January 2020 (via Statista).
Written by: Nicki
