Blackpink Rosé Says Her New Album Confronts Trauma and Internet Hate: “I Stayed Up All Night Looking for Bad Words”
The K-pop industry is renowned for its meticulous training systems, polished performances, and global reach, but this success often comes at a cost. Artists are expected to maintain flawless personas, both online and offline, which can stifle personal expression and creativity. In this context, Rosé’s story of navigating these challenges, while finding solace and freedom through her music, reflects the resilience required to thrive in such a competitive environment.
Moreover, Rosé’s candidness might also spark a shift in how the industry approaches its artists, encouraging greater emphasis on individuality, emotional expression, and support systems. As the global appetite for K-pop continues to grow, stories like hers can pave the way for more humane practices in the pursuit of artistic excellence.
Blackpink Rosé Reflects on Her Journey, Parents’ Influence, and the Inspiration Behind Her New Album
During her appearance on The Seasons – Lee Young Ji’s Rainbow, Blackpink’s Rosé opened up about her parents’ early encouragement, her struggles with the internet, and the personal story behind her upcoming album Rosie.
During the show, host Lee Young Ji asked, “When did you first dream of becoming a singer?” Rosé reflected, “It felt like a dream when I first started as a trainee. Before I came to Korea, I couldn’t even say I wanted to be a singer because, growing up in Australia, there weren’t any opportunities like that. But once I became a trainee, I realized this was something I had to pursue wholeheartedly.”
Lee Young Ji then inquired if Rosé’s parents had encouraged her to audition. Rosé smiled and shared a nostalgic memory:
“Growing up in Australia, I didn’t have many activities to do. I would watch TV and play music I thought was cool. I’d pull out the keyboard and start plucking chords, singing along.”
She continued with a laugh, adding, “But your parents thought it was too noisy. They told you, ‘If you’re going to keep doing that, you might as well audition.’ So you did. And then, suddenly, you were like, ‘Oh, I’m in Blackpink?’”
The conversation then turned more reflective.
Lee Young Ji asked Rosé, “Is there a song that reminds you of your parents, who first encouraged you to sing?”
Rosé replied, “There was a show where they were covering a lot of classic songs, and I fell in love with one in particular. I decided to sing it, but it turned out to be so challenging.”
Opening up further, Rosé admitted, “At the time, I felt I was too young and inexperienced in love to truly understand the song’s meaning. But when I revisited the lyrics and thought about my parents, everything clicked. Suddenly, it wasn’t just a love song—it was about them.”
The song she referred to was Yoo Jae Ha’s Because I Love You, which she later performed upon Lee Young Ji’s request.
Keeping the mood light, Lee Young Ji humorously interjected, “Oh, so you’re saying when you were bored, you’d basically create your own concert!”
To which she playfully added, “That’s so, so cool!”—wrapping up the heartfelt and humorous conversation with a burst of laughter from the audience.
Earlier that day, on November 1, Blackpink’s Rosé appeared on KBS2TV’s The Seasons – Lee Young Ji’s Rainbow and shared the story behind her upcoming album, including the surprising inspiration for its title track.
Blackpink Rosé Reveals the Inspiration Behind Her Title Track: “I Stayed Up All Night Looking for Bad Words”
Rosé also reflected on her personal challenges after the BLACKPINK tour ended.
“I was trying to figure out what I wanted to do next. I was working hard but started feeling stuck. Eventually, I fell into an unhealthy pattern of spending all night on the internet.”
Opening up further, Rosé revealed that the song stemmed from a period when she became addicted to the internet, staying up all night searching for negative comments about herself. This raw and emotional experience heavily influenced her songwriting.
Through this vulnerable moment, Rosé’s candid revelations offered fans a deeper understanding of the struggles behind her artistry and the emotional depth of her music.
She described the internet as “a lawless, crazy space” and shared her struggles:
“I’d love to say I’m a mentally healthy person who goes home and reads a good book. But the truth is, I’ve spent nights scrolling on my phone until 5 a.m., getting caught in the negativity online. It’s something I’ve made very hard on myself.”
Continuing with honesty, she admitted,
“But I didn’t want to openly admit, ‘I stayed up all night reading hurtful rumors and comments about myself,’” Rosé confessed.
“So I channeled that emotion into the song. I told myself, ‘I want to write something disgustingly honest today. I don’t care if it makes anyone uncomfortable—I want to be raw, vulnerable, and straightforward.’ That’s how Number One Girl came to life. It was my way of being completely unfiltered.”
She went on to explain her emotional transformation, saying,
“It’s strange because after writing that song, I felt so light and refreshed. It was like I’d uncovered something within me that I didn’t even realize was weighing me down. That experience sparked something in me—I became addicted to making music. I ended up staying in the studio for an entire year.”
Discussing her new album, Rosie, Rosé explained,
“The album tells a story from my 20s that wasn’t always pretty or pleasant. My 20s were not an easy time for me, so I named it Rosie with the hope that it would bring comfort and empathy to those who listen.”
Rosé’s experiences highlight the immense pressure K-pop idols face, especially as young artists thrust into a demanding industry. Her openness about the struggles with perfectionism, online scrutiny, and the rigid expectations of fan culture sheds light on the emotional and mental toll that many idols endure behind the scenes.
Ultimately, her journey also underscores the importance of authenticity in an industry often criticized for being overly curated. By embracing her vulnerabilities and telling her own story, Rosé not only reclaims her narrative but also fosters a deeper connection with her audience. This kind of transparency can inspire meaningful conversations about the mental health of K-pop idols and the need for a healthier balance between professional expectations and personal well-being.