Blackpink will release their third mini-album DEADLINE on February 27, 2026. Pre-orders are underway, four versions will be released – first group album since 2022.
Blackpink are back: On February 27, 2026, the K-pop superstars will release their third mini-album DEADLINE. At the same time, pre-orders have now started – a signal that fans around the world have been eagerly waiting for. The album is available in various physical editions, including colored CD and vinyl versions, which are offered online, in stores and through an exclusive cooperation with “Record Store Day”.
Four versions, a collector’s dream
YG Entertainment is once again focusing on diversity at DEADLINE. Overall, the mini album is released in four different versions: photo book, digipak, package box and MD version. The photo book is available in two versions – the black version and the pink version. Both include a 72-page photo book, selfie photo cards, a folded group poster, and photo and graphic stickers. The digipak in silver appears in a separate edition for Jennie, Jisoo, Rosé and Lisa and includes a photo book and exclusive photo cards.
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Thanks to the fans and great expectations
“We would like to sincerely thank our fans who have waited patiently for so long,” said YG Entertainment, the group’s label, at the start of pre-sales. They hope to be able to repay the Blinks’ support with high-quality music. Expectations are high as DEADLINE is the first group release in almost four years. The last album BORN PINK from 2022 marked a historic success at number one on the Billboard 200 and made Blackpink the first K-pop girl group to top the chart.
The foursome announce their new mini-album on Instagram:
Four solo careers, one comeback together
The members did not stand still during the long break. All four pursued their own projects in music, fashion and film. Jennie appeared in the HBO series “The Idol,” and Lisa starred in the third season of “The White Lotus.” At the same time, solo albums and EPs were released, including Rosé’s “Rosie”, Lisa’s “Alter Ego”, Jennie’s “Ruby” and Jisoo’s “Amortage”.
Rosé in particular caused a stir internationally: her song “APT.”, a collaboration with pop superstar Bruno Mars, became one of the most successful K-pop solo tracks in recent memory. With “Deadline” the four reunite as a group – a moment that fans around the world have been looking forward to.
Rosé’s “APT.” achieved a Grammy nomination in three categories:
From the world tour to the studio
The title of the mini-album is closely linked to the current “Deadline World Tour”. This started in July at the Goyang Sports Complex in South Korea and marked the first joint stage appearance since 2023. The tour will conclude with three big concerts at the Kai Tak Stadium in Hong Kong at the end of January – just a few weeks before the album release.
BLACKPINK perform their new song “Jump” on their “Deadline World Tour”:
Chart records as an announcement
Blackpink celebrated a triumphant comeback last summer with the single “Jump”. The song charted on both the Billboard Global 200 and Billboard Global Excl. The song went straight to number one in the US charts, was certified gold and became the fastest song by a K-pop girl group to reach 300 million streams on Spotify. The number is now over 470 million. “Jump” also made group history on the Billboard Hot 100 with ten consecutive chart weeks.
The system behind success
Blackpink’s success is exemplary of the K-Pop system: groups like them are created through an extremely intensive, year-long training program from major entertainment agencies such as YG Entertainment. Singing, dancing, acting and foreign languages are perfected in parallel to produce so-called “idols” who perform at the highest level, both musically and visually. Catchy songs, elaborate choreographies and a clearly defined style are just as crucial as the close involvement of the fans. The Blinks are considered one of the most committed fan communities in the world, actively supporting their stars via social media, streaming campaigns and fan projects – and are therefore a central part of Blackpink’s careers.
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Pre-order now: Exclusive 7-inch single “Baltimore”/“Stare” by Prince in MUSIKEXPRRESS 03/26
We are opening the year 2026 with a unique and extraordinary collaboration: on the occasion of the tenth anniversary of his death, ROLLING STONE and MUSIKEXPRESS are releasing two world-exclusive vinyl singles by Prince.
A few months before his death, the genius of the century had recorded two albums that once again show him in top form and will be re-released in the new year: “HITnRUN Phase I” and “Phase II”. These were to remain his last works. For “Phase I” he worked with singers such as Rita Ora and Lianne La Havas. “Phase II” shows him as a political observer of his time.
The March issue of MUSIKEXPRESS features a second world exclusive Prince single: “Baltimore” / “Stare”, two songs from HITnRUN Phase II. Prince wrote the ballad-like “Baltimore” under the impression of racist police violence in the USA. Both editions are also available HERE together in a bundle at the special price of EUR 19.90.
Included in delivery: MUSIKEXPRESS issue 03/2026 + exclusive Prince 7″ vinyl single