Blackpink's third Korean EP, Deadline, arrived on February 27, 2026, marking the group's first full project since 2022's Born Pink. The five-track release features the lead single 'Go' and follows the pre-release 'Jump' from July 2025. However, announcements about listening parties without member attendance have sparked accusations from fans of minimal effort.
Blackpink opened a new chapter with the release of Deadline on February 27, 2026, via YG Entertainment. This marks the quartet's third Korean EP and fourth overall project, their first group effort since Born Pink in 2022. The EP introduces a new global distribution partnership with The Orchard, replacing the previous arrangement with Interscope Records.
Speculation about the comeback began in late 2023 when YG confirmed the members—JENNIE, JISOO, LISA, and ROSÉ—had renewed contracts for group activities. In 2024, executive producer Yang Hyun-suk referenced a 2025 comeback plan. By mid-2025, the members hinted in interviews that studio sessions were underway. Reports in late 2025 indicated shifting timelines, leading YG to confirm a reschedule to early 2026. On January 14, 2026, Blackpink announced Deadline, opened pre-orders, and set the February 27 release date.
The era kicked off with the pre-release single 'Jump' on July 11, 2025, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Global 200—Blackpink's third leader there—and No. 2 on South Korea's Circle Digital Chart. In the US, it entered the Billboard Hot 100 at No. 28, the group's tenth entry. The lead single 'Go' dropped alongside the EP.
The Deadline World Tour launched on July 5, 2025, at Goyang Stadium in South Korea and concluded on January 26, 2026, at Kai Tak Stadium in Hong Kong. Highlights included headlining Wembley Stadium in London, making Blackpink the first K-pop girl group to do so.
In a cultural milestone, Blackpink partnered with the National Museum of Korea and Spotify for an installation from February 27 to March 8, 2026. The museum's exterior will glow pink each evening, with a dedicated listening zone inside. Members recorded an audio guide for artifacts: JISOO and JENNIE in Korean, ROSÉ in English, and LISA in Thai. This is the first such large-scale collaboration for a K-pop act with the institution.
The tracklist includes: 뛰어(JUMP), Me and my, Champion, Fxxxboy, # Like this.
Amid excitement, controversy arose over official listening parties on Weverse and Stationhead scheduled after the release, with members not attending. Fans expressed disappointment online, with comments like 'Never seen a group that hates their fans so much' from Twitter user @jkissante, and 'what’s the point of a listening party after the album drops... none of them are even attending!' from @strv_lighhtie. Others noted the three-year wait and lack of promotion, amid rumors of JISOO attending Fashion Week. One source described the album as having leaked accidentally, though details remain unconfirmed.
While one report called Deadline a full album, detailed guides confirm it as an EP. Global fans anticipate its impact following the tour's success.
