Blackpink's third mini-album 'Deadline' has set a new record for K-pop girl groups with 1.77 million first-week sales. The release marks the group's return after nearly three years, achieving strong global streaming success and UK chart placements. However, it faced a setback on South Korea's M Countdown, losing to rookie group Hearts2Hearts.
Blackpink released their third mini-album 'Deadline' in early March 2026, following an almost three-year hiatus. The album quickly became a global phenomenon, breaking major records in the streaming field, according to reports from music outlets.
In terms of sales, 'Deadline' sold more than 1.77 million copies in its first week, establishing a new benchmark for K-pop girl groups, as confirmed by multiple sources including SBS Star and MK. On the UK Official Charts dated March 6, the album debuted at No. 11 on the Top 100 albums chart, while the lead single 'GO' entered at No. 44 on the Official Singles Top 100. Additionally, Blackpink member Rosé's 'APT.' held at No. 85, marking its 63rd consecutive week on the chart. Tracks from the Netflix animated film 'KPop: Demon Hunters' soundtrack, such as 'Golden' at No. 24, 'Takedown' at No. 80, and 'Soda Pop' at No. 81, also remained on the singles chart.
Despite international success, the album's reception in South Korea has been mixed. On the March 5 episode of M Countdown, Blackpink's 'GO' scored 8,239 points, falling short of rookie group Hearts2Hearts' 'RUDE!', which earned 9,398 points for a first-place win. K-netizens have highlighted this loss, with some commenting that the comeback feels monotonous and that the group is not syncing well after individual solo releases. Others point to a lack of promotions and choreographies as factors contributing to limited support on South Korean music programs. These opinions suggest the need for Blackpink to adapt their group strategy to maintain relevance in the K-pop scene.