The group debuted on August 8, 2016, with their single album Square One, which spawned "Whistle", their first number -one song in South Korea, as well as "Boombayah", their first number -one hit on the Billboard World Digital Songs chart, which set the record as the most -viewed debut music video by a Korean act. With the group's early commercial success, they were hailed as the New Artist of the Year at the 31st Golden Disc Awards and the 26th Seoul Music Awards.
As of 2019, Blackpink is the highest-charting female K-pop act on both Billboard Hot 100 and Billboard 200, peaking at number 41 with "Kill This Love ", and peaking at number 24 with Kill This Love, respectively. They are also the first and only K-pop girl group to enter and top Billboard 's Emerging Artists chart. They are also the first female K-pop group to have four number -one singles on Billboard 's World Digital Song Sales chart. At the time of its release, "Ddu-Du Ddu-Du" was the most -viewed Korean music video in the first 24 hours on YouTube, and in January 2019, it became the most viewed music video by a K-pop group on the website.
Promotional preparations began in August 2016 with the release of teaser images and their participation in songs and advertisements. YG Entertainment revealed the final line-up and name of the group on June 29, 2016.Blackpink was the first girl group to debut under YG Entertainment in six years after 2NE1, with their debut single album Square One, which was released on August 8, 2016. The two lead singles charted at number one and two on the Billboard World Digital Songs chart, and Blackpink is the fastest act to do so and the third Korean artist or group to hold the top two positions after label mates Psy and Big Bang.
