BLACKPINK Rumored to Return With New Music, but This Carefree Era Deserves a Comeback
We want a “little bit of that” again.
Consisting of Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa, BLACKPINK made a remarkable debut with the simultaneous release of “Boombayah” and “Whistle” in 2016, both featured on their debut single album, Square One. Almost immediately, the girl group gained universal recognition, which paved the way for their subsequent releases, including “As If It’s Your Last” — arguably their best, and an era they should (or must) consider revisiting. Not only was it a concept new to fans at the time of its release, but it also became one of their greatest tracks ever. Released in 2017 as a standalone single with no album tie-in, “As If It’s Your Last” veered away from the image they’d established in their debut singles with its vibrant and colorful sound, blending multiple musical genres including house, synth-pop, disco, and more.
“Girl Crush” is a concept heavily utilized in the K-pop scene, in which girl groups or solo female acts are portrayed as strong, confident, and independent. It is especially popular among female fans, as the concept often embodies women’s empowerment and self-love, even going as far as challenging common feminine stereotypes. Apart from its powerful element, its popularity is also deeply rooted in its customary upbeat style and, for lack of a better term, its badass sound and beat. It is a concept BLACKPINK has mastered over the years. In fact, the group’s name — a combination of, well, black and pink — represents their duality: pink for their more girl and bubbly side (think of the exuberant “Forever Young”), and black for, dare I say it, their “Pretty Savage” facets. Indeed, the South Korean girl group boasts such a strong catalog, but within their discography, one track shines the brightest. And it’s not even in line with their signature concept.
“As if It’s Your Last” Effectively Showcased BLACKPINK’s Versatility
Of course, “As If It’s Your Last” wasn’t just the group’s so-called “Pink” song. In their discography, BLACKPINK has also released tracks like “Don’t Know What to Do,” “Forever Young,” and “Ice Cream” with Selena Gomez. But “As If It’s Your Last” remains a fan-favorite for many reasons. Less than a year into their career, the group had already achieved a massive feat, even surpassing some of the bigger acts. But they surprised listeners and critics alike, with “As If It’s Your Last” showcasing them in a different light — one that’s brighter and more cheerful. It’s a romantic and lively song about making the most of each moment, leaving all worries behind, and fully embracing the present as if it were your last.
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The track marked a pivotal moment in BLACKPINK’s career, especially on the global scene, signaling a shift toward a more internationally focused trajectory. Subjectively speaking (and I’m sure many fans, or BLINKS, would agree), “As If It’s Your Last” stands far ahead of their other releases. It set the bar so high that none of their subsequent songs have quite matched it. It’s arguably the only BLACKPINK song that has perfectly displayed their “Pink” side. It is also a song that showcases all the members’ strengths, though for Jennie, in an interview with Billboard, “As If It’s Your Last” is delightfully all Jisoo. She said, “Because she’s just lovely on stage. She’s in love with the song. She kills it on stage.” In the same interview, the “Handlebars” singer also described “As If It’s Your Last” as a “perfect summer song,” adding, “Everyone needed to have a good BLACKPINK summer song.”
We Need a New “As if It’s Your Last” From BLACKPINK
That’s not to say BLACKPINK should release a similar (or nearly identical) track to “As if It’s Your Last.” But it’s a concept fans are eager to witness once again. The track allowed them to showcase their fun and lighthearted energy, all while catering to both international and Korean audiences. It’s no secret that the popular girl group has leaned more heavily into the “girl crush” concept than the subdued and joyful one. Their focus has also been more global, which makes the cheerful, vibrant sound of “As If It’s Your Last” feel like a bit of a departure from their current style. Early in their career, they released “Playing with Fire,” “Ddu-Du Ddu-Du,” “Kill This Love,” and “How You Like That.” Their recent comebacks also have that distinct “girl crush” tone, including “Pink Venom,” “Shut Down,” and — most recently — “Jump.”
The “girl crush” concept is undeniably captivating. However, some K-pop fans are starting to experience a bit of “girl crush” fatigue, especially as more and more girl groups jump onto the bandwagon. Sure, BLACKPINK has already proven they can dominate that concept. With their current global reach, though, imagine them tapping into a new and familiar direction — one that’s light and carefree.
Originally published at collider.com on August 11, 2025.
