▲ K-pop girl group BLACKPINK is seen in this photo provided by YG Entertainment. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

SEOUL, May 26 (Yonhap) -- Global K-pop sensation BLACKPINK is set to release a new song as a full group later this year, marking their long-awaited return.

Yang Hyun-suk, founder and executive producer of YG Entertainment, revealed the news through a video interview posted on the agency’s official blog on Monday.

“I believe we will soon be able to share news regarding BLACKPINK’s new song,” Yang said.

The group’s last full-group album was their second studio release, “BORN PINK,” which came out in September 2022. Apart from their game OST “THE GIRLS,” this will be the quartet’s first musical release in nearly two years and eight months.

BLACKPINK will kick off their new world tour, titled “DEADLINE,” with a two-day concert at Goyang Sports Complex Main Stadium on July 5–6.

Yang also shared updates on other artists under YG’s label. Rookie girl group BABYMONSTER is slated to drop a pre-release single, “HOT SAUCE,” on July 1, followed by a second single in September and a mini album on October 1.

Describing “HOT SAUCE” as a hip-hop track with a late-1980s vibe, Yang said, “It’s an extremely addictive song. I wanted to give fans a gift to enjoy the summer with. We wondered how a teen group like BABYMONSTER would reinterpret the roots of hip-hop from 40 years ago — and the result is very satisfying.”

Boy band TREASURE will also return with a new mini album on September 1 and embark on a new world tour in October. Yang expressed his commitment to supporting TREASURE in releasing more than two albums annually.

Additionally, YG is preparing to debut a new four-member girl group and a boy group next year. Practice footage of the girl group members will be released sequentially starting May 28.

“YG is currently training two male groups and two female groups,” Yang said. “We aim to officially launch at least one boy group next year.”

However, the agency noted that the new girl group’s official debut is likely to come after next year, as Yang has stated his intention to focus more on BABYMONSTER’s growth until the end of 2025.

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