BLACKPINK’s Rosé Named One of TIME Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People of the Year

On April 17, Time magazine released its list of the “100 Most Influential People in the World,” with BLACKPINK’s Rosé being the only K-pop artist to be honored this year. She was included in the “Pioneers” category.

British actress Lily Collins, who wrote the tribute for Rosé, described her as a “dynamic singer and songwriter” and “a member of the world’s biggest girl group.”

As a Blackpink fan, I was thrilled to be seated next to Rosé at a Saint Laurent show in Paris last year. Even more exciting was the fact that the two of us connected right away. She was so sweet and calm amid all the chaos of the cameras and the crowd, and we ended up chatting all night long about fashion, architecture, food, and travel. She immediately felt like a kindred spirit, and we’ve only grown closer since.

I’ve come to learn that not only is Rosé really genuine and down-to-earth, but she’s also a total badass. She’s such a dynamic performer and songwriter, and I think it’s incredible that she’s able to captivate arenas full of people as both a member of the biggest girl group in the world and also as a solo artist. Not to mention, her humor and deep soulful energy are even more captivating at a lunch for two. She’s basically the definition of an icon and a boss. Her voice is so strong and her music is so much fun—and I love texting her every time I hear “APT.” or “Toxic Till the End” on the radio.

I just adore Rosé’s spirit and, really, everything about her. I’m so proud of all the things she’s done in the past year, and I feel so lucky to call her a friend.

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Rosé’s inclusion follows a remarkable year marked by the success of her debut solo album and the global hit “APT,” a collaboration with Bruno Mars that earned widespread acclaim. Her recognition reflects not only her musical versatility and international reach but also her influence in expanding Korean representation in global media.

Notably, Rosé shares this year’s honor with fellow Korean figure Lee Jae-myung, former leader of South Korea’s Democratic Party, who appears in the “Leaders” category. Their inclusion is especially significant as no Korean individuals were named in 2023’s TIME 100.

Launched in 1999, TIME’s annual list celebrates individuals whose influence transcends borders, spotlighting changemakers across six categories: Leaders, Pioneers, Artists, Innovators, Icons, and Titans. Rosé’s presence on the list marks a defining moment in her career and in the global impact of K-pop.

As BLACKPINK prepares for a group comeback this June and a world tour beginning in July, Rosé’s influence continues to grow, solidifying her as a leading figure in the evolution of global pop culture.