The global phenomenon BLACKPINK has once again proven their unparalleled influence in the international music market.
On January 18, 2026, it was officially announced that their latest hit single, “ JUMP ,” has been awarded a gold certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
This achievement marks another historic milestone for the group, further cementing their status as one of the most successful musical acts in the world and setting the stage for their highly anticipated upcoming projects.
A Historic Third Gold Milestone
According to the RIAA, “JUMP” earned its official gold certification on January 15 local time. In the United States, a gold certification is awarded to singles that have sold over 500,000 units, a combination of physical sales, digital downloads, and audio/video streams.
This is a significant feat for any artist, but it is particularly noteworthy for a K-pop group, reflecting sustained popularity and a massive dedicated listener base in the American market.
With this new certification, “JUMP” becomes BLACKPINK’s third song to reach RIAA gold status. It joins the ranks of their previous record-breaking hits:
BLACKPINK (Credit: YouTube)
- ” DDU-DU DDU-DU ” (2018): The explosive track that significantly boosted their global profile.
- ”Sour Candy” (2021): Their high-profile collaboration with pop icon Lady Gaga.
By achieving this for a 2025 release, BLACKPINK has demonstrated that their commercial power is not just maintaining but continuing to evolve with each new era of their career.
The Impact of “JUMP” on the U.S. Market
Released in 2025, “JUMP” quickly became a fan favorite, praised for its infectious energy, modern production, and the members’ distinctive vocal performances.
The song dominated social media trends and streaming platforms, contributing to its rapid ascent toward the 500,000-unit mark.
The RIAA celebrated the achievement on their official social media channels, congratulating the group and their agency, YG Entertainment, on this new addition to their trophy cabinet.
This certification is a testament to the “BLACKPINK effect,” where every release is treated as a global event.
The group’s ability to transcend language barriers and resonate with a diverse American audience has paved the way for more K-pop artists to enter the mainstream U.S. charts.
While fans (BLINKs) are celebrating this gold certification, the excitement is doubling as BLACKPINK prepares for their long-awaited full-group return.
The group is currently gearing up to release their third mini-album, titled “DEADLINE,” on February 27, 2026.
The announcement of the comeback date was accompanied by a mysterious and high-budget teaser that has already garnered millions of views.
“DEADLINE” is expected to feature a new sonic direction for the group, and industry experts are already predicting that the album and its lead single will be strong contenders for future RIAA certifications.
The momentum from the success of “JUMP” provides a perfect launchpad for this new chapter.
A Legacy of Global Records
As BLACKPINK continues to break barriers, their legacy as pioneers of the modern K-pop era grows stronger.
From headlining Coachella to earning multiple RIAA certifications, they have consistently raised the bar for what a girl group can achieve.
In addition to their group achievements, the members have been active in their solo endeavors—Jennie was recently featured in teasers for the variety show The Secret Friends Club, and the group continues to dominate brand reputation rankings.
However, it is their collective power as BLACKPINK that continues to capture the world’s imagination.
As they move toward the release of “DEADLINE,” the gold certification for “JUMP” serves as a powerful reminder that BLACKPINK’s reign is far from over. Congratulations to BLACKPINK on this monumental achievement!
Acclaimed actress Lee Na Young is preparing for a highly anticipated return to the small screen with the ENA mystery thriller “Honour.”
In a recent interview, she shared deep insights into her complex new character, providing fans with a glimpse into the emotional weight of a role that marks a significant departure from her previous work.
“Honour,” based on a popular Swedish series, delves into the high-stakes world of legal advocacy, centering on three powerhouse lawyers who confront a massive scandal from their past while fighting for justice in the present.
The Face of L&J Law Firm: Meet Yoon Ra Young
In “Honour,” Lee Na Young takes on the role of Yoon Ra Young, a high-profile “celebrity lawyer” and a founding partner of the law firm L&J (short for Listen and Join).
Alongside partners played by Jung Eun Chae and Lee Chung Ah, Ra Young leads a firm that specializes specifically in representing victims of crimes against women.
On the surface, Yoon Ra Young is the quintessential success story. Known for her striking appearance, impeccable fashion sense, and sharp, persuasive speaking skills, she is the public face of the firm and enjoys a massive public following.
However, Lee Na Young emphasizes that this public persona is a carefully constructed shield.
Beneath the glitz and glamour lies a woman driven by a cold, unwavering determination and a rigid sense of self-discipline—traits developed as survival mechanisms.
”Armor” Built from Past Scars
A central theme of Lee Na Young’s character is the concept of “armor.” During the interview, she described Ra Young as “a celebrity lawyer wearing armor,” explaining that her character’s past is a heavy burden that she carries every day.
Ra Young’s motivation for seeking fame and influence is not rooted in vanity, but in the pragmatism of survival.
Lee Na Young (Credit: X)
She believes that in order to effectively speak for those without a voice, she must first possess the power and status to be heard.
By projecting a flawless, powerful image, Ra Young ensures that her internal weaknesses remain hidden from her adversaries.
This psychological complexity made the role particularly challenging for Lee Na Young. She confessed that there was no “easy scene” during production because nearly every moment required her to portray a mixture of conflicting emotions.
To maintain the character’s stoic “armor,” she often had to express deep pain or internal turmoil without the traditional outlets of crying or shouting.
A Career-Expanding Challenge
Lee Na Young spoke candidly about the toll the role took on her, revealing a poignant behind-the-scenes detail: she occasionally filmed scenes immediately after “crying her eyes out” off-camera, as a way to access the raw emotional state hidden beneath Ra Young’s calm exterior.
This level of dedication highlights the actress’s commitment to portraying the nuanced reality of a woman who refuses to let the world see her break.
The actress defined “Honour” as a project that has significantly “widened the ground” she can cover as a performer.
By stepping into a genre that demands both physical presence and intense emotional restraint, Lee Na Young is set to showcase a side of her acting range that viewers have rarely seen.
Anticipation for the Premiere
As the legal thriller approaches its release, the chemistry between the three female leads is already a major talking point.
The drama promises not only a gripping mystery but also a thoughtful exploration of solidarity, trauma, and the pursuit of truth.
Supporting cast members such as Seo Hyun Woo, playing a prosecutor with a calm yet inferior interior, and Yeon Woo Jin, playing a complex IT CEO, add further depth to the intrigue. ”Honour” is scheduled to premiere on February 2 at 10 p.m. KST on ENA.
With Lee Na Young leading the charge as the resilient and armored Yoon Ra Young, the series is poised to be one of the most compelling dramas of the early 2026 season.
Fans are eager to witness how this high-profile celebrity lawyer navigates the dangerous intersection of her public image and the dark secrets of the past.
