From Trainee to Grammy Icon: Rosé's Extraordinary Journey at 29

HAPPY BIRTHDAY (29)  ROSEANNE PARK - Rosé made history as the first Korean K-pop artist to perform on the Grammy Awards' opening stage. The BLACKPINK vocalist has significantly transformed the K-pop landscape, receiving three Grammy nominations including Record of the Year and Song of the Year—the most ever for a K-pop artist and the first Korean artist nominated for one of the Big Four categories as a lead artist.

Furthermore, Rosé's success extends beyond awards recognition. Her debut single album R sold 448,089 copies in its first week, the highest figure achieved by a Korean female soloist. Her breakout hit "APT." became the fastest song by a K-pop act to reach 1 billion streams on Spotify, accomplishing this feat in just 100 days. This extraordinary success has cemented her position not only as a standout member of BLACKPINK but also as a formidable solo artist in her own right.

From Auckland to Seoul: Rosé’s Early Life and Training

Childhood in New Zealand and Australia

Born Roseanne Park (Park Chaeyoung) in Auckland, New Zealand, Rosé spent her formative years in Melbourne, Australia. Her childhood was marked by a blend of Korean heritage and Western influences, creating a unique cultural foundation that would later define her artistic identity.

Discovering music and early influences

Rosé's passion for music emerged during her childhood in Australia. She learned to play guitar and piano, often performing at church gatherings. Her musical tastes ranged from Beyoncé to Paramore, influences that would eventually shape her distinctive vocal style—characterized by its emotional resonance and unique timbre.

Auditioning for YG Entertainment

At age 15, Rosé took a life-changing step when her father encouraged her to audition for YG Entertainment. Despite having no formal training, she impressed the judges with her raw talent. Out of 700 participants in the Sydney audition, she ranked first—a remarkable achievement that immediately caught the attention of the company's executives.

Moving to South Korea as a trainee

Subsequently, Rosé left behind her life in Australia and relocated to South Korea. Her training period lasted four years—a time of intense vocal and dance practice, language study, and personal growth. Throughout this challenging period, she developed the skills and resilience that would eventually help her become one of K-pop's most recognizable voices.

Debut with BLACKPINK and Rise to Fame

Joining BLACKPINK and debut in 2016

After four years of intensive training, Rosé was officially revealed as the fourth and final member of BLACKPINK on June 22, 2016. Although she was the last to be introduced, her journey with YG Entertainment had already begun behind the scenes—remarkably, she had featured on BIGBANG G-Dragon's mini album track "Without You" less than six months after joining the company.

On August 8, 2016, BLACKPINK made their highly anticipated debut with the single album Square One. Their debut tracks "Whistle" and "Boombayah" topped the Billboard World Digital Song Sales chart within just 19 days of release, making them the fastest artists in the world to achieve this milestone.

Breakthrough hits and global tours

BLACKPINK's ascent was swift and impressive. Following their debut, they released Square Two on November 1, 2016, with "Playing with Fire" becoming their second #1 on Billboard's World Digital Song Sales chart. Within five months of debut, they had collected numerous rookie awards at major Korean music shows.

Their momentum continued to build as they made history in 2019 as the first K-pop girl group to perform at Coachella. Moreover, their "Born Pink" world tour (2022-2023) shattered records with 66 shows generating over $260 million in ticket sales, making it the highest-grossing tour ever by a female group.

Rosé's role and vocal identity in the group

Within BLACKPINK, Rosé serves as both main vocalist and lead dancer. Her soprano voice, with a range of E♭3-B5, provides a distinctive sound that has become integral to the group's musical identity. Her mesmerizing vocal tone and emotional performances have earned her recognition as one of K-pop's most unique voices.

Solo Career and the Making of a Grammy Nominee

Debut solo album R and its success

In March 2021, Rosé embarked on her solo journey with the release of her debut single album R. The project immediately shattered records, selling 448,089 copies in its first week—setting a new benchmark for Korean female soloists. The lead single "On the Ground" garnered 41.6 million views within 24 hours, breaking the eight-year record previously held by PSY's "Gentleman". Remarkably, this achievement earned Rosé two Guinness World Records. By November 2021, R received double platinum certification for exceeding 500,000 sales, eventually reaching triple platinum status in December 2023 with 750,000 copies sold.

Rosé APT with Bruno Mars: a global hit

Following her departure from YG Entertainment to The Black Label in December 2023, Rosé released "APT." with Bruno Mars in October 2024 as the lead single from her debut studio album Rosie. The track—inspired by a Korean drinking game—became an unprecedented success, topping charts in over 50 countries. Notably, it surpassed 1 billion Spotify streams in just 100 days, setting another Guinness World Record. "APT." peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100, making Rosé the first female K-pop artist to reach the top ten.

Grammy nominations and historic performance

The success of "APT." culminated in three 2026 Grammy nominations: Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance. This historic achievement made Rosé the first K-pop artist nominated in any of the Grammys' main six categories as a lead artist. Additionally, she became the first Korean K-pop soloist to perform at the Grammy Awards, opening the prestigious ceremony.

Signing with Atlantic Records and WME

In September 2024, Rosé signed with Atlantic Records for label services, followed by a September 2025 deal with WME for worldwide representation. This strategic partnership positions her for continued growth through new projects and her anticipated solo global touring. According to Lucy Dickins, WME's global head of contemporary music and touring: "Rosé is a creative force with a voice that transcends borders and languages".

Beyond Music: Fashion, Advocacy, and Global Impact

Beyond her musical achievements, Rosé has firmly established herself as a cultural force across multiple domains.

Crowned as the most beautiful face of 2025

Rosé's ascension to the #1 spot on "The 100 Most Beautiful Faces of 2025" marks a historic achievement in her career. This recognition makes her the second BLACKPINK member to top the list after Lisa's reign in 2021. The announcement quickly became a trending topic across global social media platforms, generating intense discussion among fans and critics alike.

Though some South Korean netizens questioned the list's relevance to Korean beauty standards, her ranking nonetheless reinforces her immense global influence in defining beauty in the international arena. Most importantly, this recognition celebrates not just her physical beauty but also her global impact as a style and grace icon.

Rosé as a fashion icon and brand ambassador

Rosé's fashion influence extends far beyond the stage. Her minimalist yet aspirational style has sparked countless trends, from her viral "Rosé pink" hair to her effortless blend of high-end labels with street-style staples. This influence has secured her prestigious partnerships with global brands. She serves as an ambassador for Tiffany & Co., who selected her for her "bold personality and modern style influence". In 2026, she made history as one of the first K-pop artists to appear in a Super Bowl commercial after being named Levi's Global Brand Ambassador.

Philanthropy and mental health advocacy

In 2023, Rosé joined First Lady Jill Biden at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum to advocate for mental health awareness. She courageously shared her personal struggles: "My journey hasn't always been the easiest... In order for me to create and share positivity through my music, my mental health needs to be taken care of as a matter of priority".

Recognition from TIME, Forbes, and global leaders

As a testament to her expanding influence, Rosé was named among TIME's 100 most influential people in the world for 2025. Actress Lily Collins penned her tribute, describing her as "the definition of an icon and a boss". That same year, she received a Presidential Commendation at the Korean Popular Culture and Arts Awards for her contributions to Korean culture globally.