In June 2020, BLACKPINK returned to the music scene after a year-long hiatus with a track that redefined what a comeback could mean for a K-POP group. “How You Like That” was not just a single; it was a triumphant declaration of resilience and dominance. Released in the midst of global uncertainty, the song served as a beacon of hope and energy for fans around the world. Its explosive beats, edgy visuals, and commanding lyrics set the internet ablaze, solidifying BLACKPINK’s reputation as the unrivaled queens of K-POP.
The anticipation leading up to the release was immense. YG Entertainment’s teasers showcased the group in striking visuals, and the hype reached fever pitch as millions waited online for the premiere. The moment the music video dropped, it shattered records, confirming that BLACKPINK wasn’t just making a comeback — they were setting new standards for global music culture.
Song Analysis: Musical Brilliance
The brilliance of “How You Like That” lies in its structure: a multi-phased track that constantly evolves, keeping listeners engaged from start to finish.
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Opening: The song begins with a dramatic, cinematic build-up. The ominous string section combined with heavy trap beats sets an epic, almost apocalyptic tone.
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Verses: Lisa and Jennie deliver hard-hitting rap lines that ooze charisma and dominance, while Jisoo and Rosé counterbalance with soaring, melodic vocals.
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Pre-Chorus: The tension rises with Rosé and Jisoo’s vocals, creating suspense before the iconic drop.
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Chorus/Drop: “How you like that?” explodes with thunderous bass, addictive synths, and a beat drop that instantly became legendary. This section was designed to take over stadiums, clubs, and social media alike.
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Bridge: The song takes a surprising turn with orchestral elements, a nod to epic soundtracks, before diving into the final, euphoric chorus.
This constant evolution keeps the listener on edge, ensuring that the track never feels repetitive. It’s part pop, part trap, part EDM — a true hybrid anthem showcasing BLACKPINK’s versatility.
Performance & Choreography
The choreography of “How You Like That” is nothing short of iconic. From the finger gun to the grand arm spreads, each move was designed to be both powerful and easily replicated by fans. The dance break, with its synchronized head turns and explosive stomps, became an instant viral trend.
The visuals of the music video also deserve attention. With grandiose sets ranging from frozen tundras to fiery palaces, the MV felt more like a blockbuster film than a traditional K-POP video. BLACKPINK appeared as both mythical goddesses and futuristic warriors, embodying the theme of rising from darkness into light.
Live stages further amplified the song’s dominance. BLACKPINK’s commanding stage presence, paired with fire effects, LED backdrops, and flawless synchronization, made every performance an unforgettable spectacle.
Global Impact & Records
The impact of “How You Like That” was immediate and earth-shattering.
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YouTube Records: The music video achieved 86.3 million views in 24 hours, breaking the previous world record for most views in a single day. It also reached 1 billion views in record time for a K-POP girl group.
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Billboard Success: The track peaked at #33 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking one of BLACKPINK’s highest U.S. chart achievements.
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Guinness World Records: It set five Guinness World Records, including most-viewed YouTube video in 24 hours.
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Streaming & Global Charts: It dominated iTunes charts in over 60 countries and topped Spotify’s global charts shortly after release.
The sheer scale of its success confirmed that BLACKPINK was no longer just competing within K-POP; they were leading the global pop movement.
Meme Culture & Fan Reactions
“How You Like That” became a social media phenomenon. From TikTok challenges featuring the iconic dance break to memes based on the chorus, fans around the world contributed to the song’s viral spread. The phrase “How you like that?” became shorthand for confidence and triumph, used in countless captions and online conversations.
Rosé’s soaring line in the pre-chorus, Lisa’s swag-heavy rap, and Jennie’s iconic intro all became soundbites that spread across platforms. Fans didn’t just consume the song — they remixed and celebrated it, ensuring that the track maintained its cultural relevance long after release.
🎧 Listen to the Hit
Relive the electrifying energy of BLACKPINK’s triumphant comeback: Click play and feel the anthem!
🎧 Listen to the Hit — Open in New Window
Wrap-up
“How You Like That” is more than just a comeback track — it is a declaration of victory, resilience, and cultural dominance. It embodies BLACKPINK’s journey of overcoming challenges and emerging stronger than ever, a theme that resonated deeply with fans during uncertain global times.
The song’s explosive success broke records, set new industry benchmarks, and demonstrated that BLACKPINK was not simply a part of K-POP — they were shaping the future of global pop music. Its choreography, visuals, and cultural resonance ensured that “How You Like That” will remain one of the defining songs of the decade.
As this Grand Hit Masterpiece Series continues, we will explore how BLACKPINK’s other legendary tracks each contributed to building a legacy that transcends music, turning them into cultural icons for generations to come.
