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A Long-Awaited Solo Moment
For years, BLINKs around the world had anticipated the moment Rosé would release her solo project. Known as the emotional powerhouse of BLACKPINK, Rosé’s unique voice carried both vulnerability and strength. On March 12, 2021, that long wait finally ended with the release of her debut single album R, led by the track On the Ground.
Where Jennie’s SOLO had been bold and defiant, Rosé’s On the Ground took a different path: it was introspective, poetic, and deeply personal. The song immediately set itself apart by stripping away excess glamour and focusing on emotional storytelling.
Behind the Music: Crafting Rosé’s Identity
Produced by Jorgen Odegard, Ojivolta, Teddy, and 24, On the Ground presented a fusion of pop-rock with acoustic and electronic elements.
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Genre Blend: Pop-rock with atmospheric synths and guitar riffs
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Lyric Theme: Searching for meaning, grounding oneself despite fame
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Signature Line: “Everything I need is on the ground” – the central message of simplicity and truth
Unlike the high-energy anthems BLACKPINK is known for, Rosé’s song was deliberately restrained. It showcased her breathy vocals and emotional tone, allowing the listener to feel the sincerity behind every line.
The Lyrics: From Stardom to Simplicity
The lyrics of On the Ground explore the paradox of success. Rosé, who had climbed to the pinnacle of global stardom, reveals the emptiness that can accompany such heights.
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Verse 1: She reflects on chasing dreams and material accomplishments.
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Pre-Chorus: The rising melody mirrors the pursuit of something greater.
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Chorus: She concludes that the answers she sought were never in fame or luxury but “on the ground,” symbolizing her roots, her inner self, and genuine connections.
This message struck a chord not only with BLINKs but also with anyone who has experienced the tension between external achievements and internal fulfillment.
Music Video: A Cinematic Exploration of Duality
The On the Ground music video enhanced the song’s emotional weight with stunning visuals.
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Opening Scene: Rosé in a lavish setting, symbolizing fame and luxury.
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Contrast: Later, she walks through empty fields and sits by a burning car, representing destruction of illusions.
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Symbolic Imagery: A younger Rosé gazing at her older self, mirroring her personal journey.
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Climax: Rosé in a grand chandelier-filled hall, dressed in couture yet delivering lyrics about simplicity.
The video, now surpassing 400 million views on YouTube (as of 2025), blends elegance with raw honesty.
Global Impact: A Record-Breaking Debut
Rosé’s On the Ground made history upon release:
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Billboard Hot 100: Debuted at #70, making Rosé the highest-charting Korean female soloist at the time.
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Billboard Global 200: Achieved #1, the first time for a Korean soloist.
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Gaon Digital Chart: Secured #4 in South Korea.
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Spotify: Broke records with millions of streams on its debut day.
The success cemented Rosé as a soloist with international recognition, proving her artistry could stand independently of the group.
Live Performances: Vulnerability on Stage
Rosé delivered unforgettable live stages of On the Ground:
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The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon (2021): Her global solo debut stage, bringing emotional resonance to late-night American TV.
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BLACKPINK’s “THE SHOW” Concert: A highlight moment that fans around the world streamed online.
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Award Shows: Rosé’s live vocals and stripped-down arrangements revealed her authenticity and control as an artist.
Fans praised her performances not just for vocal technique but for the emotional sincerity she carried.
Artistic and Cultural Significance
Rosé’s On the Ground was more than a debut single—it became a cultural moment.
1. Artistic Identity: It defined Rosé as a storyteller, distinguishing her from Jennie’s fierceness and Lisa’s charisma.Fashion, too, played a role. Rosé’s couture outfits in the MV solidified her as a global ambassador for Saint Laurent and Tiffany & Co., blending music with fashion artistry.
Legacy: The Enduring Power of Authenticity
In hindsight, On the Ground set the tone for Rosé’s ongoing solo career. It established her as an artist capable of bridging K-pop with Western pop sensibilities, while never losing her authenticity.
The track remains an essential part of BLACKPINK’s solo journey:
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Jennie lit the fire with independence (SOLO).
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Rosé deepened the narrative with reflection (On the Ground).
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Lisa later electrified with energy (LALISA, MONEY).
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Jisoo closed the circle with elegance (FLOWER).
Together, they created a mosaic of individuality under the BLACKPINK brand.
Wrap-up: Rosé’s Voice, Rosé’s Truth
Rosé’s On the Ground is a reminder that even at the peak of fame, what matters most is authenticity, love, and personal grounding. With her delicate yet powerful voice, she turned simplicity into an anthem that will remain timeless.
As we continue the “BLACKPINK Solo Journey Series,” Rosé’s chapter reminds us that true artistry comes not from chasing the sky but from rediscovering what has always been close to us—our roots, our truths, and our ground.
Up next: Lisa’s LALISA—a solo debut that electrified the world with unmatched charisma.
(The end)
