A Return to Conquer
In June 2020, amid the uncertainty of a world facing the pandemic, BLACKPINK returned with a song that ignited hope, confidence, and a renewed sense of power. 〈How You Like That〉, released as the pre-single for their first full-length album The Album, became an anthem that transcended circumstances and brought together millions of fans around the world.
It was not just a comeback—it was a global spectacle. With its hard-hitting beats, bold visuals, and unapologetic message, the song expanded BLACKPINK’s fandom like never before, uniting BLINKs across continents.
The Release: Breaking Every Record in Sight
Released on June 26, 2020, How You Like That was nothing short of historic.
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YouTube Record: 86.3 million views in the first 24 hours, breaking the world record at the time for most views within a day.
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Billboard Charts: Debuted at No. 33 on the Billboard Hot 100, a new high for the group at the time.
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Global Reach: Topped iTunes in over 64 countries, proving BLACKPINK’s unprecedented international appeal.
This release showed that BLACKPINK was no longer just participating in K-POP’s global expansion—they were leading it.
Musical Innovation: Dark, Dramatic, and Fierce
How You Like That blends EDM, trap, and pop into a track that feels both intimidating and empowering.
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Intro: A haunting orchestral swell sets the stage, building tension.
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Verses: Lisa and Jennie deliver sharp rap lines with swagger and authority, while Jisoo and Rosé provide a melodic counterbalance.
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Chorus: The explosive drop with the iconic line “How you like that?” creates a moment of defiance that instantly electrified listeners.
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Bridge: The shift into a dramatic, almost operatic breakdown adds emotional weight before the final explosion.
The song is not merely entertainment—it’s a declaration of resilience, confidence, and survival.
Visual Identity: A Cinematic Experience
The How You Like That music video is one of BLACKPINK’s most cinematic and visually ambitious works, combining global cultural imagery with striking fashion.
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Jennie on the Throne: Exuding royalty and dominance, symbolizing BLACKPINK’s control of the stage.
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Lisa in the Hanbok-inspired Outfit: A bold blend of tradition and modernity, highlighting Korea’s cultural heritage while reimagining it for a global audience.
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Rosé in the Garden of Ashes: Representing rebirth from destruction, a visual metaphor for resilience.
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Jisoo with Angelic Imagery: A symbol of purity and strength amidst chaos.
Fashion again played a key role, with the members donning haute couture, traditional elements, and futuristic outfits—cementing BLACKPINK as both fashion icons and cultural ambassadors.
Performance: A Stage for Global Domination
The choreography of How You Like That is bold, aggressive, and designed for maximum impact on massive stages.
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Signature Move: The finger-point gesture with the line “Look at you, now look at me” became instantly iconic, endlessly replicated on TikTok and social media.
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Stage Presence: BLACKPINK’s live performances were electrifying, with precision, charisma, and undeniable star power.
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Longevity: The song remains a staple of BLACKPINK’s setlists, igniting stadiums and arenas worldwide.
Global Reception: A Song That United the World
The response was immediate and overwhelming.
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BLINKs Mobilized: Fans worldwide organized streaming parties, breaking records together.
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Cultural Impact: The song became a rallying cry during a difficult global moment, resonating with themes of resilience and empowerment.
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Media Praise: Outlets like The Guardian and Billboard praised it as a track that “captured the spirit of survival in uncertain times.”
For many fans, How You Like That was the song that connected them to BLACKPINK for the first time, significantly expanding the fandom.
Cultural Significance: Redefining Resilience in Pop
The song’s importance extends beyond its musical and visual achievements.
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Message: Even in the darkest times, strength, confidence, and determination prevail.
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Global Reach: It introduced BLACKPINK to new audiences in Europe, North America, and beyond, expanding their BLINK community worldwide.
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Legacy: Years later, it remains a defining track in BLACKPINK’s career, symbolizing their resilience and ability to thrive under pressure.
🎧 Listen to the Hit
Relive the song that united millions of fans across the globe:
👉 Watch the Official Music Video on YouTube
▶ Open in New Window (YouTube)
Turn it up and feel the defiance, strength, and power of How You Like That.
Wrap-up: A Global Turning Point
How You Like That was more than a pre-release single. It was a global turning point, solidifying BLACKPINK’s position not just as K-POP leaders but as cultural icons of resilience and empowerment.
As the fourth chapter of our Music Masterpiece Series, this track marks the moment BLACKPINK’s fandom expanded to unprecedented levels, uniting millions across continents under one anthem.
Next in this series: Music Masterpiece Series #5 – Lovesick Girls: The Emotional Core of BLACKPINK.
