As a member of Seoul-based BlackPink, Auckland-born vocalist Rosé (Roseanne Park) became one of the K-pop industry's biggest stars, leading an internationally dominant career through the 2010s and early 2020s as part of one of the world's largest girl groups. After the release of BlackPink's The Album, Rosé branched into a solo career of her own, debuting in 2021 with single album R.

Though Rosé's musical career had its roots in Seoul, Korea, her early years were spent between New Zealand and Australia. Born in Auckland in 1997, the young vocalist moved with her family to Melbourne in 2004, developing her musical talents through lessons and local church choirs. A 2012 audition for YG Entertainment proved the gateway to her global ambitions -- after ranking first out of 700 participants, Park signed with the label and moved to Seoul to pursue her career. Following four years of training under the YG banner, Rosé debuted in 2016 as the fourth member of girl group BlackPink, alongside Jisoo, Jennie, and Lisa.

BlackPink debuted that August with the single album Square One (including "Whistle" and "Boombayah"), becoming the third Korean artists ever to hold the number one and number two spots on the Billboard World Digital Song Sales chart simultaneously. Similar chart success followed with sophomore effort Square Two ("Playing with Fire," "Stay") before the group swept up nominations and awards across the Asia Artist Awards, Gaon Chart Music Awards, Melon Music Awards, and Golden Disc Awards. By 2018, BlackPink had become one of the biggest girl groups in the world. Their debut Korean-language EP, Square Up, found success across international charts, which they consolidated with worldwide stadium tours, collaborations with international stars, and a global deal with Interscope. Subsequent hit releases toward the late 2010s pushed the group further into international markets, and BlackPink issued their debut Korean-language set, The Album, in October 2020. Smashing the first-week sales records for Korean girl groups, The Album sold over 590,000 copies in just its first day of physical release.

Continuing her success under the BlackPink banner, Rosé used 2021 to make her solo debut. After a promotional teaser in January, the vocalist launched her first single album, R, in March. Harnessing her unique vocals to deliver stories of self-discovery and heartbreak, the project's lead single, "On the Ground," broke Psy's record for the most 24-hour video views for a Korean soloist. ~ David Crone, Rovi