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Blackswan (Korean: 블랙스완; stylized in all caps) is a South Korean multinational girl group formed by DR Music. The group consists of Fatou, Gabi, Sriya and NVee, and is the final lineup of Blackswan, as confirmed by Fatou herself in a Veeper audio.[1]

Key Information

They originally debuted under the name Rania (라니아) in 2011 with the EP Teddy Riley, the First Expansion In Asia. In December 2016, the group rebranded as BP Rania (Korean: BP 라니아; an acronym of Black Pearl Rania) and released two EPs, Start a Fire and Refresh 7th. The group returned to promoting as Rania in 2018 prior to rebranding as Blackswan in October 2020 with the album Goodbye Rania.

Career

[edit]

Pre-debut and member changes

[edit]

The group was originally set to debut in mid-2010, as the third generation of Baby V.O.X. However, their record company DR Music; decided to rebrand them as a new group named Rania (short for "Regeneration Idol of Asia") with eight members: Saem (later known as Yina), Lucy (later known as Jooyi), Sarah, Riko, Joy, Di, T-ae, and Xia.[2][unreliable source?] T-ae, Riko, and Yina were chosen to star alongside former 2PM member Jay Park in his movie Hype Nation,[3][4] which caused DR Music to delay the group's debut. At the beginning of 2011, Sarah decided to leave the group. While the company attempted to debut another member named Yijo, an interview with member Yina in 2022 revealed that the label ultimately did not find her fit for debut, though she still appeared in a few scenes from their debut music video.[5]

2011–2012: Debut as Rania and member changes

[edit]
Rania on stage at the Multicultural Festival in Gyeonggi-do, in September 2011. From left to right: Di, Riko, Xia (behind), Yina, T-ae, Joy and Jooyi

Rania made their debut in April 2011 as a seven-member group consisting of Saem, Jooyi, Riko, Joy, Di, T-ae and Xia.[6] On April 6, Rania performed on KBS' Music Bank, with the EP Teddy Riley, the First Expansion In Asia and its title track "Dr Feel Good", composed by Teddy Riley. The song was originally given to Lady Gaga. [clarification needed][7] The music video and live performances were controversial in South Korea as some viewers felt that the group's image was too provocative.[8] As a result, Rania was forced to change its choreography and make minor changes to the outfits.[9][10][unreliable source?] After the promotion of "Dr Feel Good", the group returned in June with its first digital single "Masquerade", also composed by Riley.[7][11][unreliable source?] Despite having planned an American debut,[7] the group made no advancements.[clarification needed][12][unreliable source?] Shortly afterwards Riley announced that he would have nothing more to do with the group after falling out with their record label, releasing a statement saying:

I wish them the best. It's not the girls I dislike, I love Rania, they would be better with me at SM Entertainment. Their manager does shady business, used me for my music. I love Rania, I just don't like their company business. That's why they are not getting bigger. They don't do business upfront. They used my name every where then back door me on the group. It's ok if they will regret it. If they leave that company, I will sign them up quickly. Please know the facts before attacking me. Attack their company. Such great talent will be wasted if they don't get better support.[13][unreliable source?]

The group released their second EP, Time to Rock da Show, on November 16, 2011.[14][unreliable source?][15] The music video for its title track, "Pop Pop Pop", written by Brave Brothers,[16][unreliable source?] was revealed four days later.[17][unreliable source?] On May 30, 2012, Rania performed a new song named "Killer" at the Dream Concert.

In June 2012, Joy announced that she left the group, but DR Music claimed she was on hiatus because her parents' house in Thailand had been affected in the flood that occurred around the time of the release. Joy deleted her official Rania Twitter account soon after, but not before writing a post saying:

To everyone, I'm sorry I let you guys down so many times, but I've been thinking about it for months. I think I can't go back to stand on that place anymore. I can't go back anymore. Thanks for all of your love and all of your hope, thank you so much and I feel so sorry that I [am disappointing beloved fans]...From now...I think I can't be in the Entertainment [industry] or back to be a singer anymore since I was sick...But I haven't got any confidence to go back to do it. I'm sorry that I made you all have to wait for me...and I made you all feel confused. Thank you so much for gifts, kindness, love that you give me. Thank you.[18][19][20]

Rania then made a comeback on September 16 with the second digital single "Style", whose music video was revealed on September 20. Jooyi did not appear in the comeback, though DR Music claimed she was still a member of the group.[21]

2013–2014: Just Go, temporary hiatus, and member changes

[edit]
Rania performing at the Hyosung Angel Village Festival, on October 4, 2013.

Rania released the lead single "Just Go" on March 8, 2013, along with their first studio album, also titled Just Go (Goodbye's the New Hello). Riko did not participate in this release.[22] They also announced they would debut in America in summer 2013.[23][unreliable source?] Empire Records was to handle the girls' distribution while Fireworks was to handle their American management.[24] Larry Rudolph and Adam Leber, two of Britney Spears' managers, were expected to be Rania's managers throughout their U.S. promotions.[25][unreliable source?] Starting May 21, Rania began filming for their MTV reality show Road to Fame in Los Angeles and other cities across the U.S. The show would feature the group's preparations for their U.S. debut and would air for three months. It was also revealed that the album would feature collaborations with both Snoop Dogg and 2 Chainz.[26] However, Rania's American debut was delayed again in June.[27][unreliable source?] In the meantime, the group filmed a commercial film for Woongjin Waterpark Play°C [28][unreliable source?] and released a special digital single titled "Up" for fans on July 5; Riko was absent again.[29][unreliable source?]

In May 2014, the group signed with Spanish label INGENIOmedia and confirmed they would have a comeback in July with "Acceleration", with a second round of promotions in September, but the material was never finalized,[30][unreliable source?] The label also confirmed that they were looking for a new and sixth member to replace Riko, who had been not participating from the group since "Just Go".[22][31][unreliable source?] Following an incident where a staffer at INGENIOmedia leaked Rania's comeback track to a sasaeng fan, the company severed ties with the group, stating they were "taking too long".[32] INGENIOMedia later released a statement saying that they were not looking for a member to replace Riko, apologizing for any confusion, and said that any news on member changes would have to come from Rania's company.[33][unreliable source?]

In late 2014, the agency released a statement on Saem's possible departure; fans noticed that she had not participated in all the activities and touring, and deactivated all of her social media accounts as well, which sparked the rumors that she left the group. The agency denied the statement, then on the same day it announced Riko's departure to focus on her university studies:

After completing their promotions for their single "Style", Riko told us that she could attend university and to study the career and once she can finish all of her activities and subjects and once she graduated college she could return as a member of Rania, but the problem is back in the year she reapporach the subjects and ask more a year of absence and that's unfair to her because she could not postpone her absence anymore, she decided to quit as a singer and leave the agency indefiently.

2015–2016: Return with Demonstrate, member changes, and reformation as BP Rania

[edit]

In January 2015, fans noticed that Jooyi had not made any public appearances with the group, to which DR Music replied that she was on hiatus.

In July of that year, the group made an appearance with two new members, Seulji and Hyeme. In October, they were announced to be making a comeback as a six-member group on November 6 with their third EP Demonstrate.[34][unreliable source?] On November 3, Seulji and Hyeme were officially revealed as new members[35][unreliable source?] and it was announced that Demonstrate would feature African-American rapper Alexandra Reid, who is the first black woman to be an official member of a South Korean girl group.[36][37][unreliable source?] On November 4, DR Music confirmed that Reid would be joining the group, and confirmed Saem and Jooyi's departures.[38]

DR Music sent out a letter to fans announcing their Makestar project, informing them that Rania's comeback had been pushed back to August 2016 and that they were working on a Hyeme and Alex sub-unit instead. However, on July 13, 2016, Makestar announced that due to repeated failed attempts to contact DR Music about the project's progress and "the continued irresponsible behavior and stance taken by the Rania project creator, and [their] unwillingness to ignore the inconvenience this [was] causing to the project participants", the project was terminated and all money returned to the fans.[39][unreliable source?]

On May 26, it was revealed that the last three original members of the group (Di, T-ae and Xia) chose not to renew their contracts and left the group for a new label, Enter Hama. They announced their plans to redebut as "Ela8te", though these plans fell through when disbanded.[40][unreliable source?]

On June 26, Rania performed at a Chinese event with three new DR Music trainees: Jian, Jieun (a former member of LPG), and Crystal. On August 15, 2016, Alex announced that she was the group's new leader. On October 25, they performed with two DR Music trainees (Ttabo and Hyeonji) at the 2016 Seoul ICARUS Drone International Film Festival. Two days later, DR Music stated that they would choose new Rania members out of the seven DR Music trainees. On December 23, 2016, DR Music revealed a teaser image for "BP Rania" ("Black Pearl" Rania, in reference to Alex's darker skin tone) and hinted a comeback as a seven-member group.[41][unreliable source?] On December 24, an image teaser for Hyeme and new member Jieun were revealed.[42][unreliable source?] On 25 December, Zi.U (formerly known as Seulji) and new member Yumin's teaser images were revealed.[43][unreliable source?] On December 26, DR Music revealed teaser images for Alex and new Chinese member Ttabo.[44][unreliable source?] It was reported that former member Saem rejoined the group two years after her departure in late 2014, and changed her stage name to Yina.[45][46] On December 27, DR Music revealed the last teaser image for Saem, confirming that she had re-joined the group.[47][unreliable source?] The single "Start a Fire" was released on December 30, 2016, along with their fourth EP of the same name.[48] DR Music said "Through Spanish company INGENIOmedia, the song will be available in more than 60 countries around the world."[49][unreliable source?]

2017: Refresh 7th and member changes

[edit]
BP Rania on September 15, 2017.

On February 10, 2017, DR Music announced that BP Rania would start promotions for their second song "Make Me Ah" from the Start a Fire EP, on February 14.[50] It was also announced that this would be the first time that Alex would take part in the entire choreography.[51][unreliable source?]

On February 21, DR Music revealed that they were approached by a "well established production company" with an acting opportunity for Alex, to which they responded by releasing a statement saying that they hoped that fans could understand the benefits of this opportunity, and that the opportunity would "allow the group to gain exposure and help BP Rania's success by expanding their fan base." DR Music assured the fans that Alex would remain a fully active member of BP Rania, and would return to her regular schedules after she returned to Korea.[52] Around the same time INGENIOMedia announced that on February 28, they were opening preorders for BP Rania's first compilation album Rania Legends, comprising songs from "Dr Feel Good" to "Start a Fire", with the requirement that 100 preorders be made before they began manufacturing the albums. As well, they stated that all money raised would be dedicated to the production of a mini documentary titled "20 Days With BP RaNia", with any leftover money invested in the production of BP RaNia's next release. The release was eventually cancelled and pre-orders refunded, but INGENIOmedia said that all songs would be re-recorded by BP RaNia and included as a bonus CD and DVD in their next release instead.

On May 12, DR Music announced that they were looking for three to four new members to start BP Rania W, a worldwide group that would promote alongside the current members of BP Rania.[53] At the end of March, Yina revealed that she had left the group again,[54][unreliable source?] and the agency later confirmed her departure from the group to focus on acting.[55][unreliable source?]

BP Rania continued as a six-member group, releasing their fifth EP Refresh 7th on August 12, with title track "Beep Beep Beep". Promotions became controversial when fans and viewers noticed that Alex had few lines and spent the majority of the performance standing to the side while the remaining five members continued to dance and sing.[56][unreliable source?] When fans asked the company to clarify, the choreographer responded "[Alex] said she won't do it because she's a rapper", to which Alex replied via Twitter "If these lies keep magically surfacing, I'll go ahead and come out with the truth. Let it really hit the fan."[57][unreliable source?] DR Music then issued a statement saying "The rumors that Alexandra was not willing, able, or present at practice to participate in the full choreography are false. Her level of talent is surpassed only by her work ethic and dedication to the team. It is for those reasons that we gave her the position of leader."

Soon afterwards it was announced that Alex had left the group.[57]

On September 13, it was announced that the group would be making a comeback with "Breathe Heavy" from their Refresh 7th EP.[58]

2018–2019: Forthcoming comeback as Rania, hiatus, and member changes

[edit]

In January 2018, DR Music issued a statement stating Ttabo was filming a movie in China, after fans noticed that she had missed several appearances with the group.[59][unreliable source?][60][unreliable source?][61][unreliable source?] On May 31, DR Music announced Yumin's departure from the group due to her having "recently been faced with circumstances that make it increasingly hard for her to follow the extremely demanding team schedule".[62] It was also announced that the group would make a comeback in June and release a "Best Of" album in August, but neither event occurred.[63][unreliable source?] Soon afterwards it was announced that Yumin and former Topp Dogg member P-Goon had married and were expecting a child; the pair has since divorced.[64] [65]

On June 28, it was announced that Rania would begin promotions in Malaysia for a new August album, alongside new member Namfon.[66]

On November 7, when asked via SNS by fans if she was still a member, Ttabo stated that she was an "ex-celebrity". Shortly afterwards, fans noticed that every remaining member of the group had removed "Rania" from their social media accounts and that the company had unfollowed some of the members, leading to rumors that DR Music as a company had gone bankrupt and defunct and the group had unofficially disbanded.[67][68][unreliable source?][69][unreliable source?][70][71][unreliable source?]

On August 18, 2019, Rania announced via their official Instagram account that they would be performing in Romania from September 4–5 with three new members, although the names and faces of the three were not announced yet. Fans began speculating that this meant Zi.U and Jieun had left the group.[72][permanent dead link] On August 28, the group's official YouTube account uploaded a video promoting its Romanian performance as well as revealing the three new members as Seunghyun, Larissa, and ex-Stellar member Youngheun, as well as confirming the departures of Jieun, Zi.U and Ttabo.[73]

2020–2021: Re-debut as Blackswan, Goodbye Rania and Close to Me

[edit]

Around January 2020, Namfon stopped appearing during Rania performances, with no official statement of her whereabouts. In an interview with YouTuber Evangaline Pang in 2021, Namfon revealed that she privately left the group as a result of visa issues left unresolved by the label, who ceased contact with her after she chose to remain in Thailand.[74]

On June 26, 2020, Hyeme announced through DR Music's social media pages that the Rania members at that time (except Seunghyun)[75] would rebrand as B.S (later Blackswan).

On July 7, 2020, the group was appointed as ambassadors of Pyeongchang-gun, alongside K-TIGERS ZERO, to promote the county.[76] In the same time, two new members were revealed: Judy and Fatou.

During a Channel A news broadcast, Blackswan participated in a news story on how the COVID-19 pandemic was affecting the K-pop industry, and revealed that their debut had been postponed indefinitely.[77] On October 9, 2020, Blackswan's social media pages announced that they'd be making their debut with the full album Goodbye Rania on October 16, 2020.[78] The lead single was titled "Tonight".[79]

On November 9, 2020, Hyeme was involved in a scandal in which it was revealed that she'd allegedly scammed a friend out of 50 million KRW (approximately US$44,800).[80] On November 10, DR Music announced Hyeme would leave Blackswan due to the expiration of her five-year contract. They also announced that, due to the aforementioned controversy, Blackswan would be going on a brief hiatus.[81]

Blackswan in 2021

On March 6, 2021, Blackswan was revealed to have started a Korean Travel Series in collaboration with the Korean Cultural Center of Belgium.[82]

On October 14, 2021, Blackswan released their first single album Close to Me.[83][84][85]

2022–2023: Members graduation, Cygnus project, That Karma and Leia's departure

[edit]

On January 28, 2022, DR Music unveiled two trainees, Sriya Lenka from India, and Gabi Dalcin from Brazil, stating that only one of them would be joining Blackswan as the group's official fifth member.[86][unreliable source?] On May 26, DR Music introduced both Sriya and Gabi as new members of the group through the label's Cygnus project, a project with an admission and graduation concept.[87][unreliable source?]

On July 31, 2022, DR Music announced the graduation of Youngheun and Judy from Blackswan.[88] On August 19, Fatou mentioned that the group was preparing to release new material during an interview with Teen Vogue.[89]

On November 9, it was announced that Leia would be going on hiatus for health related reasons while the group would move forward with their next comeback.[90]

On December 24, Blackswan released a Christmas pictorial video, where they revealed a new member named Alena Smith who will go by stagename NVee.[91] She officially debuted with Blackswan at 2023 Men's FIH Hockey World Cup on January 11 in Odisha.[92]

On May 10, 2023, it was announced that Blackswan would be releasing their 2nd single album, That Karma, on May 19, 2023.[93] Indian Odia-language actor and producer Samaresh Routray helped the band to shoot the music video in Bhubaneswar.[94]

On July 31, 2023, leader Fatou "confirmed on the Veeper app" that the current 4-member line-up is finalized, indicating member Leia had departed from the group since her hiatus in November 2022. No new members will be added.[95]

On September 6, 2023, Blackswan released digitally a new version of That Karma titled That Karma - Pop Edition, which includes an English version track from their second single album and a new song "A World Without Pain".[96] With the released of the new version, they resume their activities with promotions "Cat & Mouse".[97]

2024–present: Roll Up

[edit]

On July 19, 2024, Blackswan announced that the group would release its sixth extended play (EP), Roll Up, on July 31, 2024. The music video of the lead single filmed in Dubai, was directed by Sagan Lee from Zanybros, who had previously worked with the group.[98]

On July 25, it was revealed that Blackswan would be featuring in Apple TV documentary, K-pop Idols, which also marks the first appearance of member Leia since 2022.[99] On May 21, 2025, they released "I Like It Hot", with the single album being the same name.[100] They also were in the show KPopped, performing "Roll Up", "Motownphilly", and "End of the Road" with Boyz II Men.[101][non-primary source needed]

Members

[edit]

Current members

[edit]
  • Fatou (파투) (2020–present) – leader, rapper, dancer [102][103]
  • NVee (앤비) (2022–present) – vocalist[102]
  • Gabi (가비) (2022–present) – vocalist, dancer[102]
  • Sriya (스리야) (2022–present) – vocalist, dancer[102]

Former members

[edit]
Rania and BP Rania
  • Joy (조이) (2011–2012)
  • Riko (리코) (2011–2014)
  • Jooyi (주이) (2011–2015)
  • Di (디) (2011–2016)
  • T-ae (티애) (2011–2016)
  • Xia (시아) (2011–2016)
  • Yina (이나), previously known as Saem (샘) (2011–2015, 2016–2017)
  • Alex (알렉산드라) (2015–2017)
  • Yumin (유민) (2016–2018)
  • Ttabo (따보) (2016–2018)
  • Zi.U (지유), previously known as Seulji (슬지) (2015–2019)
  • Jieun (지은) (2015–2019)
  • Namfon (남폰) (2018–2020)
  • Seunghyun (승현) (2019–2020)
  • Hyeme (혜미) (2015–2020)
  • Youngheun (영흔) (2019–2020)
  • Larissa (라리사) (2019–2020)
Blackswan
  • Hyeme (혜미) (2020)
  • Youngheun (영흔) (2020–2022)
  • Judy (주디) (2020–2022)
  • Leia (2020–2023)

Member Timeline

[edit]
Timeline Rania and BP Rania
Timeline Blackswan

Discography

[edit]

Studio albums

[edit]
Title Album details Peak chart positions Sales
KOR
[104]
Rania
Just Go (Goodbye's the New Hello) 9
Blackswan
Goodbye Rania
  • Released: October 16, 2020
  • Label: DR Music, Danal Entertainment
  • Format: CD, digital download
 71

Extended plays

[edit]
List of extended plays, showing selected details, selected chart positions, and sales figures
Title Details Peak chart positions Sales
KOR
[107]
Rania
Teddy Riley, the First Expansion In Asia
  • Released: April 6, 2011
  • Label: DR Music, Yedang Company
  • Format: Digital download
 —
Time to Rock da Show
  • Released: November 17, 2011
  • Label: DR Music, Yedang Company
  • Format: Digital download
 —
Demonstrate
  • Released: November 5, 2015
  • Label: DR Music, Danal Entertainment
  • Format: CD, digital download
 —
BP Rania
Start a Fire
  • Released: December 30, 2016
  • Label: DR Music, Danal Entertainment
  • Format: CD, digital download
 —
Refresh 7th
  • Released: August 12, 2017
  • Label: DR Music, Danal Entertainment
  • Format: Digital download
Track listing
  1. "Beep Beep Beep"
  2. "Breathe Heavy"
  3. "No Dab" (Hyemi & Alex duet)
  4. "Breathe Heavy (English ver.)"
 —
Blackswan
Roll Up
  • Released: July 31, 2024
  • Label: DR Music, Danal Entertainment
  • Format: CD, digital download, streaming
Track list
  1. "C'est Jamais Vue"
  2. "Roll Up"
  3. "Double Down"
  4. "La Boum"
  5. "C'est Jamais Vue (instrumental)"
  6. "Roll Up (instrumental)"
  7. "Double Down (instrumental)"
  8. "La Boum (instrumental)"
 44
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory

Single albums

[edit]
Title Details Peak chart positions
KOR
[104]
Blackswan
Close to Me
  • Released: October 14, 2021
  • Label: DR Music, Danal Entertainment
  • Format : CD, digital download
Track list
  1. "Close to Me"
  2. "Close to Me" (English ver.)
  3. "Get Up" (SHARK Remix)
 93
That Karma
  • Released: May 19, 2023
  • Label: DR Music, Danal Entertainment
  • Format : CD, digital download
Track list
  1. "Karma"
  2. "Cat & Mouse"
  3. "Karma" (Instrumental)
  4. "Cat & Mouse" (Instrumental)
 –
That Karma - Pop Edition
  • Released: September 6, 2023
  • Label: DR Music, Danal Entertainment
  • Format: Digital download
Track list
  1. "Karma" (English Version)
  2. "Cat & Mouse" (English Version)
  3. "A World Without Pain"
 –
I Like It Hot
  • Released: May 21, 2025
  • Label: DR Music, Danal Entertainment
  • Format : CD, digital download
Track list
  1. "I Like It Hot"
  2. "Roll Up" (Remix)
  3. "I Like It Hot" (Instrumental)
  4. "Roll Up" (Remix Instrumental)
 –
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory

Singles

[edit]
Title Year Peak chart positions Sales Album
KOR
[109] 		KOR
Hot
[110]
Rania
"Dr. Feel Good" (닥터 필 굿) 2011 99 — Teddy Riley, the First Expansion In Asia
"Masquerade" (가면무도회) 192 —
"Pop Pop Pop" 66 — Time to Rock da Show
"Style" 2012 40 47 Just Go (Goodbye's the New Hello)
"Just Go" 2013 26 34
"Up" — — Demonstrate
"Demonstrate" 2015 — —
BP Rania
"Start a Fire" 2016 — — Start a Fire
"Make Me Ah" 2017 — —
"Beep Beep Beep" — — Refresh 7th
"Breathe Heavy" — —
Blackswan
"Tonight" 2020 — — N/a Goodbye Rania
"Close to Me" 2021 — — Close to Me
"Karma" 2023 — — That Karma
"Cat & Mouse" — —
"Roll Up" 2024 — — Roll Up
"I Like It Hot" 2025 —[A] — I Like It Hot
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory

Videography

[edit]

Music videos

[edit]
Year Title
RANIA
2011 "Dr. Feel Good"
"Dr. Feel Good" (Uncut English version)
"Pop Pop Pop"
2012 "Style"
2013 "Just Go"
"Up"
2015 "Demonstrate"
"Demonstrate" (Modified version with Alex)
BP RANIA
2016 "Start a Fire"
2017 "Beep Beep Beep" (Dance version)
"Breathe Heavy" (Special performance video)
"Breathe Heavy" (Dance version)
BLACKSWAN
2020 "Tonight"
"Tonight" (Performance video)
2021 "Close to Me"
"Close to Me" (Performance video)
2022 "Get Up" (Shark Remix)
2023 "Karma"
"Karma" (Performance video)
"Cat & Mouse"
2024 "Roll Up"
2025 "I Like It Hot"

Tours, Fanmeetings & Festivals

[edit]
RANIA The First Asian Fan Tour[116][117]
Date City Country Venue
July 16, 2011 Bangkok Thailand Novotel Bangkok
August 20, 2011 Manilla The Philippines Star Theater
September 18, 2011 Singapore Club Butterfly
RANIA & YOU Promo Tour Party in Malaysia 2018[118]
Date City Country Venue
June 30, 2018 George Town Malaysia Gurney Paragon Mall
Bukit Mertajam AEON Mall Bukit Mertajam
July 1, 2018 Kuala Lumpur HELP University
KL Gateway Mall
BLACKSWAN Live Performance & Fan Meeting [119][120][121]
Date City Country Venue Notes
November 4, 2023 Guangzhou China Kugou Music APP Online Fanmeeting
November 9, 2023 Buena Park United States The Source OC
November 10, 2023 Ontario KPOP 1004
November 11, 2023 Fresno Fresno KPOP Nation
November 12, 2023 Rancho Cordova Sacramento KPOP Nation
KP Plaza
November 14, 2023 Los Angeles KPOP Bestie
BLACKSWAN Japan Fanmeeting 2024 In Tokyo
Date City Country Venue Notes
Cancelled shows[122]
June 1, 2024[123] Tokyo Japan Veats Shibuya Cancelled due to comeback scheduling conflict.
BLACKSWAN US FAN CONCERT 2025 TOUR - Lumina’s Light [124]
Date City Country Venue
June 1, 2025 Chicago United States Harold Washington Cultural Center
June 4, 2025 Dallas The Texas Theatre
June 6, 2025 Atlanta Variety Playhouse
June 8, 2025 Los Angeles The Belasco
Waterbomb Festival[125][126][127]
Date City Country Venue
June 23, 2023 Seoul South-Korea Jamsil Sports Complex
June 6, 2024 Dubai United Arab Emirates Dubai Festival City
April 12, 2025 Haikou China Changying Park

Awards and nominations

[edit]

Honors

[edit]
Name of organization, year given, and the name of the honor
Organization Year Honor Ref.
Newsis K-EXPO Cultural Awards[a] 2023 Next Generation Hallyu Star Award [129]

Notes

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Blackswan

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Blackswan is a South Korean multinational girl group formed by DR Music, renowned as the first K-pop girl group to debut in South Korea without any Korean members. The current lineup consists of Fatou (from Senegal), Gabi (from Brazil), Sriya (from India), and NVee (from the United States), all of whom perform primarily in Korean despite their diverse backgrounds. Originally evolving from the group Rania, which debuted in 2011 under the same label, Blackswan rebranded and officially launched on October 16, 2020, with their debut album Goodbye Rania. The group's formation reflects DR Music's emphasis on global talent, building on Rania's earlier iterations that included international members but always featured Koreans. After several lineup changes, including the departure of original Rania members and additions like Sriya in 2022, Blackswan solidified its all-non-Korean identity, promoting themes of diversity and cultural fusion in . Their music blends , , and elements, with lyrics often exploring empowerment and self-expression. Blackswan's discography includes the 2020 full-length debut Goodbye Rania, the 2023 That Karma—whose title track amassed over 6.5 million views in its first three months—and the 2024 EP Roll Up, which highlighted their evolving sound with tracks filmed across international locations. In 2025, they released the album I Like It Hot, further showcasing their adaptability with fusion elements like and Philly soul influences in collaborations such as "KPOPPED" with . The group has gained attention for their resilience amid industry challenges, including appearances in the 2024 Apple TV+ series K-Pop Idols, where they shared insights into the idol life. Despite a niche following, Blackswan continues to represent multicultural representation in , performing at global events such as the 2025 and maintaining an active presence on platforms like , where they have over 83,000 monthly listeners as of late 2025.

History

Origins as Rania

Rania (라니아), an acronym for "Regeneration Idol of Asia," was formed by the South Korean entertainment company as a multinational aimed at appealing to global audiences. The group debuted on April 6, 2011, with their showcase at V Hall in Hongdae, , followed by their first live stage on Mnet's the next day. Their debut single, "Dr Feel Good," was produced by American musician , marking a collaboration intended to blend with international influences and position Rania as a bridge between Korean and Western markets. At launch, Rania consisted of eight members: Saem, Jooyi, Riko, , Yijo, Di, T-ae, and Xia, with the lineup featuring members from , , and the , making it one of the earliest multinational acts. Following their debut, Rania experienced frequent lineup changes due to member graduations and contract issues, a pattern that became characteristic of the group's trajectory under . By 2012, the original eight-member lineup had reduced, with key departures including Riko and , leading to promotions with a core of five to six members. The group released follow-up singles like "Pop Pop Pop" in November 2011, emphasizing a bold, sexy concept that drew international attention but limited domestic success in . In 2015, Rania introduced Reid, the first non-Asian (American) member in a K-pop , further highlighting their global aspirations, though this addition coincided with ongoing instability. By 2016, amid another wave of departures—including Saem, Di, and others—the surviving members rebranded as BP Rania (Black Pearl Rania) to signify a "regeneration," releasing the single "Who You?" with a lineup of , Hyeme, Jieun, Yina, and later Fatou, a Senegalese who joined as the first African member in history. The BP Rania era continued with sporadic releases, such as the 2016 album Deja Vu and the 2017 single "All In," but the group faced prolonged inactivity from 2018 onward due to management challenges and member exits, including and Yina in 2018. By mid-2020, only Fatou remained from the BP Rania lineup, prompting to fully rebrand the project as Blackswan. This transition was formalized with the release of their debut album Goodbye Rania on October 16, 2020, which served as a farewell to the Rania identity while introducing new members Judy and Youngheun alongside Fatou. The rebranding emphasized a multicultural, borderless concept, retaining Rania's foundational multinational ethos but under a fresh name to revitalize the group.

Formation and re-debut

Blackswan was formed by as a and re-debut of the multinational Rania, which had debuted in 2011 but faced numerous lineup changes and inactivity in recent years. In early 2020, DR Music announced plans to transition the group, retaining select members from Rania's later iterations while introducing new talent to create a fresh multinational lineup. This move aimed to revitalize the project under a new identity, emphasizing global appeal with non-Korean members. The re-debut process began with teasers in July 2020, introducing Fatou Samba, a Senegalese member who had joined Rania in 2016, as a key continuity figure. Subsequent announcements revealed additional members, including Hyeme (a veteran from Rania's 2015 BP Rania phase), Youngheun (appointed leader), Judy, and Leia (formerly from Rania). On October 9, 2020, officially confirmed the group's new name as Blackswan and unveiled the debut date via . Blackswan re-debuted on October 16, 2020, with their first full-length album Goodbye Rania, a symbolic farewell to the predecessor group that included re-recorded tracks from Rania's discography alongside new material. The lead single "Tonight" highlighted the group's multinational composition, with members from (Youngheun, Hyeme), the (Judy), (Fatou), and (Leia). This debut featured a mix of Korean and non-Korean members, with the group later evolving to an all-non-Korean lineup.

2020–2021: Initial releases and lineup adjustments

Blackswan debuted on October 16, 2020, under with their first full-length album Goodbye Rania, marking the and re-debut of the group formerly known as Rania. The album featured re-recorded versions of select Rania tracks alongside new material, serving as a transitional project to introduce the revamped lineup consisting of five members: Hyeme and Youngheun from the previous iteration, alongside newcomers Judy, Fatou, and Leia. This multinational ensemble highlighted the group's global aspirations, with members hailing from , the , , and . The title track "Goodbye Rania" emphasized closure on the group's past while signaling a fresh start, though the release drew mixed reception for its reliance on prior material. Shortly after debut, significant lineup changes occurred. On November 10, 2020, Hyeme departed the group upon the expiration of her five-year contract with , a decision reportedly agreed upon during album preparations as she chose to end her singing career. The departure was confirmed by the agency amid surrounding controversies, including allegations of financial misconduct involving a fan, which Hyeme partially admitted to but declined to resolve. This left Blackswan as a four-member group comprising Youngheun, Judy, Fatou, and Leia, prompting an indefinite hiatus to reorganize activities. The group resumed promotions in , marking their first release as a with the Close to Me on October 14. The title track, produced with contributions from international songwriters including Fontana, showcased a more mature sound blending pop and R&B elements, reflecting the adjusted lineup's chemistry. Teasers and schedule announcements began in late , building anticipation after nearly a year of inactivity. Prior to the full comeback, Blackswan performed select tracks as a four-member unit for the first time in July at a , signaling their return to stage activities. This period solidified the group's transitional phase, focusing on stability with the reduced roster.

2022–2023: Member additions, graduations, and Cygnus project

In early 2022, launched the Cygnus Project, a global audition initiative aimed at discovering and training international talents to join Blackswan, with "Cygnus" symbolizing the constellation of the swan to represent aspiring stars. The project emphasized multinational diversity, aligning with the group's ethos of featuring members from various countries without Korean representation. On January 26, 2022, introduced two Cygnus Project trainees, Sriya Lenka from and Gabi Strassburger Dalcin from Brazil, as potential future members of Blackswan, marking the agency's focus on expanding the group's global lineup. Following months of training and evaluation, on May 26, 2022, officially announced Sriya and Gabi as new members of Blackswan, with Sriya becoming the first in a major group and Gabi adding Brazilian flair to the ensemble. Their addition brought fresh energy, highlighted by their participation in group activities and content releases later that year. The period also saw significant departures, as announced on July 31, 2022, that original members Youngheun and Judy would graduate from Blackswan to pursue individual dreams, expressing gratitude for their contributions and affirming ongoing support for the group. On November 9, 2022, announced that member Leia would enter a hiatus due to health concerns, including issues, and return to for treatment; this hiatus stemmed from earlier tensions, including allegations leveled by Leia against Fatou in 2021. Leia ultimately departed the group, though no official graduation announcement was made at the time. Continuing the Cygnus Project's momentum, held its 2022 global audition from July 11 to July 24, seeking second-generation talents. On November 17, 2022, the agency revealed four finalists, including American candidate . By December 13, 2022, Smith, performing as NVee, was announced as the first to pass the final round and officially joined Blackswan on December 24, 2022, debuting publicly in the group's vlog and photoshoot behind-the-scenes content. NVee's inclusion as the main vocalist strengthened the group's international composition, with her background in musical theater adding vocal depth. Blackswan released their second single album That Karma on May 19, 2023. On July 31, 2023, Fatou confirmed via the Veeper app that the lineup—consisting of Fatou, Gabi, Sriya, and NVee—was stable as a four-member group, with no further changes or additions planned, confirming Leia's departure. The Cygnus Project continued into 2023 with a third-generation audition announced on October 22, 2023, though no immediate additions to the group resulted from it.

2024–2025: EP releases and ongoing activities

In 2024, Blackswan marked a significant milestone with the release of their first (EP), Roll Up, on July 31, which served as the group's first EP under their current four-member lineup and initiated a phase of intensified domestic promotions in . The EP's lead single, also titled "Roll Up," featured aggressive beats and powerful choreography crafted by KANY, who has previously collaborated with artists like and , emphasizing the group's signature high-energy performance style. The music video was filmed in and directed by Lee SaKang of ZANYBROS, highlighting the multinational ensemble's global appeal with contributions from producers including Grammy-nominated Rob Grimaldi. That year, the group was featured in the Apple TV+ docuseries K-Pop Idols, which premiered on August 30 and explored their journey, including past lineup challenges and the involving former member Leia. Building on this momentum into 2025, Blackswan returned with their third , I Like It Hot, on May 21, delivering a summer characterized by infectious rhythms and a bold, dance-oriented vibe that blended international influences with the group's fearless energy. The release followed a structured teaser campaign, including the tracklist unveiling on May 15, individual member concept photos from May 16 to 19, and a teaser video on May 20, positioning it as a bridge to further international engagements. Notably, the album included a of "Roll Up" produced by Rob Grimaldi, reinforcing continuity from their prior work while showcasing evolving production elements. Throughout 2025, Blackswan's activities expanded to include high-profile live performances and media appearances, underscoring their growing presence on global stages despite logistical challenges. In May, the group performed at the K-POP FEST in , , on May 25 at , marking one of their early international outings of the year. They participated in the Apple TV+ competition series KPOPPED, which premiered on August 29 and featured the group reimagining popular songs in live performances alongside other acts, hosted in with global voting to determine a winner. A planned U.S. fan titled Lumina's Light, announced in March and originally scheduled for June across , , , and , faced postponements for the latter three dates to September due to visa complications, with the show proceeding on June 1. In October, they delivered a standout set at the on October 17, performing "Roll Up" to an audience of approximately 5,000, though member Fatou was absent due to prior commitments. These efforts highlighted Blackswan's resilience as a fully international lineup—comprising Fatou, Sriya, Gabi, and NVee—navigating promotions without Korean members while focusing on performance-driven visibility.

Members

Current members

Blackswan currently consists of four members: Fatou, NVee, Gabi, and Sriya, forming a multinational lineup with no Korean members, which distinguishes the group in the K-pop industry. This configuration was solidified following lineup adjustments in 2022, with the members confirmed as the permanent roster by leader Fatou in July 2023. The group's diversity spans Senegal-Belgium, the United States, Brazil-Germany, and India, contributing to their global appeal and performances in multiple languages. Fatou (born Samba Fatou Diouf, March 23, 1995) is the Senegalese-Belgian leader, main rapper, lead dancer, and sub-vocalist of Blackswan, having joined the group on July 3, 2020, as its sole initial member under the rebranded name. At 174 cm tall, she is known for her modeling background prior to and her multilingual abilities in English, French, German, Dutch, and Korean, which aid in the group's international promotions. Fatou released her solo mixtape PWAPF on August 19, 2022, showcasing her rap skills and establishing her as a key creative force in the group. NVee (born Florence Alena Smith, January 10, 1999) is the American main vocalist, who joined Blackswan on December 25, 2022, bringing a powerful to the lineup. Measuring 170 cm, she was introduced to in 2020 and has acting experience, including a role in the fan film Avatar: The Last of the Airbenders - Part One. NVee's addition helped stabilize the group's vocal dynamics after earlier changes, and she contributes to their English-language content and fan engagements. Gabi (born Gabriela Strassburger Dalcin, November 7, 2002) is the Brazilian-German sub-vocalist, lead dancer, and visual of the group, debuting with Blackswan on May 26, 2022, after six months of training in the Cygnus project. At 172 cm, she honed her dance skills at 1MILLION Dance Studio before joining, emphasizing precise and expressive choreography in performances. Gabi's vibrant energy and bilingual proficiency in and German enhance the group's multicultural stage presence. Sriya (born Shreya Lenka, September 15, 2003) is the Indian , main dancer, and maknae (youngest member), who also joined on May 26, 2022, marking her as the first in a major group. Standing at 171 cm, she began dancing in and trained for six months in the Cygnus project, excelling in dynamic routines that blend contemporary and traditional influences. Sriya's vocal agility and cultural representation have been highlighted in the group's efforts to expand 's global reach, particularly in .

Former members

Blackswan has undergone several lineup changes since its re-debut in October 2020, with four members departing the group between late 2020 and mid-2023. These departures were attributed to contract expirations, personal pursuits, and health-related hiatuses that ultimately led to exits, as announced by their agency . The original five-member lineup consisted of Fatou, Hyeme, Judy, Leia, and Youngheun, but subsequent adjustments reshaped the group into its current four-member formation. Hyeme (real name Kim Hye-mi), the group's main vocalist, left Blackswan shortly after debut when her exclusive contract with expired on November 10, 2020, and she chose not to renew it. This departure was part of a pre-planned transition, as the agency confirmed it aligned with their strategy for the group's early activities. Hyeme had joined the project earlier that year from the group's predecessor lineup and contributed to their debut Goodbye Rania. Judy (real name Kim Da-hye) and Youngheun (real name Go Youngheun) departed simultaneously on July 31, 2022, to pursue individual dreams outside the group, following discussions with . Judy, known for her rap and dance skills, had been a key performer since the re-debut, while Youngheun served as the leader and main dancer, providing stability during the group's initial years. Their exits were framed as a "graduation" by the agency, marking the end of their time with Blackswan after contributing to releases like the Pressure. Leia (real name Larissa Ayumi Cartes Sakata), the group's Brazilian visual and sub-vocalist, went on an indefinite hiatus in November 2022 to prioritize her while returning to for treatment with her family, as announced by . Although initially temporary, the hiatus extended, and by July 31, 2023, member Fatou's public statement confirming the group's "final lineup" of four members—without mentioning Leia—effectively signaled her departure. Leia had been with the project since 2015 under the prior group name and was instrumental in Blackswan's multinational image.

Timeline

Blackswan debuted on October 16, 2020, as a five-member group consisting of Youngheun, Hyeme, Judy, Fatou, and Leia, marking the rebranding and relaunch of the former group Rania under . Just weeks later, on November 10, 2020, Hyeme announced her departure from the group to pursue solo activities, reducing Blackswan to a four-member lineup of Youngheun, Judy, Fatou, and Leia. This quartet configuration persisted through the group's early releases, including their 2021 single album Buster and EP Sensational, without further changes until 2022. On May 26, 2022, introduced two new members, Sriya Lenka from and Gabi from , expanding the group to six members amid the Cygnus project aimed at incorporating global talent. However, this expansion was short-lived; on July 31, 2022, original members Youngheun and Judy graduated from Blackswan, citing a desire to focus on individual careers, leaving the lineup as Fatou, Leia, Sriya, and Gabi. Later that year, on December 24, 2022, NVee joined the group following a global audition process, bringing the total back to five members while Leia entered a temporary hiatus in November 2022 to address health concerns in her home country of . By July 31, 2023, Fatou confirmed via the group's fan communication app Veeper that Blackswan would continue as a permanent four-member group comprising Fatou, NVee, Gabi, and Sriya, effectively marking Leia's departure after her extended hiatus. This current lineup has remained stable through subsequent releases, including the 2023 single That Karma and the 2024 EP Roll Up, with no further member additions or exits reported as of 2025.

Artistry

Musical style

Blackswan's musical style is firmly anchored in , blending and foundations with high-energy production and rhythmic versatility. Drawing from the group's multinational composition, their sound frequently integrates global influences, reflecting the diverse backgrounds of members from , , , and the . This approach results in tracks that prioritize catchy hooks, dynamic beats, and vocal layering, often tailored for dance-heavy performances. Their music avoids overly cutesy tropes, favoring bold, empowering themes typical of modern girl group aesthetics. Early releases established a foundation in upbeat, guitar-driven pop reminiscent of second-generation . The debut single "Tonight" (2020) featured distorted rock guitar layers, stomping percussion, and a bombastic chorus, evoking the powerful energy of 2010s girl groups like . Subsequent work like "Close To Me" (2021) shifted toward club-oriented dance tracks, with sleek, thumping beats and groovy post-choruses designed for the dancefloor. Later releases expanded into more eclectic territory, incorporating cultural elements tied to the members' heritages. The EP That Karma (2023) highlighted Indian influences in its title track through skittering hi-hats, shifting rhythms, and subtle cultural nods, while maintaining a standard structure without overt Bollywood clichés. The 2024 EP Roll Up adopted a harder-edged vibe with sharp percussion, trendy synths, and trap-infused choruses, aligning with a bohemian-western visual theme. By 2025, "I Like It Hot" introduced prominent Middle Eastern instrumental motifs, creating a party jam that fused exotic sounds with 's melodic accessibility. This evolution underscores Blackswan's commitment to contemporary Asian pop, merging traditional Korean production techniques with international flavors to appeal to global audiences.

Performances and choreography

BLACKSWAN's performances emphasize synchronized, high-energy that blends sharp formations with fluid movements, reflecting the group's multinational composition and rigorous . The members undergo intensive preparation, focusing on advanced routines typical of fourth-generation acts, as highlighted by member Fatou in interviews discussing the challenges and allure of perfecting complex stages. Their dance practices, often shared via official videos, demonstrate precise execution and group synergy, with rehearsals involving dry runs, camera blocks, and pre-recordings for music shows like . For their debut single "Tonight" (2020), BLACKSWAN released a dedicated video filmed at Radio, showcasing the routine's dynamic steps and powerful energy that align with the track's electrifying instrumentation. This marked an early highlight of their performance style, emphasizing bold formations and seamless transitions. In July 2021, the group delivered their first live show as a four-member lineup (Youngheun, Judy, Leia, and Fatou) at the , performing "Tonight" alongside "Let Me Dance" and "Over & Over" from their debut album Goodbye Rania, earning praise for their strong stage presence despite recent lineup changes. The 2023 single "Karma" featured choreography by Park Jun-Woo of Layback, described as fierce yet elegant with a standout dance break that incorporated rhythmic "brrr-tatata" hooks, captivating audiences and inspiring widespread recreations. BLACKSWAN promoted the track across major programs including , Music Bank, , and THE SHOW, where their execution riled up both local and international fans, culminating in a high-impact set at South Korea's Waterbomb festival alongside artists like CL and . The music video, shot in , , with local collaborators, further amplified the song's over 5 million views through vibrant, culturally infused visuals. In 2024, BLACKSWAN continued showcasing their performance prowess at Seoul Fashion Week, where they performed "Karma" with dynamic flair and mesmerizing energy, followed by walking the runway for the brand GREEDILOUS to fuse music and fashion elements. For their EP Roll Up, the title track's routine highlighted synchronized hip-hop influences and group formations, released in a practice video that underscored their evolving style. Later that year, they debuted "I Like It Hot" live at Waterbomb in , , delivering a fiery set that previewed the track's intense choreography. These stages, documented in the Apple TV+ series Idols, reveal the behind-the-scenes effort in vocal and dance classes to maintain BLACKSWAN's reputation for polished, multicultural live executions. In 2025, BLACKSWAN embarked on their first fan 'Lumina's Light!', performing in cities including in June and , , and in September, showcasing their synchronized choreography and engaging fan interactions despite some scheduling adjustments due to visa issues. They also collaborated with in the Apple TV+ special KPOPPED, delivering high-energy performances of reimagined tracks like "Motownphilly" and a K-pop version of "Roll Up," blending R&B with their signature style. In October, they performed at the , highlighting their dynamic stage presence with "Roll Up."

Discography

Studio albums

Blackswan's studio albums include their debut full-length release, which compiled previous material from Rania alongside new tracks to mark the group's rebranding. The album Goodbye RANIA was released on October 16, 2020, by , featuring 14 tracks with "Tonight" as the title track. It includes original songs like "Over & Over" and "Let Me Dance," as well as remixes of earlier Rania singles, emphasizing the transition to Blackswan.
No.TitleLength
1."Tonight" (title track)2:57
2."Over & Over"3:34
3."Let Me Dance"3:31
4."Dr. Feel Good (Remix)"2:29
5."Just Go (Remix)"3:25
6."Hello (Remix)"2:58
7."Up"2:58
8."Demonstrate (Remix)"3:15
9."Style (Remix)"3:01
10."Break It"3:05
11."The Way" (Remix)3:22
12."Love Now" (Remix)3:08
13."Doctor" (Remix)3:11
14.""3:38
Goodbye RANIA achieved modest sales, with 52 copies sold in its first week according to Hanteo Chart data.

Extended plays

Blackswan's extended plays consist of a single release, marking their first mini-album in the genre. The EP Roll Up was announced on July 19, 2024, and released on July 31, 2024, by , featuring a blend of multilingual tracks emphasizing the group's global appeal with themes of confidence and empowerment. The EP comprises four original songs, including the "Roll Up," which incorporates English, Korean, and French lyrics to highlight the members' diverse backgrounds. "Double Down," an English-language track, was pre-released and performed at the 2024 Dubai Water Bomb festival, serving as a secondary promoted song on music programs. The production draws from influences with upbeat rhythms and choreography-focused hooks, aligning with Blackswan's international-oriented style.
No.TitleLength
1"C'est Jamais Vue"3:13
2"Roll Up" (title track)2:32
3"Double Down"3:26
4"La Boum"3:10
Roll Up achieved modest domestic sales, with 565 copies sold in its first week according to Hanteo Chart data, reflecting the group's niche presence in South Korea. Internationally, it garnered stronger reception, topping the iTunes Worldwide Dance Chart in eight countries including South Africa, Finland, and Malaysia, and entering the top 10 on Spotify Global for K-pop acts. The music video for "Roll Up" amassed over 370,000 views within its first day, underscoring fan engagement abroad.

Single albums

Blackswan's single albums represent key standalone releases in their discography, typically featuring a title track alongside B-sides, English versions, or es to appeal to their global audience. These albums mark significant milestones, including their debut post-rebranding effort and subsequent comebacks emphasizing multicultural themes and sounds. The group's first , Close to Me, was released digitally on October 14, 2021, with physical copies following on October 15. It includes three tracks: "Close to Me" as the title track, an English version of the song, and a of their prior single "Get Up" titled "Get Up (SHARK )." The "Close to Me" is a synth-driven track that highlights the members' synchronized and vocal harmonies, serving as Blackswan's initial foray into original material after rebranding from Rania. The album's packaging features a 40-page photobook and random photocards across two versions (Type A and Type B), emphasizing visual aesthetics in line with conventions. In 2023, Blackswan issued their second , That Karma, on , which contains four tracks: the title track "Karma," the B-side "Cat & Mouse," and instrumentals for both. "Karma" blends EDM elements with empowering lyrics about self-empowerment and retribution, produced with contributions from international songwriters, while "Cat & Mouse" offers a playful, trap-influenced contrast. The was released in multiple versions with a 32-page photobook, mini posters, postcards, and photocards. Reception was notably positive both domestically in Korea and internationally, with fans praising the group's improved cohesion and the tracks' replay value during live performances. A repackaged edition, That Karma – Pop Edition, followed on September 6, 2023, featuring English versions of "Karma" and "Cat & Mouse" alongside instrumentals, targeting broader Western markets and extending the 's lifespan. Blackswan's third , I Like It Hot, arrived on May 21, 2025, as their first fully English-language release, comprising four tracks: the titular "I Like It Hot," a of their prior EP track "Roll Up," and instrumentals for both. The lead single fuses with Middle Eastern-inspired instrumentals and bold, confident lyrics about passionate romance, produced by Grammy-nominated Rob Grimaldi, underscoring the group's evolution toward global accessibility. This release, coming ten months after their EP Roll Up, revitalized interest ahead of U.S. promotions, with reviewers noting its vibrant, dance-ready energy and the 's fresh take on established material.

Singles

Blackswan's singles have been released primarily through dedicated single albums and digital formats, often featuring multilingual elements to appeal to their international fanbase. Their debut single, "Close to Me," was released on October 14, 2021, as the title track of their first of the same name. The release included three tracks: the , an English version, and an instrumental version. The group's second single, "Karma," arrived on May 19, 2023, serving as the title track for their second , That Karma. This single album comprised four tracks, including the upbeat pop lead "Karma," the B-side "Cat & Mouse," and their respective instrumentals. On September 6, 2023, Blackswan followed up with That Karma - Pop Edition, a digital single featuring English-language versions of "Karma" and "Cat & Mouse," along with a new track titled "A World Without Pain." In 2024, the title track "Roll Up" was released on July 31 as part of the group's first extended play of the same name, marking their return after a year-long hiatus. This single blended electronic and dance elements, supported by an official music video. Blackswan's most recent single, "I Like It Hot," debuted on May 21, 2025, as the title track of their third single album/EP. The release included four tracks: the lead single, a remix of "Roll Up," and instrumentals for both. The accompanying music video highlighted the group's choreography and vibrant aesthetics.
TitleRelease dateAlbum/SingleLabelFormat
"Close to Me"October 14, 2021Close to MeDigital download, CD
"Karma"May 19, 2023That Karma, Danal EntertainmentDigital download, CD
"Karma (English Version)"September 6, 2023That Karma - Pop EditionDigital download
"Roll Up"July 31, 2024Roll Up (EP)Digital download, CD
"I Like It Hot"May 21, 2025I Like It HotDigital download, CD

Videography

Music videos

Blackswan's music videos serve as a visual extension of their multinational identity, often incorporating diverse cultural elements, vibrant aesthetics, and high-energy to emphasize themes of , attraction, and fate. Since their debut, the group has produced six official music videos, each aligning with their evolving and showcasing the members' individual strengths in performance and styling. The debut music video for "Tonight," released on October 16, , as the title track from their full-length album Goodbye RANIA, features the original lineup in dynamic urban environments with electric guitar-driven visuals that capture the song's upbeat pop-rock energy and themes of irresistible allure. High-quality production highlights each member's charisma through individual spotlight moments and synchronized dance sequences. Following a lineup change, the "Close to Me" , released on October 14, 2021, for their first of the same name, portrays the group's intuitive pursuit of connection through bouncy pop-dance and intimate close-up shots that convey emotional intensity. The video's straightforward style focuses on the members' expressive performances, underscoring the track's message of following one's instincts in romance. "That Karma," the title track from their second released on May 19, 2023, marked a milestone with its being the first K-pop video filmed entirely in , specifically in and around , . Directed against stunning local landscapes and architecture, the visuals blend flair with Indian cultural motifs, such as traditional attire and scenic backdrops, to symbolize karmic cycles and bold self-assurance. The production highlights the group's global appeal by integrating members Fatou, NVee, Sriya, and Gabi in vibrant, fate-driven narratives. The follow-up video for "Cat & Mouse," from the extended That Karma - Pop Edition released on September 6, 2023, immerses the members in a whimsical, surreal setting with colorful, dreamlike cinematography that mirrors the song's playful R&B-pop exploration of hesitant romance. Ethereal visuals and fluid transitions emphasize the "cat and mouse" dynamic, allowing each performer to shine in intimate, flirtatious sequences. "Roll Up," the from their first EP of the same name released on July 31, 2024, delivers a confident, room-dominating vibe through sleek, modern visuals featuring the members in bold fashion and precise group formations. The video's hypnotic and charismatic close-ups reinforce the track's anthem-like call for attention and self-empowerment. Their most recent video, "I Like It Hot," from the English-language released on May 21, 2025, was shot in and radiates intense passion with fiery desert and urban backdrops that amplify the high-energy sound. by member Sriya Lenka, the visuals capture an unstoppable, spicy spirit through dynamic group and solo routines, marking the group's push toward international accessibility.

Concerts and tours

Fan meetings and festivals

Blackswan held their first fan meeting tour, titled "Black Swan Live Performance and Fan Meeting," in November 2023 across four cities in : Ontario on November 10, Fresno on November 11, Sacramento on November 12, and on November 14. The events featured live performances of hits like "Cat & Mouse" and interactive fan segments, marking the group's initial major outreach to North American audiences following their international lineup expansion. In March 2025, Blackswan announced their second U.S. fan concert tour, "Lumina's Light," originally scheduled for June across Chicago (June 1), Dallas (June 4), Atlanta (June 6), and Los Angeles (June 8). The tour emphasized fan-voted setlists through a "U Pick We Bring" initiative and highlighted the group's multicultural appeal with performances blending English, Korean, and member-native languages. Due to logistical challenges including visa delays, the Chicago date was postponed on May 29, 2025; the remaining dates were rescheduled to September 2025. However, the entire tour was ultimately cancelled in August 2025, with refunds issued and plans announced for a restart in 2026. Blackswan has actively participated in international festivals to showcase their global sound. In September 2022, they headlined the " x Black Swan" event in , , organized by the Korean Cultural Center, performing tracks such as "Tonight" and "Over & Over" to an audience of K-pop enthusiasts during a dance cover competition finale. This marked one of their early European appearances, emphasizing their non-Korean identity as the first such group to headline the festival. The group performed at India's K-Town Festival in on February 17, 2024, alongside acts like and ABLUE, delivering high-energy sets of "Karma" and "Cat & Mouse" at Phoenix Marketcity. Members Sriya and NVee expressed excitement about returning to , connecting with local fans through culturally resonant performances and post-show interactions. In June 2024, Blackswan made their Middle Eastern debut at Waterbomb , a water music festival, where they performed "Close to Me" and other tracks amid water-based stage effects, drawing attention for their dynamic choreography. They returned to the Waterbomb series in April 2025 at the Hainan edition in , premiering a new track "I Like It Hot" and gaining viral praise for member Gabi's visuals and the group's synchronized water-themed staging on April 12–13. On May 25, 2025, Blackswan performed at the FEST in , , at , delivering sets including "C'est Jamais Vue" and "Roll Up" to local fans. In November 2025, the group performed "Roll Up" at the in , , on November 4.
EventDateLocationKey Highlights
x Black SwanSeptember 4, 2022, BelgiumHeadline concert with dance contest; performances of "Tonight" and "Over & Over"
K-Town FestivalFebruary 17, 2024, Multi-group lineup; focus on Indian fanbase with "Karma" set
Waterbomb DubaiJune 7–8, 2024, UAEWater festival debut; "Close to Me" performance
Waterbomb HainanApril 12–13, 2025, New song "I Like It Hot" premiere; viral member spotlights
May 25, 2025, Performances of "C'est Jamais Vue" and "Roll Up"
November 4, 2025, Performance of "Roll Up"

Awards and nominations

{| class="wikitable" ! Year ! Award ! Category ! Recipient ! Result
! Ref.
2020
Pyeongchang Peace Festival
Korea Ambassador
Blackswan
Won
-
2023
Newsis K-EXPO Cultural Awards
Next Generation Hallyu Star
Blackswan
Won
-
2023
Multicultural Future Awards
PR Ambassadors
Blackswan
Won
-
2024
Memorial Society
Goodwill Ambassadors
Blackswan
Won
-
2024
Worldwide Fans' Choice (Female)
Blackswan
Nominated
-
2025
K-World Dream Awards
Girl Group Popularity
Blackswan
Nominated
-
2025
Popularity Award ()
Blackswan
Nominated
}

References

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