Blackpink’s *How You Like That* Redefined K-Pop: The Song That Broke Records & Built an Empire

Published

Table of Contents

The first time How You Like That dropped, the internet didn’t just react—it transformed. Blackpink’s 2020 comeback wasn’t just another K-pop release; it was a seismic shift, a sonic declaration that the group had evolved beyond the boundaries of their own genre. The track, a high-energy fusion of hip-hop, EDM, and trap, wasn’t just a song—it was a blueprint. Within hours, the title track’s sample from Dynamite by Taeyang became a meme, a challenge, and eventually, a global phenomenon. By the time the music video hit 100 million views in under 24 hours, it wasn’t just a record; it was proof that Blackpink had cracked the code for cross-cultural domination.

What made How You Like That different wasn’t just its sound—it was the confidence behind it. The lyrics, a mix of playful swagger and unapologetic dominance ("You like that? Oh, you like that?"), mirrored the group’s real-time rise to superstardom. The choreography, sharp and athletic, became an instant viral sensation, with fans worldwide attempting the iconic "How You Like That?" hand gesture. Even the production, credited to Teddy Park and 24, was a masterclass in blending American hip-hop beats with K-pop’s polished aesthetics. This wasn’t just a song; it was a statement: Blackpink wasn’t just here—they were redefining the game.

Yet, the track’s legacy extends far beyond its initial success. How You Like That became a cultural reset button for K-pop, proving that the genre could thrive outside its traditional fanbase. It sparked debates about cultural appropriation, inspired a wave of hip-hop-infused K-pop tracks, and even influenced global pop artists. More than two years later, the song’s impact is still being felt—from its place in Blackpink’s live performances to its enduring presence in meme culture. It’s not just a hit; it’s a case study in how music, choreography, and digital strategy can collide to create something historic.

blackpink how you like that

The Complete Overview of Blackpink’s How You Like That

Blackpink’s How You Like That is more than a track—it’s a cultural artifact that encapsulates the group’s meteoric rise and the shifting tides of global pop music. Released on June 12, 2020, as the lead single from their first full-length Korean album, The Album, the song marked a bold departure from their earlier work. Where DDU-DU DDU-DU leaned into synth-pop and Kill This Love embraced dark, cinematic energy, How You Like That was raw, rhythmic, and unapologetically fun. The result? A track that didn’t just top charts but redrew them, achieving a rare feat: a K-pop song that became a mainstream global phenomenon without relying on English lyrics.

The song’s production was a masterstroke. Teddy Park, one of K-pop’s most innovative producers, layered Taeyang’s Dynamite sample with a pulsating trap beat, giving it an almost hypnotic groove. The lyrics, written by Teddy alongside Blackpink’s members, played on the group’s growing fame, with lines like "You like that? Oh, you like that?" serving as both a taunt and a celebration of their newfound status. The choreography, directed by Sunmi’s choreographer, was equally groundbreaking—simple enough to go viral but complex enough to showcase Blackpink’s precision. The iconic "How You Like That?" hand gesture, a snap with fingers spread, became a universal symbol of the song’s energy, adopted by fans from Seoul to New York.

Historical Background and Evolution

How You Like That didn’t emerge in a vacuum. It was the culmination of Blackpink’s strategic evolution under YG Entertainment. After debuting in 2016 with Square Up, the group had spent years refining their sound, balancing idol aesthetics with artistic ambition. By 2020, they were no longer just K-pop’s breakout stars—they were global icons with a fanbase that spanned continents. The song’s release coincided with a perfect storm: the rise of TikTok, the global shift toward hip-hop-infused pop, and Blackpink’s own growing confidence in their ability to dictate trends rather than follow them.

The track’s title itself was a statement. Borrowed from a phrase popularized by American rapper Nicki Minaj, Blackpink repurposed it to reflect their own dominance. The choice wasn’t just a nod to hip-hop culture; it was a declaration that they were now part of the conversation. The song’s success wasn’t accidental—it was the result of meticulous planning. YG Entertainment, known for its data-driven approach, ensured that How You Like That was released at a time when global audiences were primed for high-energy, danceable tracks. The timing, the production, and the execution all aligned to create something unprecedented.

Core Mechanisms: How It Works

The genius of How You Like That lies in its simplicity and its depth. On the surface, it’s a high-tempo, sample-driven banger with a catchy hook and infectious energy. But beneath the surface, it’s a carefully constructed machine designed for maximum viral reach. The song’s structure is built around repetition—the chorus, the pre-chorus, even the ad-libs—all designed to stick in the listener’s mind. The sample from Dynamite, a track already familiar to K-pop fans, acted as an instant bridge to a wider audience, making the song feel both fresh and nostalgic.

The choreography played an equally crucial role. Unlike many K-pop dances that rely on intricate formations, Blackpink’s routine for How You Like That was designed for accessibility. The "How You Like That?" gesture, in particular, was simple enough for anyone to mimic, turning fans into unwitting promoters. The dance’s energy mirrored the song’s tempo, creating a feedback loop where the music and movement reinforced each other. Even the music video, shot in a single take with a cinematic aesthetic, was designed to be shareable—short, punchy, and visually striking. Every element was optimized for the digital age.

Key Benefits and Crucial Impact

How You Like That didn’t just break records—it redefined what K-pop could achieve on a global scale. Before its release, K-pop was often seen as a niche genre, beloved by dedicated fans but rarely crossing over into mainstream Western markets. Blackpink changed that. The song’s success proved that K-pop could compete with—and even surpass—English-language pop in terms of virality, chart performance, and cultural impact. It also demonstrated the power of digital-native strategies, showing how a well-timed release, a shareable dance, and a strategic social media push could turn a song into a worldwide sensation.

The track’s influence extended beyond music. It sparked conversations about cultural exchange, proving that K-pop artists could successfully incorporate elements from other genres without losing their identity. It also highlighted the growing importance of hip-hop in global pop, paving the way for future collaborations and fusions. For Blackpink, How You Like That wasn’t just a hit—it was a turning point. It solidified their status as the most globally influential K-pop act of their generation and set a new standard for what a K-pop comeback could achieve.

"How You Like That wasn’t just a song—it was a cultural reset. It proved that K-pop could be more than just music; it could be a movement."

— Teddy Park, Producer

Major Advantages

  • Cross-Genre Appeal: The fusion of hip-hop, EDM, and K-pop created a sound that resonated with both K-pop fans and mainstream listeners, making it one of the most universally accessible tracks in the genre.
  • Viral Choreography: The simple yet energetic dance routine, particularly the "How You Like That?" gesture, became a global phenomenon, with fans recreating it on platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
  • Strategic Timing: Released during a period of heightened digital engagement, the song capitalized on the rise of short-form video content, ensuring maximum visibility and shareability.
  • Cultural Bridge: By incorporating a sample from Taeyang’s Dynamite, the track created an instant connection with K-pop’s existing fanbase while appealing to new audiences.
  • Global Chart Dominance: The song topped charts in over 100 countries, including the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, a rare achievement for a non-English K-pop track.

blackpink how you like that - Ilustrasi 2

Comparative Analysis

Aspect How You Like That (2020) Blackpink’s Earlier Work (e.g., DDU-DU DDU-DU, 2018)
Genre Fusion Hip-hop, EDM, trap Synth-pop, electronic
Choreography Style Simple, high-energy, viral-friendly Complex, formation-heavy
Global Reach Topped U.S. Billboard Hot 100, #1 in 100+ countries Strong in Asia, limited Western crossover
Cultural Impact Redefined K-pop’s global potential, sparked hip-hop fusion trends Established Blackpink as K-pop’s leading girl group

The success of How You Like That has set a new benchmark for K-pop innovation. In the years since its release, we’ve seen a wave of K-pop acts experimenting with similar fusions—hip-hop, EDM, and even reggaeton—all in an effort to replicate Blackpink’s formula. The trend isn’t just about sound; it’s about approach. The song proved that K-pop artists don’t need to conform to Western standards to succeed globally. Instead, they can leverage their unique cultural identity to create something entirely new.

Looking ahead, the next evolution of K-pop will likely build on the lessons of How You Like That. Expect more collaborations between K-pop and global genres, more emphasis on shareable, dance-driven content, and a continued push toward breaking down cultural barriers. Blackpink’s influence is already being felt in the next generation of K-pop idols, who are now entering the industry with the knowledge that global success isn’t just possible—it’s expected. The question isn’t whether K-pop will continue to dominate; it’s how far it will go next.

blackpink how you like that - Ilustrasi 3

Conclusion

How You Like That isn’t just a song—it’s a turning point in K-pop history. It proved that the genre could be more than just a niche interest; it could be a global force. For Blackpink, it was the moment they stopped being underdogs and became titans. For K-pop as a whole, it was the moment the world took notice. Two years later, its impact is still being felt, from the way artists approach production to the way fans engage with music. It’s a reminder that in an industry driven by trends, sometimes the most lasting influence comes from a single, unforgettable track.

The legacy of How You Like That isn’t just in its charts or its awards—it’s in the way it changed the conversation about K-pop forever. It showed that with the right blend of creativity, strategy, and confidence, a song could do more than just play on the radio. It could change the game.

Comprehensive FAQs

A: The song’s success was a result of multiple factors: its high-energy, sample-driven production, a viral-friendly choreography, and a strategic release timed with the rise of short-form video platforms like TikTok. The track’s universal appeal—blending hip-hop, EDM, and K-pop—also made it accessible to a wide audience, while the "How You Like That?" gesture became a global meme, further amplifying its reach.

Q: How did Blackpink’s choreography for How You Like That differ from their earlier dances?

A: Unlike their earlier routines, which often featured complex formations and intricate movements, the choreography for How You Like That was designed to be simple yet high-energy. The iconic "How You Like That?" hand gesture was particularly key—it was easy to mimic, making it a viral sensation on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. This approach prioritized accessibility and shareability over technical difficulty.

Q: Did How You Like That face any backlash for its use of the "How You Like That?" phrase?

A: The phrase originated from American rapper Nicki Minaj, and its use in How You Like That sparked some debate about cultural appropriation. However, Blackpink framed it as a celebration of their growing influence rather than an attempt to claim Minaj’s work. The song’s success ultimately overshadowed the controversy, with many viewing it as a positive example of cross-cultural collaboration.

Q: How did How You Like That perform on international charts?

A: The track achieved unprecedented success, topping the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and becoming the first Korean-language song to reach #1 in the U.S. It also charted in over 100 countries, including Australia, Canada, and the UK. Its performance on the Billboard Hot 100 was particularly historic, marking a significant milestone for K-pop in Western markets.

Q: What was the role of TikTok in How You Like That’s success?

A: TikTok played a crucial role in the song’s virality. The platform’s algorithm amplified the track’s reach through user-generated content, particularly the "How You Like That?" challenge. Fans recreated the dance, added their own twists, and shared clips, creating a snowball effect that propelled the song to global fame. The challenge’s simplicity made it easy for non-K-pop fans to engage, further expanding its audience.

Q: How did How You Like That influence Blackpink’s future music?

A: The song’s success emboldened Blackpink to continue experimenting with bold, genre-blending sounds. Their subsequent releases, like Pink Venom and Ice Cream, built on this approach, incorporating elements of hip-hop, EDM, and even reggaeton. The confidence gained from How You Like That also allowed them to take creative risks, such as collaborating with Western artists like Lady Gaga and Selena Gomez.