The video opens with Stephanie Soo and Jade seated in one of YG Entertainment's sleek and modern lounge areas. A lavish spread of Korean food covers the table between them: steaming bowls of tteokbokki, crispy Korean fried chicken, and an array of spicy noodles that glisten under the studio lights. The vibe is cozy yet professional, with Stephanie's signature enthusiasm lighting up the room.

Stephanie beams at the camera. "Hi, Fannnneeeesss! Welcome back to another mukbang! Today, I have a very special guest with me." She glances at Jade, who's already smiling warmly at the camera. "Honestly, I don't even think I need to introduce her, but for the sake of the few of you living under a rock, let's do it anyway."

Jade laughs, a soft yet genuine sound that instantly puts viewers at ease. "Wow, no pressure, right?!" she jokes, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

Stephanie grins. "Everyone, this is Jade from BLACKPINK! Actress, idol, singer, legend — need I go on?"

Jade shakes her head, her cheeks slightly pink. "You're making me shy already."

The two share a laugh before Stephanie continues. "Okay, Jade, I know the fans are screaming right now, but can we talk about us for a moment? How did we end up here?"

Jade leans forward, picking up a piece of fried chicken. "So, I've actually been a huge fan of you for years, Stephanie. Like, I'm not kidding — I've been watching your mukbangs and your podcasts for the longest time. You're so funny, and your storytelling? Amazing."

Stephanie looks genuinely touched. "Stop, you're going to make me shy now!"

"I'm serious!" Jade insists. "When I found out you were in Korea, I was like, 'I need to meet her.' I immediately reached out to see if we could collab. And now here we are."

Stephanie smiles. "Honestly, I was so shocked when I got the message. I thought it was a prank at first. Like, why would Jade from BLACKPINK want to film with me?!"

Jade laughs again, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "Why wouldn't I? You're amazing!"

Stephanie gestures dramatically to the table. "And now we're here, in this gorgeous lounge at YG Entertainment, with all this food. Can I just say? This is probably the fanciest mukbang setting I've ever filmed in."

"It's not always like this," Jade says modestly, picking up a piece of tteokbokki with her chopsticks. "But I thought, if Stephanie Soo is coming to YG, we need to make it special."

The two dig into the food, exclaiming over how good everything tastes. Stephanie makes a face as she tries the tteokbokki, laughing. "Okay, this is way spicier than I thought!"

Jade nods, fanning her mouth. "Right? YG cafeteria food doesn't play around."

Stephanie smiles brightly at the camera, her chopsticks hovering over a piece of fried chicken. "Okay, guys, let's just take a moment here. I mean, how often do you get to sit and do a mukbang with one of the biggest K-pop idols in the world? Like, this is Jade from BLACKPINK sitting right here. So... I think we need to spice this up. How about we spill some tea about the industry?"

Jade raises her eyebrows, intrigued, and nods as she casually flips her hair back over her shoulder. "I'm game," she says coolly.

Stephanie immediately squeals, dropping her chopsticks as she covers her face with her hands. "Oh my God, why did you do that?!"

Jade blinks in confusion before laughing. "Wait, what did I do?!"

Stephanie dramatically gestures toward her. "You looked so hot doing that! You can't just flip your hair like that and not expect me to freak out. Like, I'm a professional fangirl. Please don't do this to me."

Jade laughs so hard she nearly falls back in her chair. "You're so dramatic, Stephanie! I swear I didn't even realize."

Once they recover from their fit of laughter, Stephanie composes herself and says, "Okay, let's start easy. Can you confirm how long you've been in the industry?"

Jade nods, tilting her head thoughtfully. "As an actress, it's been about eight years now. And as an idol, I'm about to hit seven years with BLACKPINK."

Stephanie's eyes widen as she sets down her chopsticks. "Eight years as an actress and seven years as an idol? That's insane! How does it feel knowing you started so young?"

Jade pauses for a moment, tapping her chin with her finger as she gathers her thoughts. "Honestly, it's a mixed bag. There are times, especially when we're on tour, when I'll see teenagers in the crowd just having fun, living their best lives, and I'll feel this pang of jealousy."

Stephanie tilts her head. "Jealousy? How come?"

"Well," Jade begins, "I started acting when I was really young, and then I transitioned into being an idol. I never really had that carefree teenage experience — you know, just hanging out with friends, going to school dances, or even having a regular weekend. So seeing those moments sometimes makes me wonder what I missed out on."

Stephanie nods, looking empathetic. "That makes sense. But do you feel like it was worth it?"

Jade's face softens as she smiles. "Absolutely. Whenever I feel that little twinge, I remind myself of everything this role has given me. I got to meet my members, who are like my family now. I've been able to travel the world, learn about different cultures, and connect with fans from so many places. Those are experiences I wouldn't trade for anything."

Stephanie smiles warmly. "That's such a beautiful perspective. But I've got to ask — how do you feel about BLACKPINK's journey as a group? Like, you guys are massive, but I've heard fans talk about how the group hasn't released as many songs compared to others."

Jade sighs, her smile turning a little bittersweet. "Honestly? I think that's fair criticism. Sometimes, I do feel like BLACKPINK kind of wasted parts of our careers because of the lack of activity and the limited number of songs we've released. There were times when it felt like we were on pause while the rest of the industry was moving forward."

Stephanie looks surprised at Jade's candor. "Wow, that's so honest of you to admit."

Jade nods. "It's just how I feel. But at the same time, I don't think any of us regret the journey we've had. This past year, especially, brought back so much love for what we do. Touring together, spending so much time on stage with the members and the fans — it reignited that spark. It reminded us why we started in the first place."

Stephanie smiles brightly, clearly touched by Jade's words. "That's so inspiring. And honestly, it shows. You can tell BLACKPINK has a bond that goes beyond just being a group."

Jade nods with a small smile. "We're not perfect, but we've always tried to give our best to the fans, no matter what."

Stephanie takes a bite of tteokbokki and waves her chopsticks in the air. "Okay, but can we just pause for a second and appreciate how humble you are? Like, you're Jade from BLACKPINK, and you're over here being all introspective and honest. I love it!"

Jade laughs, brushing off the compliment. "I'm just being real. I feel like fans deserve to hear the truth, you know?"

Stephanie nods. "Well, I think the fans are going to love this. And you're right — being real is what makes people love you even more."

Stephanie wipes her hands clean with a napkin and leans forward, curiosity written all over her face. "Okay, Jade, I just need to confirm this because I've seen it mentioned so many times. You trained for only two years before debuting, right?"

Jade nods, smiling sheepishly. "Yeah, that's right. Out of all the members, I had the least training time."

Stephanie's eyes widen in amazement. "Two years? That's so short compared to what I've heard other idols go through. How was that for you? Like, jumping into such an intense environment with such limited time to prepare?"

Jade chuckles softly, taking a sip of water before responding. "Honestly? It was overwhelming. When I first arrived at the company, I had no experience in anything remotely related to being an idol. My life before training was just ice skating. That's all I did, so transitioning into this world was a whole new ballgame for me."

Stephanie nods, clearly fascinated. "Ice skating to K-pop trainee? That's a pretty drastic shift. What was it like when you first started?"

Jade leans back in her chair, reminiscing. "When I got there, there was already a debut team in place. Nine girls were part of it, and every trainee wanted to be one of them because that was the path to debut. The debut team had everything — better resources, a separate house to live in, more breaks, and even creative freedom during evaluations. It was clear that being part of that team was the ultimate goal for everyone."

Stephanie tilts her head. "But you weren't part of that team?"

Jade shakes her head. "Nope. And to be honest, I didn't even want to be at first."

Stephanie looks surprised. "Wait, really? Why not?"

"Well," Jade explains, "I felt like I had no experience, no foundation. I couldn't sing, I couldn't dance, and I didn't know anything about stage presence. I felt like if I somehow got into the debut team back then, I'd only drag everyone down because I wasn't ready. Instead of wanting to be on their level right away, my goal was to work hard enough to reach their level, even if it was just a little bit."

Stephanie leans forward, clearly impressed. "Wow. That's such a healthy mindset, but it must've been so hard. The trainee system isn't exactly forgiving."

Jade nods, her expression turning serious. "It wasn't easy, that's for sure. The debut team had so much freedom — they got to choose their songs for evaluations, choreograph their own routines, and even had mentors assigned to them. Meanwhile, the rest of us trainees were just trying to keep up. We had stricter schedules, fewer breaks, and no creative input. It could feel discouraging at times, especially since it seemed like they were leagues ahead of us."

Stephanie furrows her brow. "That sounds intense. So how did you manage to rise above all that with so little training time?"

Jade pauses for a moment, her gaze thoughtful. "I think my mentality helped a lot. While everyone else was hyper-focused on getting into the debut team as quickly as possible, I had a different mindset. My goal wasn't to be them — it was to reach them. Even if I couldn't get to their exact level, I wanted to close the gap as much as I could. That drive pushed me to work harder every single day."

Stephanie nods slowly, admiration clear in her expression. "That's such a mature way to look at it. Most people would've crumbled under the pressure, but you used it to fuel your growth."

Jade smiles, a hint of pride in her eyes. "I think a big part of it was accepting where I was and focusing on where I wanted to be. Comparing myself to them or trying to force myself into their shoes would've just been counterproductive. So instead, I focused on what I could do to get better."

Stephanie leans back, taking a moment to process everything. "You know, I think a lot of people could learn from that. The way you approached it was so grounded, but also so determined. No wonder you made it into BLACKPINK."

Jade laughs lightly, brushing her hair back. "It definitely wasn't easy, but I think that experience taught me a lot about resilience and patience. Even now, I try to keep that mindset — focusing on growth rather than perfection."

Stephanie claps her hands together. "Okay, but can we just talk about how inspiring you are? Like, this is why so many people look up to you. You've been through the fire, and instead of breaking, you came out stronger. I'm over here taking notes!"

Jade laughs again, her cheeks flushing slightly. "You're too kind, Stephanie. But really, I just did what I thought was right at the time. And I'm so grateful it worked out the way it did."

Stephanie smiles warmly, raising her chopsticks like a toast. "Well, here's to Jade and her amazing journey. I think I speak for everyone watching when I say that we're so glad you're here."

Jade raises her water bottle with a grin. "Thank you, Stephanie. That means a lot."

The two clink their "glasses" together before diving back into their meal, ready to tackle the next topic in their deep-dive conversation.

Stephanie leans in, setting her chopsticks down with an eager look. "Okay, Jade, I have to ask this. It's something a lot of people are curious about, but there's surprisingly little concrete information out there. What was trainee life really like? Spill all the tea."

Jade chuckles softly, leaning back in her chair as she thinks about how to begin. "Well, first off, I should say that every company is different. Trainee life at YG wasn't the same as it would be at other companies. I have friends who trained at other places, and they'd give me the weirdest looks when I mentioned some of the things we did. And honestly, I'd look at them the same way when they shared their experiences. It's a whole other world depending on where you are."

Stephanie nods, her curiosity growing. "So, what was unique about YG? Like, what kind of rules or routines did you have that shocked your friends?"

Jade smiles knowingly. "One of the biggest things at YG was male and female trainees being completely separated. Interactions were a huge no. Our break times were different, so we wouldn't run into each other in the hallways. We had different schedules, starting and finishing at separate times. The only time we'd know about male trainees was after they debuted."

Stephanie raises her eyebrows. "Wait, so you didn't even know who was training in the same building as you?"

Jade shakes her head. "Not unless you found... creative ways to find out."

Stephanie laughs. "I feel like there's a story here."

Jade grins, taking a sip of her water. "There is. I actually had a friend who was a male trainee back then. We met randomly in the YG building, and we had to get really sneaky to stay in touch. We'd leave notes for each other in spots we both frequented — like under a specific vending machine or behind a certain door in the practice rooms. It was like being in some kind of spy movie."

Stephanie bursts out laughing. "You were leaving secret notes? That's hilarious and also kind of adorable."

Jade laughs along, nodding. "It was the only way to communicate! Sometimes we'd even meet up late at night when no one was around. Looking back, it feels so dramatic, but it was just what we had to do to stay connected."

Stephanie shakes her head in disbelief. "That's wild. I can't imagine living like that. But honestly, I get it — I'd probably do the same if I were in your shoes."

Jade smiles. "It definitely kept things interesting. But the separation rule was just one part of trainee life. Another big thing was the diet culture."

Stephanie leans forward again, intrigued. "Oh, I've heard about K-pop trainees and diets. Is it really as intense as people say?"

Jade sighs, her expression turning more serious. "It can be. At YG, trainees were split into groups of about 15 people. Every month, on the first day, we'd all get weighed. Each group was given a target weight, and it was our collective responsibility to make sure everyone stayed within the limit."

Stephanie looks horrified. "Wait, so it wasn't just about your individual weight? You were responsible for your whole group?"

Jade nods. "Exactly. If even one person didn't meet the target, the whole group would get punished. Sometimes it meant longer workouts — like hours of cardio after our regular practice sessions. Other times, it meant having our food allowances cut off."

Stephanie's jaw drops. "Your food got cut off? That's so harsh."

"It was," Jade admits. "And the thing is, it created a lot of pressure within the groups. You'd have people constantly monitoring what you were eating, giving you unsolicited advice on what to cut back on. It wasn't malicious most of the time — they were just scared of getting punished. But it definitely affected how you saw food and your body."

Stephanie shakes her head, visibly upset. "That sounds like such a toxic environment. How did you even cope with that?"

Jade shrugs, her voice thoughtful. "It wasn't easy. At first, I struggled a lot. I'd constantly feel guilty about eating, even if it was something small. But over time, I learned to focus on my personal growth rather than getting caught up in the group dynamics. I also leaned on a few close friends for support. We'd sneak each other snacks when we could or share encouraging words to get through the rough days."

Stephanie softens, her expression turning empathetic. "That must have been so tough. I can't even imagine the mental toll that would take on someone."

Jade nods. "It was. And it's something I still think about now, even years later. But I think those experiences also taught me a lot about resilience and the importance of having a support system. If I didn't have those few friends to lean on, I don't know how I would've made it."

Stephanie takes a moment, letting Jade's words sink in. "You know, hearing all this makes me respect idols even more. People see the glamour and the success, but they don't realize how much you all had to sacrifice to get there."

Jade smiles faintly. "Yeah, there's a lot that happens behind the scenes. And while I wouldn't wish some of those experiences on anyone, I'm also grateful for the lessons they taught me. They made me stronger and more appreciative of where I am now."

Stephanie nods, her admiration clear. "Well, I think I speak for everyone watching when I say that your journey is incredibly inspiring. Thank you for sharing this with us, Jade. It really puts things into perspective."

Jade offers a humble smile. "Thank you for giving me the space to share. I hope it helps people understand a little more about what goes into becoming an idol."

Stephanie leans in with wide eyes, clearly fascinated by everything Jade has shared so far. "Okay, so about those workouts you mentioned. What kind of exercises were you doing? Like, how intense were they?"

Jade tilts her head, a small smirk playing on her lips. "You know that viral workout video from LE SSERAFIM last year?"

Stephanie nods immediately. "Oh my gosh, yes! That workout looked insane. Everyone was talking about how hard it was."

Jade nods in agreement. "Well, that's pretty much the kind of workout we were doing. And not just once — we'd do it for two hours straight during workout sessions."

Stephanie's jaw drops. "Wait, what? Two hours of that?!"

Jade laughs at Stephanie's reaction. "Yep. But it didn't stop there. It wasn't just during our workout sessions. Sometimes we'd do it during vocal lessons, too."

Stephanie furrows her brows, clearly confused. "Hold on — you'd do those workouts while singing?"

"Exactly," Jade replies. "The idea was to improve our stamina and control. We'd do the workout for about half an hour, and then we'd sing while doing the moves. It wasn't just about being able to hit the notes; it was about being able to perform like that while out of breath. And trust me, it wasn't easy."

Stephanie shakes her head in disbelief. "That's wild. I can barely sing along to a song on the radio when I'm walking up the stairs, let alone doing something like that."

Jade laughs, nodding. "It definitely pushed us to our limits. But it didn't stop there, either. After the workout and vocal training, we'd do full-out dance sessions where we'd combine everything — dancing and singing at the same time — to really test our stamina. It wasn't just about looking good or sounding good; it was about being able to do both, no matter how tired we were."

Stephanie leans back, clearly amazed. "So, basically, you were training to be superheroes. No wonder you're so good on stage. I mean, you've been preparing for this level of performance from day one."

Jade smiles, her expression softening. "It felt like it at the time. But honestly, looking back, I'm grateful for it. It was brutal, but it really prepared me for the demands of being on stage. Those sessions taught me how to push through even when I thought I couldn't."

Stephanie gives her an admiring look. "I don't know how you did it, but hats off to you and every idol who went through that. It's seriously inspiring."

"Thank you," Jade says humbly. "It wasn't easy, but it made me stronger. And in the end, it's all worth it when I'm up on stage, giving my all for the fans."

Stephanie lifts her water bottle like a toast. "To Jade, for being an absolute icon and surviving trainee life like a champ."

Jade laughs, clinking her water bottle with Stephanie's. "Cheers to that."

Stephanie leans in, curious as ever. "So, are there any seniors in the industry you look up to? Like, people who inspire you or guide you?"

Jade pauses for a moment, resting her chin on her hand as she considers the question. "Well, I recently realized that it's better to be distant with more people than to have a lot of friends. The industry can be complicated, you know? But even with that mindset, there's someone I just can't seem to shake off."

Stephanie raises an eyebrow, intrigued. "Oh? Who's that?"

Jade lets out a small laugh. "BIGBANG's Taeyang. I swear, it's like he's latched onto me or something."

Stephanie immediately starts laughing, leaning back in her seat. "That's funny because he says the exact same thing about you. I've seen interviews where he's mentioned you like that."

Jade rolls her eyes playfully. "Of course, he does. He loves teasing me about it."

Stephanie chuckles. "Okay, now I need to know — how did this whole dynamic with Taeyang even start?"

Jade grins, leaning back in her chair as she starts to explain. "It kind of just... happened. When we debuted, BLACKPINK was really close to BIGBANG. They were like our older siblings in the industry, always giving us advice and cheering us on. And Taeyang, specifically, kind of became my unofficial mentor. He's always been so supportive of me and the group."

Stephanie nods, clearly invested in the story. "That's amazing. But when exactly did you two first meet?"

Jade's smile grows fond, as if she's replaying a memory in her head. "We actually met when I was still a trainee. I had just made it onto the debut team, and I was so focused on improving my skills. One night, I was in the vocal practice room, trying to get some work done, but I was so exhausted that I ended up falling asleep right there."

Stephanie gasps. "Wait, in the vocal room? You fell asleep there?"

"Yep," Jade says with a laugh. "I didn't even realize I had dozed off until I woke up. Apparently, Taeyang came into the room to practice or work on something. I have no idea how long he was there, but at some point, someone else walked in, and Taeyang just... covered for me. He pretended like he was giving me vocal lessons so I wouldn't get in trouble."

Stephanie's jaw drops. "Are you serious? That's so sweet of him!"

"It really was," Jade agrees, her tone warm. "He didn't even know me that well back then, but he still helped me out. After that, we started talking more, and over time, he became someone I could always rely on. He gives great advice, and he's always been so genuine with his support."

Stephanie smiles, clearly touched by the story. "That's such a wholesome way to start a friendship. And it makes sense now why he's always so proud of you."

Jade nods. "Yeah, he's definitely one of the people I admire most in the industry. He's been through so much, but he's still so passionate about his work and so kind to the people around him. I've learned a lot from him."

Stephanie leans forward, grinning. "Okay, but now I'm imagining Taeyang being all protective of you, like some kind of big brother figure. Is that accurate?"

Jade bursts out laughing. "Oh, 100%. He's always looking out for me, even when I don't ask for it. But I think that's just who he is — he genuinely cares about the people he's close to."

Stephanie nods, her admiration for both Jade and Taeyang clear. "Honestly, that's so heartwarming to hear. It's nice to know that even in such a competitive industry, there are people like him who make it a little easier."

Jade smiles softly. "Yeah, I'm really grateful to have him in my corner. He's definitely someone I'll always look up to."

Stephanie claps her hands together. "Okay, now I love him even more. Taeyang, if you're watching this, just know we're all fans of your big-brother energy!"

Jade laughs, shaking her head. "He's going to tease me about this for months if he sees it."

"Good," Stephanie says with a grin. "You deserve it for sharing such an adorable story!"

Stephanie leans forward, her curiosity evident. "Okay, so we've talked about your music and trainee days, but how did acting come into your life? Was it something you always wanted to do?"

Jade shakes her head, a small smile playing on her lips. "Not at all. Acting kind of just... fell into my lap. While I was still a trainee, I was asked to sing a demo for Reset, the OST of School 2015. I didn't think much of it at the time—I just thought it was a cool opportunity to practice my vocals. But then, a while later, I was asked to meet with the producer of the song. That meeting changed everything."

Stephanie raises an eyebrow. "The producer? What did they say?"

"They officially asked me to be part of the OST," Jade replies. "I was thrilled but also a little nervous since I wasn't a confirmed debut member yet. But what really threw me off was what happened afterward. Out of nowhere, I was asked to audition for School 2015 itself. I thought, 'Okay, maybe they're just testing me out.'"

Stephanie tilts her head, intrigued. "But why did you feel like they were testing you?"

"Well," Jade admits, laughing a little, "I thought maybe they were trying to find a reason to kick me out of the debut team. Like, maybe I wasn't good enough to make it as an idol, so they were pushing me in another direction."

Stephanie gasps dramatically. "No way! You thought that?"

"Yeah," Jade says, shaking her head at the memory. "But I decided to audition anyway. A week later, they called me back for a chemistry audition with some of the cast. I didn't think much of it because I'd never acted a day in my life. Then, two days after that, I got a call saying I'd gotten the part."

Stephanie's jaw drops. "Wait, what?! Just like that? No acting experience, no training?"

"Exactly," Jade says, shrugging. "I was as confused as anyone. I mean, I could barely call myself a singer at that point, let alone an actress. But I guess they saw something in me. Looking back, I think this was what fully solidified my spot in the debut team. BLACKPINK wasn't finalized until after the show aired."

Stephanie shakes her head in disbelief. "That's wild. And now, look at you—you've had so many acting roles since then. You've practically mastered it!"

Jade smiles humbly. "I wouldn't say 'mastered,' but I've definitely learned a lot over the years. Acting became a passion I didn't know I had."

Stephanie grins, changing the subject. "So, out of all the roles you've played, which one's your favorite?"

Jade thinks for a moment before answering. "I'd have to say Alchemy of Souls. The script, the cinematography, the OST, the cast—everything about that project was just... magical. I usually don't like watching shows I'm in, but I made an exception for that one. I was really proud of how it turned out."

Stephanie nods, impressed. "I've heard so many good things about that drama. But what about your earlier roles? Do any of them hold a special place for you?"

"Definitely School 2015," Jade says with a nostalgic smile. "It started everything for me. It was my first time acting, and it introduced me to a whole new world. I was so young and inexperienced, but that show taught me so much. I'll always be grateful for it."

Stephanie claps her hands together. "Okay, but now I have to ask—what's my favorite drama of yours? What do you think?"

Jade laughs, leaning back in her seat. "Oh, you're really putting yourself on the spot here."

"I know, I know," Stephanie says, pretending to think hard. "But if I had to pick... I'd say The Glory. Watching you act as young Park Yeonjin made me hate you."

Jade bursts out laughing. "What?! That's supposed to be a compliment, right?"

"Of course!" Stephanie exclaims. "It means you did such a good job that I couldn't stand your character. You were terrifying in the best way."

Jade shakes her head, still laughing. "Well, thank you, I guess. That role was definitely a challenge, but it was fun to play such a complex character. I'm glad it left an impression, even if it made you hate me for a while."

Stephanie grins. "You're too talented for your own good. Seriously, how do you juggle being an idol and an actress? It feels like two full-time jobs."

"It is," Jade admits, her tone light but honest. "But I love both so much that it never feels like work. I think that's the key—you have to love what you're doing. That's what keeps me going."

Stephanie smiles warmly. "Well, you're doing an incredible job at both. And I'm sure your fans would agree—you're inspiring so many people out there."

Jade nods, her expression softening. "Thank you, Stephanie. That really means a lot."

Stephanie leans in with a curious expression. "Jade, since you're Japanese but have been living and working in Korea for so long, what would you say is the biggest cultural difference you've noticed?"

Jade pauses thoughtfully before answering. "For me, it's definitely the importance of honorifics. In Japan, they're important too, but in Korea, it feels like a whole other level. You have to be extremely mindful of who you're talking to, their age, and even their position. Sometimes, I would panic and overthink if I used the right title or form of speech when I first moved here. It took me a while to get used to."

Stephanie nods, intrigued. "Oh wow, that sounds intense. What else stands out to you?"

Jade laughs softly. "Definitely table etiquette. When I had my first group meal in Korea, I almost had a heart attack."

Stephanie tilts her head. "Why? What happened?"

"Well, in Korea, there are all these unspoken rules about how to serve, pour drinks, and even who eats first. For example, you can't start eating until the eldest person does. And when you pour someone a drink, you're supposed to use two hands as a sign of respect. I didn't know any of that, so I just grabbed my chopsticks and started eating. The looks I got from everyone at the table—I still cringe thinking about it," Jade says, laughing.

Stephanie bursts out laughing. "Oh no! That must've been so awkward."

Before Jade can respond, the door to the lounge opens, and Lisa and Rosé step inside. Both are smiling brightly.

"Hey!" Lisa says, waving at Stephanie and Jade. "We heard Stephanie was in the building and had to come say hi."

Rosé nods enthusiastically. "Yeah, the three of us always listen to Rotten Mango after our shows. We couldn't miss this chance to meet you in person."

Stephanie's eyes widen, clearly flattered. "Wait, really? You guys listen to my podcast?"

Lisa laughs. "Of course! We're obsessed. It's our way of unwinding after a concert. You're like our road trip companion."

Jade grins and gestures to the table. "You guys should join us for the video. We've got plenty of food, and Stephanie just asked me a really interesting question. I'd love to hear your thoughts too."

The two members exchange a quick glance before nodding in agreement. "Why not?" Lisa says as they sit down next to Jade and Stephanie.

"So," Jade begins, turning to Lisa and Rosé, "Stephanie was asking about the cultural differences I've noticed between Japan and Korea. Since you're from Thailand, Lisa, and Rosé's from Australia, I think it'd be cool to hear your perspectives too."

Lisa leans back, thinking. "For me, I'd say the biggest difference is probably how formal interactions are in Korea compared to Thailand. In Thailand, we're definitely respectful, but it feels a bit more relaxed, especially with friends or colleagues. In Korea, everything is so structured. You have to bow at the right angle, address people properly, and there's a clear line between seniors and juniors."

Rosé nods in agreement. "Yeah, it's the same for me. Growing up in Australia, everything was super casual. I'd call my teachers by their first names, and it was totally normal to joke around with adults. But in Korea, there's such a strong hierarchy, and respect is a huge deal. It was a bit of a culture shock for me at first."

Stephanie leans forward, fascinated. "That's so interesting. So, how did you guys adjust to that when you first started training?"

Lisa laughs. "Honestly? It was hard. I remember getting scolded once because I forgot to bow properly to a senior. After that, I started practicing my bows in the mirror at night to make sure I got it right."

Stephanie smiles. "You guys make it sound so easy now, but it must've been so stressful in the beginning."

Rosé nods. "Oh, definitely. But I think it also brought us closer as a group. We were all trying to navigate this new world together, and that created a really strong bond."

Lisa adds, "And it's not all bad. The structure can be comforting in a way. Like, you know exactly how to act and what's expected of you. It makes things more predictable."

Stephanie nods thoughtfully. "That makes sense. So, do you think you've all kind of blended your cultures into who you are now?"

Jade, Lisa, and Rosé exchange a glance before nodding.

"Definitely," Jade says. "I think we've all taken the best parts of our own cultures and combined them with what we've learned in Korea. It's made us more adaptable and open-minded."

"And maybe a little chaotic," Lisa jokes, earning laughs from everyone.

Stephanie smiles, clearly enjoying the conversation. "You guys are incredible. It's amazing to see how much you've grown and adapted while staying true to yourselves. I feel so lucky to be here with you today."

Rosé grins. "We're the lucky ones. This is so much fun."

Jade nods. "Agreed. Thanks for coming, Stephanie. This has been such a great way to relax and reflect."

As the video continues, the four women dig into the food and share more stories, laughing and bonding over their shared experiences. It's a moment of connection that fans will undoubtedly cherish.

Stephanie clasps her hands together with a curious smile. "Okay, since all three of you are here, I have to ask: what's the bond like between all the members of Blackpink? I'm sure fans would love to hear about that from your perspective."

Jade looks at Lisa and Rosé, raising her eyebrows as if to say, You guys take this one. Lisa laughs and nods, taking the lead.

"For us, the bond between all five members is like... sisters. Really, we're family. We spend so much of our time together, whether it's for work or just hanging out. Even when fans don't see us on camera or social media, we're together. No cameras, no makeup—just us, being ourselves," Lisa explains, her voice warm with affection.

Stephanie leans forward, clearly intrigued. "That sounds so special. What's it like when things get tough? Like, how do you support each other during difficult times?"

Lisa smiles softly. "When things happen, the members are the first people we go to. We've built this trust where we know that no matter what, we have each other's backs. And it's not just about personal stuff. When we're working on solo projects or taking on new opportunities, we always think about how it'll affect the group. It's like this unspoken rule—we're a team first, and that's what matters."

Rosé nods in agreement. "Exactly. Even when it comes to potential scandals or something that could be misunderstood, we talk to each other first. Like, 'Hey, how do you feel about this? Do you think this is okay?' We're always checking in and making sure we're on the same page."

Stephanie smiles, impressed. "That's incredible. It sounds like you're all so thoughtful about how your actions impact each other."

Rosé laughs lightly. "We kind of have to be, you know? But it's not just about responsibility—it's because we genuinely care about each other. The bond is real."

Stephanie turns to Rosé. "And what about the three of you specifically? You're all the same age and from different countries, so that must've created a unique dynamic, right?"

Rosé grins. "Oh, definitely. Because we're the foreigners of the group—me from Australia, Lisa from Thailand, and Jade from Japan—it felt natural for us to bond early on. We understood each other in a way that maybe the others didn't at first because we were all adjusting to living in Korea. It made it easier to lean on each other. Even now, the three of us spend so much time together. Sometimes, we're just at home doing nothing, but it still feels comforting to be around each other."

Lisa nods enthusiastically. "Yeah, we're like our own little trio within the group. We'll have sleepovers, movie nights, or just sit and talk for hours. Even if we're not doing anything big, it's just nice to be together."

Stephanie beams at them. "That's so sweet. It sounds like you've built this amazing support system for each other."

Jade smiles and finally chimes in. "It's true. The bond between the three of us is really tight. But honestly, the dynamic with all five of us is just as special. For example, Jisoo... she's like the glue that holds us together. She's so supportive of every single member. She's patient, wise, and it feels like she has this endless well of knowledge about everything. She's always the one to step in and help us see things clearly when we're unsure or struggling."

Stephanie nods, clearly impressed. "She sounds like an amazing person to have around."

"She really is," Jade agrees. "And then there's Jennie. She's the person you go to when you're feeling low. Jennie has this incredible ability to give advice that makes you feel like you can take on the world. She's always reminding us of our worth and boosting our confidence. No matter what's going on, she'll find a way to make you see the best in yourself."

Lisa chimes in with a laugh. "Yeah, Jennie's like our resident pep-talker. She's so good at lifting you up, even when you're at your worst."

Rosé adds, "And Jennie and Jisoo together are like this perfect balance of comfort and motivation. Jisoo keeps you grounded, and Jennie makes sure you're ready to fly again."

Stephanie sits back, smiling. "Wow. You guys really do sound like a family. I think that's what makes Blackpink so special—not just your talent, but the genuine connection you have with each other."

Jade nods, her expression thoughtful. "Yeah, we've been through so much together, and that's shaped us into who we are as a group. We've had our ups and downs, but at the end of the day, we know we can rely on each other. That's what keeps us going."

Stephanie claps her hands together. "I love that. Honestly, it's so inspiring to hear about how strong your bond is. I think fans are really going to appreciate hearing all of this."

Lisa grins. "We hope so. I mean, the fans are such a huge part of why we're here, and we want them to know that everything we do, we do with love—for them and for each other."

The three women share a smile, and Stephanie looks at the camera. "You heard it here, folks. Blackpink isn't just a group—they're a family."

Jade laughs. "A slightly chaotic family, but yes, a family."

Everyone bursts into laughter as they dig back into the food, their bond and camaraderie evident in every interaction.

Stephanie hesitates for a moment, her expression turning slightly serious as she looks at the trio. "Okay, so... I want to talk about something a little sensitive for Blinks—something that's been the conversation of the year."

Lisa, Rosé, and Jade all exchange knowing looks before smiling and nodding. Jade leans forward slightly, a soft understanding in her eyes.

"The contract renewal," Stephanie continues, her tone gentle. "It's been on everyone's minds lately."

Jade offers a small laugh, her shoulders relaxing. "I can definitely see how it's a scary topic for Blinks. The seventh year is always talked about as the big hurdle for groups, and I understand why fans would be anxious about it."

Rosé nods in agreement. "Yeah, the seventh year kind of has this reputation in the industry, you know? Like, people automatically associate it with disbandments or groups drifting apart. But I think it's important for fans to know that it's not just about that—it's also a natural time for reflection and growth, both individually and as a group."

Stephanie tilts her head, her curiosity evident. "So... where does Blackpink stand with it?"

Jade smiles warmly, her tone reassuring. "It's still something we're discussing. Contract renewal is a big decision, and it's not something you rush into. There's a lot to consider—our goals as individuals, our goals as a group, and how we want to continue moving forward. But one thing I can say for sure is that Blackpink's bond is strong enough to handle whatever comes our way."

Rosé chimes in, her voice steady and confident. "And I want Blinks to know that they shouldn't worry about Blackpink's activities as a group. We all love being Blackpink. Performing together, creating music, touring—it's something we truly enjoy. We're not going anywhere just because we're talking about contracts."

Stephanie nods, her expression thoughtful. "That's really reassuring to hear. I think fans sometimes forget that the group dynamic isn't just about contracts—it's about the relationships you've built over the years."

Lisa laughs suddenly, breaking the serious tone with her characteristic playfulness. "Exactly! And I've said it before, but I'll say it again—we're going to be doing this until we're 80. Can you imagine us on stage with canes and wheelchairs, still performing How You Like That?"

The room erupts into laughter, the tension dissolving as Stephanie wipes a tear of laughter from her eye. "Oh my gosh, I can see it now. Blackpink: Senior Edition!"

Jade laughs, shaking her head. "Lisa, you're unbelievable. But honestly, she's not wrong. We've been through so much together—training, debuting, touring, growing up—and it's hard to imagine not having each other in our lives. Whether we're on stage or not, that bond doesn't just disappear."

Stephanie looks touched, her voice softer as she asks, "Do you think that's what makes Blackpink so special? That connection you have with each other?"

Rosé smiles, nodding. "I think so. We've always said that Blackpink isn't just a group—it's a family. And families go through ups and downs, but at the end of the day, we stick together. We've built something really beautiful over these years, and I think that's what keeps us grounded."

Lisa leans back in her chair, a playful glint in her eye. "Also, let's be real—none of us could get rid of each other even if we tried. We're stuck together for life."

Jade chuckles, resting her chin on her hand. "It's true. Even when we're off doing our own projects, we're always checking in with each other, supporting one another. It's not just about Blackpink as a brand—it's about the people behind it."

Stephanie smiles, her admiration clear. "I think Blinks will feel a lot more at ease hearing that from you directly. It's obvious how much you care about each other and your fans."

Rosé nods thoughtfully. "We do. Our fans have been with us through everything—every milestone, every challenge. They're a huge part of why we're here today, and we don't take that for granted. Whatever happens with the contracts, one thing that won't change is our gratitude and love for Blinks."

Jade adds, her voice firm yet kind, "Exactly. At the end of the day, what matters most to us is continuing to make music and memories that mean something—not just to us, but to the fans who've supported us all these years."

Lisa grins, raising an imaginary toast. "Here's to another 70 years of Blackpink!"

Stephanie laughs, shaking her head. "You're too much, Lisa. But honestly, it sounds like Blackpink is in a really good place right now."

Jade nods, her expression peaceful. "We are. And whatever happens, we'll face it together—just like we always have."

The conversation ends on a positive note, with the trio exchanging warm smiles and diving back into the food, their bond evident in every shared laugh and glance.

As the video draws to a close, Stephanie glances at the camera with a big smile. "Wow, this has been such an incredible experience. I feel like I've gotten to know Blackpink on a whole new level. Thank you so much for being so open and for spending this time with me."

Lisa grins, nudging Stephanie playfully. "No, thank you! We know you're super busy, and it means a lot that you took time out of your day to film with us."

Rosé nods, her warm smile lighting up the room. "It's not every day we get to sit down and chat like this, so this was really refreshing. We hope you had fun, too."

Stephanie beams. "I did! You all were so lovely, and I feel like I've been adopted into the Blackpink family now."

The group laughs, and Jade reaches under the table to retrieve something. "We couldn't let you leave empty-handed, of course," she says with a mischievous grin. She places a stack of albums on the table, starting with Blackpink's Born Pink album and adding each of their solo albums, including her own, titled XOXO.

Lisa leans forward, gesturing toward the albums. "This is for you! A little something from us to remember today by. And trust us, Born Pink is a masterpiece, but our solos? You'll be playing them on repeat."

Stephanie's eyes widen in excitement as she reaches for the albums. "Oh my gosh, thank you so much! This is amazing—I'm going to treasure these forever."

Jade smiles warmly. "We mean it when we say thank you, Stephanie. And to all the Blinks watching, we hope you enjoyed this little peek into our lives."

Rosé adds, her tone sincere, "And please don't worry about us. Blackpink is not going anywhere. We love being a group, and we love all of you who have supported us every step of the way."

Lisa chimes in with her signature energy. "Exactly! We've got so much more planned, so stick with us, okay? Blackpink is forever!"

Stephanie laughs, looking between the three of them. "I think that's the reassurance Blinks needed. Thank you again for letting me hang out with you all. This was truly unforgettable."

Jade leans closer to the camera with a playful wave. "And don't forget to subscribe to Stephanie's channel if you haven't already. Rotten Mango is a masterpiece—trust me, I'd know!"

The group laughs as Stephanie waves her hands. "Oh, stop! You're going to make me blush."

With that, the video fades to a shot of the four of them chatting and laughing over the remaining food, a heartfelt moment to close out the collaboration. A final message appears on the screen: "Thank you for watching! Don't forget to stream Blackpink's Born Pink and their solo albums! And, of course, check out Stephanie's channel for more amazing content!"