Released on November 1, 2016, as part of the Square Two single album, "STAY" remains one of BLACKPINK's most distinct visual and musical departures. Directed by —the visionary behind 2NE1’s "Gotta Be You" and Big Bang’s "Sober"—the music video abandons the high-energy "girl crush" aesthetic of their debut for a sentimental, country-pop atmosphere. I. Production and Composition
"STAY" was the final music video filmed by the group in 2016. Musically, it is driven by a melancholic harmonica and rhythmic guitar riffs composed by and Teddy Park . Unlike the group’s more commercial hits, "STAY" focuses on vocal vulnerability, with member Jisoo revealing that she contributed to the song's lyrics. II. Visual Narrative and Setting
: A popular fan interpretation suggests the members are in a state of "purgatory" or a waiting room for heaven. This is supported by signs throughout the video, such as one reading "Heaven is a place where nothing ever happens," implying that even paradise is hollow without companionship. BLACKPINK - STAY MV
: Toward the end, a car painted with clouds and angels appears, representing a "vehicle for freedom" and the hope for a brighter future together.
: The first half of the video features the members in isolation—Jennie in a room with balloons, Rosé playing guitar in a neglected room, and Lisa in a decaying environment. As the song progresses, they converge at a theater, signifying that their strength and "salvation" are found in each other. III. Symbolism and Motifs Released on November 1, 2016, as part of
Loneliness and Connection: An Analysis of BLACKPINK’s "STAY" Music Video
Director Han Sa Min utilizes several recurring symbols to convey the song's core message of "staying" despite pain: Production and Composition "STAY" was the final music
: Throughout the video, objects are seen floating upward, which theorists link to the idea of souls ascending to heaven, while the members "choose" to stay on the ground to wait for one another. IV. Reception and Impact