“Ddu-Du Ddu-Du” (Korean: 뚜두뚜두; RR: Ttuduttudu) is a track by Blackpink from their first Korean EP, Square Up. The song was written by Teddy Park, who also handled production and composition alongside 24, Bekuh Boom, and R. Tee. It was released as the EP’s lead single on June 15, 2018, with a Japanese version later issued on August 22, 2018, through YGEX in three physical editions. Blending trap and pop rap with elements of bubblegum pop and EDM, the song features oriental-style percussion and whistling, while its title mimics the sound of gunfire. The lyrics emphasize confidence and empowerment.
The track received generally positive feedback, with praise for both its production and the group’s performance. It was voted Song of the Year in a 2018 Gallup Korea public survey and was included in lists by Melon and Rolling Stone highlighting top K-pop songs. Commercially, it topped South Korea’s Gaon Digital Chart for three weeks, becoming the group’s second number-one hit there. It also reached number one in Singapore and Malaysia, as well as on the Billboard K-pop Hot 100 and World Digital Songs charts. Internationally, it peaked at number 55 on the Billboard Hot 100 and marked the first time a K-pop girl group entered the UK Singles Chart. The song earned multiple certifications, including double platinum for streaming and platinum for downloads in South Korea, along with additional certifications in Japan, New Zealand, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
The music video showcases the members in stylish, high-fashion visuals set against pink and black backdrops. It broke records by becoming the most-viewed Korean video within 24 hours and the second-most-viewed video overall within 48 hours. It later became the first K-pop group video to surpass two billion views on YouTube and remains the most-viewed by a K-pop group. Blackpink promoted the song on South Korean music shows and popularized its “finger gun” dance move. They also performed it during their concert tours and at major events like Coachella and BST Hyde Park.
