BLACKPINK’s Rosé delves into the volatile dynamics of a love gone wrong in her latest music video, “Toxic Till the End.” The track, part of her highly anticipated debut solo album rosie, pairs the singer’s emotive vocals with an Avril Lavigne-inspired emo-pop backdrop, painting a vivid picture of passion and heartbreak. The video features actor Evan Mock of Gossip Girl fame, portraying Rosé’s partner in a relationship defined by fiery highs and devastating lows.
The visual narrative begins on a quiet country road where Rosé encounters Mock, whose bicycle has a flat tire. Their connection is immediate, setting the stage for a whirlwind romance. In classic rom-com style, the couple’s early days are filled with laughter, garden strolls, and intimate moments like Rosé signing Mock’s cast after a skateboard accident. However, beneath the idyllic surface, the lyrics hint at a relationship built on shaky ground.
Lines like, “Call us what we are/ Toxic from the start,” and “Honestly impressive/ You had me participating,” reveal the cracks in their connection. The video crescendos as trust erodes, symbolized by Mock concealing a suspicious text. Rosé’s emotional turmoil comes to a head as she delivers the stinging refrain, “I can’t forgive you for a lot of things… You wasted my prettiest years,” while reflecting on the complexities of betrayal and reconciliation.
Director Ramez Silyan captures the cyclical nature of the relationship, oscillating between love and discord. The video closes with an intriguing twist, suggesting their serendipitous meeting may have been orchestrated, adding another layer of complexity to their story.
Speaking with Apple Music’s Zane Lowe, Rosé revealed the song’s origins in a long-discussed breakup. Initially titled “The Ex,” the track evolved into something more layered, with a title she described as having a “better punchline.” The candidness of the lyrics reflects Rosé’s willingness to confront personal struggles and transform them into art.
Toxic Till the End is one of 12 tracks on rosie, which also includes the chart-topping “APT.” featuring Bruno Mars and fan favorites like “Game Boy” and “Stay a Little Longer.” With this release, Rosé cements her place not just as a member of BLACKPINK but as a solo artist unafraid to explore vulnerability and raw emotion.