Jennie (Blackpink)

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Who is Jennie (Blackpink)?

Jennie Kim (Korean: 김제니), professionally known as Jennie, is a South Korean singer, rapper, and actress. Raised in both South Korea and New Zealand, she joined YG Entertainment in 2010 after a successful audition and later debuted as a member of the girl group Blackpink in August 2016. Expanding her career into acting, she made her debut under the name Jennie Ruby Jane in the 2023 HBO series The Idol.

Jennie launched her solo music career in November 2018 with the single Solo, which topped South Korea’s Circle Digital Chart and the US Billboard World Digital Songs chart. The song’s music video became the first by a Korean female solo artist to surpass one billion views on YouTube. In 2023, her singles You & Me and One of the Girls gained global success, with the former topping the Billboard Global Excl. US chart. After founding her own label, Odd Atelier, in 2023 and signing with Columbia Records in 2024, she achieved another number-one hit on the Circle Digital Chart with Spot! and set a record for the highest-charting song by a Korean female soloist on the UK Singles Chart with Mantra, the lead single from her debut studio album Ruby (2025).

Throughout her career, Jennie has earned multiple accolades, including four MAMA Awards, a Circle Chart Music Award, and a Golden Disc Award. She holds the title of the most-followed Korean individual on Instagram. Renowned for her musical versatility and trendsetting fashion influence, she has been dubbed the “Human Chanel” and serves as a global ambassador for the luxury brand.

Quick Details

Stage NameJennie (제니)
NicknamesNiNi, Jendeukie
Birth NameKim Jennie (김제니)
Other namesJennie Ruby Jane
Date of BirthJanuary 16, 1996
BirthplaceSeongnam, Gyeonggi, South Korea
Zodiac SignCapricorn
GenderFemale
BirthdayJanuary 16
Age29
Height163 cm (5’4″)
Weight45 kg (99 lbs)
ProfessionSinger, Rapper, Actress
Years active2012–2013, 2016–present
GenresK-pop, Dance-pop, Hip hop
InstrumentVocals
Member ofBlackpink
Organization Odd Atelier
LabelsYG, Interscope, Odd Atelier, Columbia
Social media linksWebsite, Spotify, Apple Music, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, X,

Early Life & Education

Jennie Kim was born on January 16, 1996, as an only child. While initially reported to have been born in Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam District, Seoul, she later revealed on Apartment 404 that she was actually born in Bundang, Seongnam. She attended Cheongdam Elementary School in Seoul before relocating to New Zealand.

At the age of eight, Jennie traveled with her family to Australia and New Zealand. When her mother asked if she liked New Zealand and wanted to stay, she eagerly agreed. A year later, she moved there to study at Waikowhai Intermediate School in Auckland, living with a home-stay family. In 2006, she appeared in MBC’s documentary English, Must Change to Survive, sharing her experience of learning a new language. During her early years, she aspired to become a ballet dancer and later attended ACG Parnell College after completing intermediate school.

While in New Zealand, Jennie discovered K-pop and developed a particular interest in YG Entertainment’s music. Her mother initially planned to send her to Florida to continue her studies and pursue a career in law or teaching. However, Jennie was hesitant about living alone and not finding work she truly enjoyed. With her family’s support, she returned to South Korea in 2010 and enrolled at Cheongdam Middle School.

That same year, she auditioned for YG Entertainment with Rihanna’s Take a Bow and successfully became a trainee. Due to her shy personality, she struggled to introduce herself during the audition. Initially training as a vocalist, she was later encouraged to pursue rapping, as most of the songs she covered included rap sections. Additionally, she was the only trainee fluent in both Korean and English at the time. Jennie also has basic proficiency in Japanese and has learned French.

Career

On April 10, 2012, Jennie was introduced through a photo titled Who’s That Girl? on YG Entertainment’s official blog. The image quickly gained attention, making her the most searched topic under the nickname “Mystery Girl.” Shortly after, on August 30, YG Entertainment released a YouTube video titled YG Trainee – Jennie Kim, where she covered B.o.B.’s Strange Clouds. On September 1, she made her first public appearance as the lead actress in G-Dragon’s That XX music video.

In early 2013, another cover video of Jennie performing Wale’s Lotus Flower Bomb was released. She then featured on Lee Hi’s track Special from the album First Love in March and Seungri’s GG Be in August. In September, she recorded the hook for G-Dragon’s Black in under five days before its release, later performing it live with him on Inkigayo.

Blackpink Photos

On June 1, 2016, Jennie was unveiled as the first member of YG Entertainment’s new girl group, the first since 2NE1. She debuted with Blackpink on August 8, 2016, alongside Jisoo, Rosé, and Lisa, with the single album Square One, featuring Boombayah and Whistle. According to Jisoo, Jennie played a key role in decision-making for the group. Reflecting on her six years as a trainee, Jennie shared via V Live that trainees performed monthly evaluations for YG’s CEO and producers, showcasing group, dance, and solo songs. She also recalled preparing outfits, selecting songs, and arranging choreography. In 2018, Blackpink expanded globally by signing with Interscope Records in partnership with YG Entertainment.

In July 2018, Jennie appeared on Running Man alongside Blackpink’s Jisoo. A clip of her crying after going through a horror room with Lee Kwang-soo went viral in South Korea, amassing millions of views across platforms. This recognition led to her being named one of the best variety stars of 2018, resulting in multiple casting offers. Due to her popularity, she returned to Running Man and was later confirmed as a cast member of SBS’ variety show Village Survival, the Eight, marking her first permanent television role.

In mid-October 2018, Jennie’s solo debut was officially announced. After a series of teasers, she released her single album Solo on November 12, following an early performance during Blackpink’s In Your Area tour in Seoul. The track, blending hip-hop and pop, was designed to highlight both her delicate and independent sides. To support the release, YG Entertainment launched the YouTube series Jennie – ‘Solo’ Diary, documenting her promotional journey.

Upon its debut, Solo topped the Gaon Music Chart and achieved a triple crown by leading the digital, download, and streaming charts. It held the top position on digital and mobile charts for two weeks and on streaming charts for three weeks. The track was certified platinum by the KMCA and won Song of the Year for November at the Gaon Chart Music Awards, along with a Digital Bonsang at the Golden Disc Awards. Internationally, Solo topped Billboard’s World Digital Songs chart. Its music video became the most-viewed by a female Korean solo artist within 24 hours and surpassed 300 million views in six months. On November 25, Jennie earned her first solo music show win on Inkigayo and later secured a Triple Crown with three consecutive victories.

In April 2019, Jennie became the first Korean solo artist to perform at Coachella, delivering Solo during Blackpink’s set. Billboard named her performance one of The 10 Best Things We Saw at Coachella 2019, praising it as “mind-blowing” and “stunning.”

Jennie later co-wrote Lovesick Girls, released on October 2, 2020, as the third single from Blackpink’s debut studio album, The Album. On January 31, 2021, she performed a revamped version of Solo during Blackpink’s livestream concert The Show, featuring a new rap verse and an extended tropical dance break.

During Blackpink’s Born Pink World Tour, which began in October 2022, Jennie introduced a new solo track, You & Me. She later performed a remixed version with a rap verse at Coachella in April 2023, where Blackpink headlined. On July 2, she showcased this version alongside Solo during their BST Hyde Park concert in London.

In 2023, Jennie made her acting debut as Jennie Ruby Jane in HBO’s The Idol, created by and starring The Weeknd. While the series was critically panned and canceled after one season, Jennie’s portrayal of Dyanne, a backup dancer and friend of Jocelyn (played by Lily-Rose Depp), was widely praised. A clip of her performance gained more views than the show’s premiere on HBO. She also contributed to the soundtrack, collaborating with The Weeknd and Lily-Rose Depp on One of the Girls, which was released on June 23.

Following the Born Pink World Tour, You & Me was officially released as a special single on October 6, 2023. It debuted at number seven on the Billboard Global 200 and topped the Global Excl. US chart, marking Jennie’s first solo number-one on the latter. It reached number four on South Korea’s Circle Digital Chart and made history in the UK by debuting at number 39 on the UK Singles Chart while topping the UK Singles Downloads and UK Singles Sales Charts, making her the first Korean female soloist to do so.

On November 22, 2023, King Charles III awarded Jennie and her Blackpink bandmates an Honorary MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) at Buckingham Palace, in a ceremony attended by South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol.

One of the Girls gained viral popularity on TikTok, with fans praising Jennie’s vocals. Due to its success, it was officially released as a single on December 8 and sent to US rhythmic contemporary radio. The track became her first solo entry on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number 51 in March 2024 and setting a new record for the highest-charting song by a K-pop female soloist. It remained on the chart for 20 weeks, making Jennie the first K-pop female soloist and only the second K-pop soloist after Psy to achieve this feat. The song surpassed 1 billion Spotify streams, earning Jennie a platinum certification from the RIAA—the first for a Korean female solo artist. In the UK, it peaked at number 21, marking her as the highest-charting Blackpink member soloist in the country. The song also reached number ten on the Billboard Global 200 and number seven on the Global Excl. US, becoming her second top-ten hit on both charts.

On December 6, YG Entertainment confirmed that Jennie and the other Blackpink members had renewed their contracts for group activities, though discussions for their solo careers were ongoing. Later, on December 24, Jennie announced the founding of her independent label, Odd Atelier, established in November 2023. YG Entertainment confirmed on December 29 that the Blackpink members would not be renewing contracts with the agency for individual promotions.

Jennie collaborated with American rapper Matt Champion of Brockhampton on the song Slow Motion, released on March 8, 2024, as part of Champion’s debut studio album, Mika’s Laundry. On April 26, she featured on South Korean rapper Zico’s single Spot!, also starring in its music video. The song achieved major success in South Korea, topping the Circle Digital Chart—Jennie’s second number-one single after Solo. Internationally, it peaked at number 24 on the Billboard Global 200 and number eight on the Global Excl. US chart, marking Zico’s first entry and Jennie’s third top-ten hit. In the U.S., it debuted at number one on the Billboard World Digital Song Sales chart, becoming Jennie’s second chart-topper after Solo.

On September 8, Jennie signed as a solo artist with Columbia Records in partnership with her label, Odd Atelier. She later announced her single Mantra, which was released on October 11, 2024. The track debuted at number three on the Billboard Global 200 and number two on the Global Excl. US chart, becoming her third and fourth top-ten hit on those charts. It peaked at number three in South Korea and entered the Billboard Hot 100 at number 98. In the UK, it debuted at number 37, setting a new record for the highest-charting UK single by a Korean female solo artist.

Jennie was the most-nominated and most-awarded soloist at the 2024 MAMA Awards, winning four categories: Best Dance Performance Female Solo (You & Me), Best Collaboration and Best Rap & Hip Hop Performance (Spot!), and Fans’ Choice Female Top 10.

She is set to release her debut solo album, Ruby, on March 7, 2025. To promote the album, she will embark on a three-city concert series, The Ruby Experience, with shows in Los Angeles, New York, and Seoul from March 6 to 15. Proceeds from the New York performances will support fire recovery efforts and local firefighters in Los Angeles and surrounding areas affected by recent wildfires.

Impact

Jennie, instrumental in shaping Blackpink’s fashion image, has earned the nicknames “Human Gucci” and “Human Chanel”. Her style spans luxury brands like Gucci and Saint Laurent to niche labels such as Marine Serre and Richard Quinn. Her influence in fashion secured her invitations to exclusive events, including Saint Laurent’s Summer 17 Collection Launch Party, Chanel’s Mademoiselle Privé exhibition, and Prada’s Comics Collection Launch Party. Chanel later appointed her as a House Ambassador after recognizing her commercial impact. Notably, the five-by-five partitioned hairpins she wore while performing Solo became a trend in South Korea and were dubbed “Jennie’s hairpins”.

Her first solo magazine cover was for Dazed Korea in April 2017 with Saint Laurent. She was also the first Korean celebrity to model for Boucheron Paris, with the brand praising her elegant and luxurious aura. Since then, Jennie has appeared on covers of major fashion magazines, including Dazed, Harper’s Bazaar, Elle, Marie Claire, High Cut, Cosmopolitan, W, Vogue, Wonderland, and Billboard.

Jennie holds significant brand influence, frequently ranking first in the Korean Business Research Institute’s monthly “Individual Girl Group Members Brand Power Ranking”. She became the first Korean to surpass 50 million Instagram followers in 2021. As of December 2023, she remains the most-followed Korean individual and second-most-followed K-pop idol behind bandmate Lisa, with over 82.5 million followers. Items she wears or showcases often become viral trends.

In 2018, she ranked second in Gallup Korea’s Most Favorite Idols survey, gaining 12.2% of votes. That year, Instagram named her account the “Most Loved Account in South Korea”. Forbes highlighted her role in influencing Korean beauty trends, linking it to Blackpink’s top ranking in the Forbes Korea Power Celebrity list in 2019. That year, she was also the most-searched female K-pop idol on Google and was voted the eighth most popular idol in South Korea by Gallup Korea.

Her 2020 eyewear collection Jentle Home sold out upon launch, leading to multiple restocks. In 2021, on her 25th birthday, Jennie launched her YouTube channel, gaining one million subscribers in under seven hours, setting a record as the fastest channel to do so. The following day, she had 1.75 million subscribers, making her the second-most subscribed user within 24 hours, behind Marília Mendonça.

Jennie’s endorsement power significantly impacted brands. Sales losses for Chum Churum soju rebounded by 14–15% after securing her as their model, while Ace Bed’s stock price surged 28.14% following her appointment. In 2021, she was ranked sixth in celebrity endorsement earnings, estimated at ₩5 billion, despite appearing in only five ads that year. In 2022, her mobile game Jentle Garden topped the Korean App Store’s popularity category, surpassing TikTok.

Numerous K-pop idols cite Jennie as an inspiration, including Hot Issue’s Dana, Woo!ah!’s Nana, Cignature’s Belle, LinQ’s Miyu Kaneko, Nmixx’s Lily, Sullyoon, Jiwoo, Aespa’s Ningning, Lightsum’s Jian, Fifty Fifty’s Keena, Babymonster’s Ahyeon, and former Madein’s Gaeun. Olympic athletes Hwang Sun-woo and Kang So-hwi have also expressed their admiration for her.

Philanthropy

Jennie has been part of the Cheongdam Woori Animal Hospital’s “Protect Our Family” campaign since 2018, which helps to protect pets and rescue abandoned dogs. In November 2023, she attended the 18th Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign Charity Event, a charity gala to raise funds for cancer screening, surgery, and treatment for low-income people. In May 2024, she donated ₩100 million (US$74,400) to the Korean branch of Habitat for Humanity in the name of Blink, Blackpink’s fan club, to aid in the construction of an alternative school for the youth.

Personal Life

Jennie’s first publicly confirmed relationship was with EXO’s Kai. They began dating in late 2018, with SM Entertainment confirming their relationship in December. However, they broke up in January 2019, citing their busy schedules.

In February 2021, Dispatch reported that Jennie had been secretly dating G-Dragon for about a year, with private meetings fueling speculation. While their relationship appeared to fade, rumors of a rekindling surfaced in mid-2024, suggesting they may have been dating again since August 2023.

In early 2019, Jennie was rumored to be linked to Harry Styles after he followed her on Instagram and attended a Blackpink concert, but nothing substantial developed. In 2023, she was romantically linked to BTS’s V after they were spotted together in Paris. Their agencies did not confirm or deny the speculation, and reports suggested they had broken up by late 2023, before V’s military enlistment.

As of early 2025, new rumors suggest Jennie may be dating Juyeon from The Boyz, following reports in January 2024, though this remains unconfirmed. Throughout her career, Jennie’s personal life has been a focal point of media and fan scrutiny, making her one of K-pop’s most talked-about figures.

Discography

TitleDetails
RubyScheduled: March 7, 2025
Label: Odd Atelier, Columbia
Formats: CD, cassette, digital download, streaming

TitleDetails
SoloReleased: November 12, 2018
Label: YG, Interscope
Formats: CD, digital download, streaming

As lead artist

TitleYearAlbum
“Solo”2018Solo
“You & Me”2023Non-album single
“One of the Girls” (with the Weeknd and Lily-Rose Depp)2023The Idol Episode 4 (Music from the HBO Original Series)
“Slow Motion” (with Matt Champion)2024Mika’s Laundry
“Mantra”2024Ruby
“Love Hangover” (featuring Dominic Fike)2025Ruby

As featured artist

TitleYearAlbum
“Spot!” (Zico featuring Jennie)2024Non-album single

TitleYearAlbum
“Special” (Lee Hi featuring Jennie)2013First Love
“GG Be” (지지베) (Seungri featuring Jennie)2013Let’s Talk About Love
“Black” (G-Dragon featuring Jennie)2013Coup d’Etat
“You & Me” (Coachella version)2023Non-album song
“Mantra” (explicit version)2024Ruby

Filmography

YearTitleRoleNotes
2018Village Survival, the EightCast member
2023The IdolDyanneCredited as Jennie Ruby Jane
2024Apartment 404Cast member
2024My Name is GabrielMaria

PublisherYearListiclePlacementRef.
Rolling Stone Korea20252024 Star of the Year: DomesticPlaced

YearTitleArtistDirectorLength
2022“Shinigami Eyes”GrimesBRTHR3:20
2012“That XX”G-DragonHan Sa-min3:34

Awards & Nominations

Award CeremonyYearCategoryNominee(s) / Work(s)Result
D Awards2025Best Girl Solo Popularity AwardJenniePending
Golden Disc Awards2025Best Digital Song (Bonsang)“Spot!” (with Zico)Nominated
Hanteo Music Awards2025Artist of the Year Main PrizeJenniePending
Hanteo Music Awards2025Global Artist AwardJenniePending
Korea First Brand Awards2025Best Female Solo SingerJennieNominated
Asia Artist Awards2024Popularity Award – Singer (Female)JennieNominated
Asian Pop Music Awards2024Best Music Video (Overseas)“Mantra”Won
Asian Pop Music Awards2024Top 20 Songs of the Year (Overseas)“Mantra”Won
Asian Pop Music Awards2024People’s Choice Award (Overseas)“Mantra”1st place
Asian Pop Music Awards2024Best Collaboration (Overseas)“Spot!” (with Zico)Nominated
Asian Pop Music Awards2024Best Dance Performance (Overseas)“Mantra”Nominated
Asian Pop Music Awards2024Best Female Artist (Overseas)JennieNominated
Asian Pop Music Awards2024Record of the Year (Overseas)“Mantra”Nominated
Asian Pop Music Awards2024Song of the Year (Overseas)“Mantra”Nominated
Circle Chart Music Awards2024Mubeat Global Choice Award – FemaleJennieNominated
The Fact Music Awards2024Best Music: Winter“You & Me”Nominated
K-World Dream Awards2024Best Song Award“Spot!” (with Zico)Won
Korea Grand Music Awards2024Best 10 Songs“You & Me”Nominated
Korea Grand Music Awards2024Best Hip Hop Song“Spot!” (with Zico)Nominated
Korea Grand Music Awards2024Trend of the Year – K-pop SoloJennieNominated
MAMA Awards2024Best Collaboration“Spot!” (with Zico)Won
MAMA Awards2024Best Dance Performance Female Solo“You & Me”Won
MAMA Awards2024Best Rap & Hip Hop Performance“Spot!” (with Zico)Won
MAMA Awards2024Fans’ Choice Female Top 10JennieWon
MAMA Awards2024Artist of the YearJennieNominated
MAMA Awards2024Best Female ArtistJennieNominated
MAMA Awards2024Fans’ Choice of the YearJennieNominated
MAMA Awards2024Song of the Year“Spot!” (with Zico)Nominated
MAMA Awards2024Song of the Year“You & Me”Nominated
Melon Music Awards2024Millions Top 10“Spot!” (with Zico)Nominated
Asia Artist Awards2023Popularity Award – Singer (Female)JennieNominated
Brand of the Year Awards2022Advertising Model of the Year (Female)JennieWon
The Fact Music Awards2021Fan N Star Choice ArtistJennieLonglisted
The Fact Music Awards2021Fan N Star Choice IndividualJennieLonglisted
Weibo Starlight Awards2021Starlight Hall of Fame (Korea)JennieWon
Golden Disc Awards2020Best Digital Song (Bonsang)“Solo”Won
Golden Disc Awards2020Song of the Year (Daesang)“Solo”Nominated
Circle Chart Music Awards2019Artist of the Year – Digital Music (November)“Solo”Won
Genie Music Awards2019The Female SoloJennieNominated
MAMA Awards2019Artist of the YearJennieNominated
MAMA Awards2019Best Dance Performance Solo“Solo”Nominated
MAMA Awards2019Best Female ArtistJennieNominated
MAMA Awards2019Song of the Year“Solo”Nominated
Philippine K-pop Awards2018Best Female Solo ArtistJennieWon
SBS Entertainment Awards2018Rookie Award (Female)Running Man, Village Survival, the EightNominated
SBS Entertainment Awards2018Scene Stealer AwardRunning Man, Village Survival, the EightNominated

State honors

CountryYearHonor
United Kingdom2023Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE)

Listicles

PublisherYearListiclePlacement
Rolling Stone Korea20252024 Star of the Year: DomesticPlaced

Photo Gallery

[Also See: Jennie (Blackpink) Photos, Images, Pictures, Photo Gallery, Wallpaper HD Download]

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