BLACKPINK’s Jennie and Lisa: Chart-Topping Success for Jennie’s “Mantra” vs. Controversies Surrounding Lisa’s “Rockstar”

Jennie’s latest single “Mantra”has made waves, clinching the number one position on various music charts, while her BLACKPINK bandmate Lisa finds herself mired in controversies related to her solo release “Rockstar”.

Making a return to solo endeavors roughly a year following her standout track “You & Me”released last October, Jennie’s new venture comes after her transition from YG Entertainment to establishing her own label, OA Entertainment. This move has fueled excitement and a bit of apprehension surrounding her latest endeavor.

Despite the mixed reactions, Jennie showcased her remarkable talent with this comeback, solidifying her identity as a “radiant solo artist.””Mantra”entered Spotify’s “Daily Top Songs Global” chart at No.5, exceeding her previous peak of No.13 achieved with “You & Me.”

The accomplishment of “Mantra”emphasizes Jennie’s commitment to her solo career, delivering a compelling message centered on self-acceptance and empowerment. With all English lyrics, “Mantra”allows Jennie to move away from her earlier innocent image and embrace a more assertive and self-assured persona.

Post-release, “Mantra”dominated the real-time charts on Bugs in South Korea and topped iTunes’ “Top Songs” list in an impressive 57 countries, including the United States, Brazil, Singapore, the Philippines, and Mexico. Importantly, Jennie made history as the first K-pop female solo artist to reach No.1 on the U.S. iTunes “Top Songs” chart this year. Additionally, the music video for “Mantra”soared to No.1 on YouTube’s trending list in both Korea and the U.S. post-launch and achieved the top spot on the global trending chart, garnering extensive attention both locally and internationally. These indicators signify Jennie’s successful engagement with audiences in both domestic and global markets.

On the flip side, Lisa’s solo single “Rockstar,”released on June 28, has been overshadowed by a series of controversies. Allegations of music video plagiarism alongside accusations of lip-syncing during performances—including her appearance at the Global Citizen Festival in New York—have sparked considerable backlash. Fans, who once celebrated her as a stellar live performer, have expressed their disappointment over these incidents.

Holding Thai nationality, Lisa has been instrumental in BLACKPINK’s global rise. While she initially attracted immense attention during her solo debut, her artistic achievements have not lived up to expectations, exacerbated by rumors regarding her personal life, such as her supposed relationship with Frédéric Arnault, the heir of LVMH chairman Bernard Arnault.

Pop culture analyst Ha Jae-geun noted, “Lisa undeniably possesses remarkable star power, yet her musical output has not resonated with the public as anticipated. Coupled with ongoing controversies, her overall impact appears diminished. In contrast, Jennie has garnered favorable critiques for ‘Mantra’, and her ability to further broaden her appeal will be pivotal moving forward.”

Source: Naver

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