BLACKPINK’s Jennie Faces Backlash Over ‘Mantra’ Usage as BLINKs Come to Her Defense

Ahead of her highly anticipated comeback, BLACKPINK’s Jennie encountered cultural appropriation backlash after some netizens criticized her for using the word “Mantra”as the title of her upcoming single.

After a year since the release of “You & Me,”Jennie is poised to drop her new solo track “Mantra”on October 11th.

Prior to its official launch, the global sensation has been generating buzz with concept and video previews, including brief snippets and lyrics.

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While these teasers have heightened anticipation among BLINKs and Jensetters, some Indian netizens—who are reportedly ARMYs (BTS fans)—took to X to criticize Jennie for her choice of title.

In Hinduism and Buddhism, “mantra”is a Sanskrit term denoting a sacred message often used in meditation practices. Observing the lyrics, some netizens expressing their views felt that it was disrespectful to use this sacred word in the context of a party-themed song by Jennie.

The word “mantra”has literally nothing to do with the lyrics she wrote and it is disrespectful…. It’s a Sanskrit word which is related to Hindus…. You’ve disrespected our lord Ganesha before and now this? ? Who do you think you actually are? ??? https://t.co/VpTkRhqkPI pic.twitter.com/ZL5LZLAGy0

— Kimjiinu71♡ (@Kimjiinu7) October 1,

This is the same group that disrespected Lord Ganesha, they still haven’t apologized, now they named their Song “Mantra”,stop exploiting our culture for your stupid music videos. https://t.co/AqpSIdcJ89 pic.twitter.com/atZBqvlc0Z

— Desi king (@DesiKing_) October 1, 2024

Corny as$ lyrics while using the word mantra, and nope it’s not an English word that you can use any way you want. It’s a sankrit word, one of the oldest languages in the world. Use it with respect https://t.co/72ueJhB05i pic.twitter.com/jzcWLqzFCE

— Saki⁷ (@yoonsb1tch) October 1, 2024

When Jennie faced this backlash, her supporters rallied to defend her.

Fans pointed out that the term “mantra”also has a meaning in English, referring to a repeated charm, word, or phrase for personal affirmation and motivation. Indian BLINKs defended the song, stating they do not find it offensive.

For all those who are barking. I’m an Indian myself, and I don’t find Jennie’s lyrics “offensive” , Mantra has different meaning. And if you read the lyrics it’s PRETTY OBVIOUS Jennie is not referring to Hindu culture here. https://t.co/XW6uIcMooJ pic.twitter.com/R8hAcNvZ7A

— Noni⊹₊⟡⋆ (@niniluvie) October 2, 2024

Yeah Oxford borrowed the word and added a different meaning. Mantra is a widely recognised term in english now. Mantra means a quote, a word or a phrase that is repeated again and again mentally or verbally. Jennie is using mantra as an affirmation. For example 👇🏻 https://t.co/7T6CQLPVMW pic.twitter.com/gbt3ojhbOs

— ١٥٧٤♡ (@jnkcullt) October 2, 2024

MANTRA teaser photo with a snake on her head reminds me of MEDUSA myth, used as feminist icon as “powerful women, threat to patriarchy society” JENNIE said that her album and song “celebrate girl power and inspire every woman” MANTRA IS COMING #JENNIEisComing #JENNIE_Mantra pic.twitter.com/b5f2HN7R2l

— by ᴼᴬ (@pooIpul) October 3, 2024

jennie was being accused of CA for using mantra as the title of her song by desi armys and then decided to put up a whole ass billboard of her song in the capital of India 😭 pic.twitter.com/Gbp632M6k7

— ִ (@rubyologist) October 3, 2024

Interestingly, billboards advertising Jennie’s “Mantra”have also appeared in India, further indicating that the situation may not be as controversial as it seems.

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