Jennie from BLACKPINK Reflects on Self-Love While Missing Her Group

On January 9, Billboard introduced its latest magazine cover featuring BLACKPINK’s Jennie. This issue includes an exclusive interview where Jennie reveals her insights into crafting her eagerly awaited debut solo album.

Since joining YG Entertainment at the young age of 14 and becoming a member of BLACKPINK at 20, Jennie’s career trajectory has been skillfully guided. Throughout her tenure, she has achieved remarkable milestones, such as the iconic Coachella performances in both 2019 and 2023. However, the demands of a busy schedule have often limited her opportunities for personal artistic exploration. After BLACKPINK renewed their contract with YG in 2023, Jennie took a significant step by launching her own label, OddAtelier, which allowed her the creative freedom to work on her debut solo project.

Exploring New Horizons in Her Solo Album

In her upcoming album, Jennie aims to combine various musical genres and personas, striving to showcase her authentic self as Jennie Ruby-Jane. She has ensured that every track resonates with her vision, emphasizing that no song was included against her will.

To broaden her artistic perspective, Jennie chose to record the majority of her album in Los Angeles, pushing herself beyond her familiar confines in Seoul. She noted that this change provided her with a sense of ‘freedom’ that she had not experienced in her home city, where being able to explore local dining options added to her joy. The most significant change for her was the people she encountered. “I learn a lot from the diverse individuals in L.A. It’s a great space for musicians to connect and find inspiration,”she remarked.

Jennie reflected on her decision to embrace new experiences, stating, “I wanted to immerse myself in something different. In Seoul, I became too comfortable in a bubble I created long ago, and it began to stifle my creativity. I kept telling myself, ‘If this is your career and life, you must explore and learn.’”

A Personal Odyssey Towards Self-Acceptance

According to Jennie, the process of creating her solo album has been an inward journey, where she grappled with self-negotiation. “It’s truly a battle between me, myself, and I,” she confessed, highlighting the introspection needed for her artistic growth.

She elaborated, “The more I uncover about myself, the harder I strive to embrace self-love. There have been periods when I felt lost, unsure of my identity and purpose. Reflecting on those times, I feel a sense of pride in how far I’ve come. I am now wholeheartedly committed to myself.”

Reflecting on her journey, Jennie acknowledged feeling swamped by expectations attached to various musical labels, such as “K-pop” and “pop music.” She expressed a wish to have appreciated the moments of uncertainty, stating, “Looking back, I want to tell myself to savor those times of feeling lost, as there will come a moment when you won’t have the luxury to reflect on it.”

The Unbreakable Bond of BLACKPINK and Future Aspirations

Jennie emphasized the strength of BLACKPINK’s connections, symbolizing their group chat with a family emoji. Despite their busy lives, they continuously make an effort to check in with one another. “Even though we can’t see each other often, it feels no different from previous years because we always support one another. They are just a phone call away. What’s wonderful is the respect we have for each other’s space,” she remarked. “We celebrate each other’s joys together.”

Jennie expressed her longing for the camaraderie experienced during tours, confessing, “I’ve missed the girls and the joy of touring together. I miss our silly moments.” Excited about the prospects for each member, Jennie believes that their diverse experiences during their time apart will lead to an incredibly powerful reunion that fans have never witnessed before.

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