For Jennie, life as a K-pop idol has always been about balancing the expectations of millions with her own desires. Now, as she steps into a new chapter of her career, she’s more focused than ever on what she truly wants.
“It’s been nonstop working, so when I have some time off, being the 28-year-old Jennie is the best thing I could ask for,” she tells me. Just days before our conversation, photos of her night out with Simi and Haze Khadra and fellow Blackpink member Rosé spread rapidly across fan accounts and Korean media. But when she’s not making headlines, she finds comfort in the little things—a quiet night in, a glass of wine, and a few episodes of Game of Thrones. “Right now, I’m really into Game of Thrones. When I get home at 11:00 p.m., I’ll wash up, get in bed, and watch two episodes. It’s the most relaxing thing for me.”
The Weight of Being an Idol
To understand Jennie, you first have to understand K-pop—a $10-billion-a-year industry that has become a crucial part of South Korea’s national identity. Supported by government initiatives, K-pop has taken the world by storm, with hallyu (or “the Korean wave”) making its mark internationally. If you remember the moment Psy’s “Gangnam Style” went viral or when BTS broke into the U.S. mainstream, you witnessed hallyu 2.0 in real time.
But being a K-pop idol is more than just fame and fortune—it’s a lifestyle, a discipline, and a cultural responsibility. The process of becoming an idol is grueling. Aspiring stars must audition for a coveted spot in a label’s training program, where they undergo years of rigorous training in singing, dancing, languages, etiquette, and image management. The pressure is immense, with strict rules governing everything from diet and exercise to personal relationships. Smoking and dating are often forbidden, not just as distractions but because they can disrupt the deep parasocial connection fans have with their idols.
For Jennie, the duality of her public and private life is something she’s acutely aware of. “Anyone who meets me will say I’m so far from what I represent as me onstage,” she admits. “It’s a part of me, a switch inside of me that I can just click.”
The Blackpink Phenomenon
Just days after our meeting, Blackpink—the global phenomenon Jennie has been a part of since 2016—announces a 2025 world tour in celebration of their eighth anniversary with YG Entertainment.
Under YG, Blackpink has achieved record-breaking sales, chart-topping hits, and viral music videos. They’ve been the focus of three documentaries, starred in their own reality TV show, and have become the face of luxury fashion houses. But for Jennie, one moment stands out above all: being the first K-pop group to headline Coachella in 2023.
As she looks ahead, Jennie isn’t just following a pre-planned trajectory—she’s carving out her own path. Whether through her music, fashion, or personal endeavors, one thing is clear: Jennie isn’t just an idol. She’s a force of her own making.
