On January 9, Billboard unveiled its latest magazine cover featuring BLACKPINK’s Jennie, accompanied by an exclusive interview in which she shared insights into the creation of her highly anticipated debut solo album.
Jennie’s career has been meticulously managed since she joined YG Entertainment at 14 and became a member of BLACKPINK at 20, reaching historic milestones such as BLACKPINK’s performances at Coachella in 2019 and 2023. However, her busy schedule left little time for solo creativity. After BLACKPINK re-signed with YG in 2023, Jennie launched her own label OddAtelier and began working on her debut solo album.
Stepping out of his comfort zone for his solo album
For her debut album, Jennie blends different genres and characters, aiming to fully express herself as Jennie Ruby-Jane. He wanted each song to reflect his vision, making sure no track was forced onto the album.
Jennie intentionally recorded the majority of her album in Los Angeles, trying to get out of her comfort zone in Seoul. She shared that she felt like she had “more freedom” in Los Angeles than in Seoul, where she liked the ability to go out and eat whenever and wherever she wanted. The biggest difference, she said, was the people around her. “I learn a lot from the people in Los Angeles. It’s a great environment, especially for those in the music industry, to meet people who can inspire you,” he explained.
He added, “I just wanted to throw myself out there and experience it. In Seoul, I was so comforted in an easy environment that I had created a long time ago, and I didn’t like it. I thought, “No, if this is your career and if this is your life, explore and learn.” I kept telling myself that.”
Journey to self-love
Jennie said working on her solo album was a personal challenge, where the only person she negotiated with was herself. “It’s a fight between me, myself and I” she admitted, explaining that it forced her to think deeply.
He continued, “The more I know myself, the more I try to love myself. There was a time in my life when I didn’t do it: I had no idea how to do it. I didn’t know who I was. I didn’t know what I lived for. The moment I felt in the dark. I’m very proud of the fact that I’ve moved on from that phase and that I’m so committed to myself.”
Jennie recalled a time when she felt overwhelmed by the pressure of chasing various labels such as “K-pop” and “pop music.” Looking back, he wishes he could have embraced those moments of confusion and struggle, “Now that I look back, I just want to say to myself, ‘Maybe enjoy it a little bit, feeling lost in the struggle, because there will be a time when you won’t even have time to think about being lost.’”
BLACKPINK’s strong bond and future plans
Jennie shared that BLACKPINK’s group chat featured a family emoji, symbolizing their strong bond. He said that despite their hectic schedules, they made an effort to stay in touch and check in with each other, “Even though we know we can’t see each other as often, it doesn’t feel any different than any other year because we know we’re here for each other. I’m literally a phone call away. And at this point we respect each other’s space very much. So if there’s something to be happy about, to celebrate, we’re all for it.”
Jennie added that she missed touring with the group and enjoyed the fun times they shared, “I missed the girls. I missed touring with them. I miss our silly moments. He was excited to see what each member had to offer, as they had all taken different paths during their time apart. He couldn’t wait to reunite and believed this would be the most powerful version of themselves fans had ever seen.
