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Jennie Makes History: First Soloist to Hit 2B Streams on Spotify

BLACKPINK’s Jennie continues to solidify her status as a major force in South Korea with her latest milestone on Spotify, a global music powerhouse.

Jennie has garnered widespread acclaim for surpassing 2 billion streams on Spotify, marking her as the First Female K-pop Soloist to achieve this milestone without the release of a solo album.

Jennie Kim, known simply as Jennie, is a multifaceted South Korean artist renowned for her roles as a singer, rapper, and actress. Born on January 16, 1996, in Seoul, South Korea, she gained fame as a pivotal member of the internationally acclaimed girl group Blackpink, formed under YG Entertainment.

Jennie, raised as an only child, spent five formative years studying in New Zealand before returning to South Korea in 2010. Her debut with Blackpink in August 2016 marked the beginning of her journey alongside fellow members Kim Jisoo, Roseanne Park (Rosé), and Lalisa Manoban (Lisa).

Renowned for her commanding vocals, impressive rap prowess, and charismatic stage presence, Jennie has significantly influenced Blackpink’s distinctive fashion identity. Often referred to as “Human Gucci” and “Human Chanel,” she has become a prominent style icon.

In addition to her contributions with Blackpink, Jennie has achieved solo success with hit singles such as “Solo” and “One of the Girls,” showcasing her versatility and artistry beyond group performances. Her solo endeavors have further solidified her standing as a prominent figure in the global music and fashion industries.

This achievement distinguishes Jennie as the first female K-pop soloist to reach this milestone without having released a solo album. Fans eagerly await further developments and future releases from this talented artist.

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Zico And BLACKPINK Jennie’s Single “SPOT!” Tops Several Global Charts

Block B’s Zico and BLACKPINK’s Jennie have set the music world ablaze with their scintillating collaboration, “SPOT!” The long-awaited digital single, released on April 26 at 6 p.m. KST, has quickly ascended to the summit of global charts, sparking excitement and acclaim among fans and critics alike.

Zico and Jennie’s ‘SPOT!’ Dominates Global Charts

Within mere hours of its release, “SPOT!” surged to the coveted No. 1 position on Melon’s Top 100 chart, solidifying its status as a chart-topping sensation. Its meteoric rise continued as it conquered Bugs’ and Genie’s realtime charts, demonstrating the undeniable allure and popularity of Zico and Jennie’s electrifying partnership.

The global impact of “SPOT!” is unmistakable, evidenced by its domination of iTunes Top Songs charts in over 31 regions across the globe. From Taiwan to Thailand, Chile to Indonesia, Zico and Jennie’s dynamic collaboration has resonated with audiences far and wide, transcending borders and languages to captivate listeners with its infectious beats and mesmerizing vocals.

The success of “SPOT!” is a testament to the immense talent and star power of both Zico and Jennie, whose distinctive styles and magnetic charisma converge seamlessly in this electrifying track. Zico’s unparalleled artistry as a rapper and producer, coupled with Jennie’s captivating allure and powerhouse vocals, form the perfect synergy, creating a musical masterpiece that dazzles and delights at every turn.

Zico’s latest single, “SPOT! (feat. Jennie),” has not only conquered music charts in South Korea and around the globe but has also made an impressive impact on China’s music scene. On April 27, at 7 PM local time, the track surged to the top of three real-time charts on QQ Music, China’s largest music streaming platform.

The success of “SPOT!” on QQ Music further solidifies Zico and Jennie’s status as global music icons, transcending borders and cultures to captivate audiences worldwide. As the single continues to garner acclaim and dominate charts across the globe, its impact on the international music scene is undeniable, cementing Zico and Jennie’s position as trailblazers in the ever-evolving landscape of K-pop.

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BLACKPINK’s Jennie Opens Up About New Label Odd Atelier

Jennie of BLACKPINK recently guested on The Seasons: Red Carpet With Lee Hyori, hosted by Lee Hyori, marking her first appearance since announcing her own agency, ODD ATELIER. The television debut of “You & Me” on the show showcased Jennie’s versatility and vocal prowess. She earned widespread praise for it. Later in the show, she also performed a cover of Lee Hyori‘s “Miss Korea,” leading to an impromptu duet with the show’s host.

JENNIE – YOU & ME Performance

During her appearance on the show, Jennie opened up about going solo. She emphasized her desire for more freedom and comfort in her individual activities while continuing group activities with YG Entertainment.

She expressed, “I’m embarking on this journey with the crew who have been with me for a long time, seeking to freely engage in all my activities. Even if the path I take is strange, or different from others, I made the name with the intention of doing well. At YG, where I started as a trainee, I learned so much, which inspired me to ask myself, ‘Can you do something on your own?’ I thought, ‘Let’s take courage and face it.’”

JENNIE & Lee Hyo Ri – Miss Korea (Lee Hyo Ri)

What will Jennie bring to the music industry?

She then revealed that she’s working on new material. She said, “My dream is to release my first solo album this year. I hope to be Jennie who can come to you with good music within this year.”

The conversation then shifted towards future possibilities when Lee Hyori asked if Jennie had thought about producing other artists. Jennie, showing her business acumen, replied, “I’ve never dreamed of that, but after starting a company, imagining it was fun. However, I want to take good care of the artist Jennie first and if there are good opportunities in the future, that would be great.”

Lee Hyori joked, “My contract with Antenna ends in February, so please take care of me.” That elicited laughter from Jennie, who responded with, “Please call me.”

As the newly-minted CEO embarks on this new venture with ODD ATELIER, fans eagerly anticipate what she’ll bring to the music industry. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Jennie told Lee Hyori how she really feels about this new chapter in her career. Sources: X/@BLACKPINKBRASIL and X/@BPontheNetwork.

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BLACKPINK Fans Celebrate Jennie’s Busy New Year Schedule

BLACKPINK’s Jennie has been dominating headlines with her busy New Year schedule. As the curtain fell on 2023, it was disclosed that while BLACKPINK collectively renewed their contracts with YG Entertainment, Jennie opted for a solo path under her newly founded agency ODDATELIER. Interestingly, the “You & Me” singer has been booked and busy right at the start of the year.

Jennie’s Busy New Year Schedule Has BLINKs Celebrating

Kicking off 2024 with a bang, Jennie’s schedule has been nothing short of hectic, drawing admiration from netizens. In the initial days of the year, stunning visuals of Jennie endorsing Hera and Coco Chanel surfaced, showcasing her versatility and style. The photos further fueled excitement among fans for what lay ahead in her solo career.

The buzz surrounding Jennie escalated with the release of the trailer for her upcoming show “Apartment 404” on January 2nd. Netizens eagerly anticipated witnessing Jennie in a variety show, a departure from her routine in recent times. The trailer hinted at her charismatic presence and ability to captivate audiences, leaving fans eager for the show’s premiere.

Adding to the anticipation, it was also revealed on the same day that Jennie would be the first guest on Lee Hyori’s new show “Red Carpet”. The news triggered a flurry of excitement online, especially as it marked Jennie’s maiden appearance on a KBS show, excluding music-related programs. Fans and netizens alike couldn’t contain their enthusiasm to see the idol shine in a new environment.

The announcement of Jennie’s involvement in Lee Hyori’s “Red Carpet” triggered a wave of discussions online, with some suggesting that YG Entertainment may have been hindering her potential. Amidst her various engagements, the internet was also flooded with comments lauding Jennie’s newfound freedom and the dynamic approach she has taken with her solo career.

Despite the recent unveiling of ODDATELIER, speculation arose that Jennie might have been involved in solo activities under her agency for an extended period. Fans commended her for the proactive approach to promotions, praising her for breaking free from the perceived constraints of her previous management. As the year unfolds, all eyes also remain on Jennie, eager to witness the next chapter in her flourishing solo career.

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YG Entertainment Addresses BLACKPINK Members’ Individual Activities

YG Entertainment has officially confirmed that the BLACKPINK members will exclusively sign with the company for group activities and promotions, not individual endeavors.

YGE Finally Addresses BLACKPINK Members’ Individual Activities Status

The announcement clarifies the contractual arrangements for BLACKPINK members under YG Entertainment. While all four members renewed their contracts for group activities earlier in the year, the recent statement emphasizes that their affiliation with the company is specifically for collective promotions.

“We have recently signed a contract extension for BLACKPINK’s group activities,” the company’s statement read. “We have also come to the agreement that we will not proceed with a separate contract for their individual activities.”

The decision to sign only for group promotions reflects a strategic move by YG Entertainment to maintain a collaborative framework for BLACKPINK while accommodating individual aspirations within the group. This approach allows the members to pursue diverse projects while continuing to contribute to BLACKPINK’s collective success.

Jennie, a member of BLACKPINK, has already taken a significant step towards individual pursuits by establishing her personal label ODDATELIER. This move suggests a desire for greater creative control and autonomy in her artistic journey. The confirmation of BLACKPINK members signing exclusively for group activities aligns with industry trends where artists, particularly those from successful groups, seek to explore personal ventures and creative projects beyond the confines of group commitments.

The confirmation comes at a time when several K-pop artists are exploring individual ventures, establishing personal labels, and engaging in diverse creative pursuits beyond group activities. As artists seek greater agency and creative freedom, management companies adapt their contractual structures to align with evolving industry dynamics.

For BLACKPINK, this development suggests a balance between group unity and individual artistic expression, offering fans the prospect of diverse and engaging content both collectively and individually. As the members navigate their careers, the industry will keenly observe how this dynamic approach contributes to the continued success and evolution of BLACKPINK as a group and as individual artists.

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BLACKPINK’s Jennie Trademarks ‘Jennie Ruby Jane’ Amidst YG Contract Negotiations

The world is currently keeping their eye on BLACKPINK as the idol group faces a possible contract renewal with YG Entertainment. But as people wait, Jennie appears to be making a smart move about her name. The BLACKPINK member has reportedly filed a trademark for the name ‘Jennie Ruby Jane’ with the Korea Intellectual Property Rights.

BLACKPINK’s Future With YG Entertainment

After concluding their record-breaking BORN PINK world tour in September, which spanned nearly 11 months and covered over 30 cities worldwide, BLACKPINK has entered a period of individual pursuits. Despite members engaging in fashion photoshoots, event appearances, and revealing future plans, the status of their contracts with YG Entertainment, which were rumored to end in August, remains uncertain.

As fans eagerly await official confirmation about the members’ future with the company, YG Entertainment recently confirmed that contract negotiations are still ongoing. The update has only intensified curiosity surrounding BLACKPINK’s upcoming activities.

Jennie Trademarks ‘Jennie Ruby Jane’

Adding to the intrigue, it was revealed that Jennie filed a trademark for “Jennie Ruby Jane” with the Korea Intellectual Property Rights in January of the current year. The trademark spans across ten different categories, suggesting a comprehensive effort to protect her name and brand. Filing for a trademark provides several benefits, including exclusive rights to the name and the preservation of her brand identity.

While fans scrutinize the members’ activities for clues about the outcome of contract negotiations, netizens have commended Jennie for her foresight in proactively safeguarding her name and brand, regardless of the specific reasons behind the move. The trademark filing reflects Jennie’s strategic approach to ensure the protection of her personal brand across various business activities.

YG Entertainment has yet to share an official update on the contract renewal with the members of BLACKPINK. Stay tuned for more updates on this story.

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BLACKPINK’s JENNIE Surpasses 18M Monthly Listeners on Spotify

JENNIE is proving that she is truly one of the most popular female artists of all time. The BLACKPINK member just hit a career milestone as she surpassed 18 million monthly listeners on Spotify. It’s a feat that overtakes fellow BLACKPINK members’ solo efforts!

JENNIE Becomes First Korean Female Solo Artist With 18M Spotify Monthly Listeners

BLACKPINK’s JENNIE continues to demonstrate her strong performance across various music platforms globally. With monthly listeners surpassing her fellow solo artists, including BTS members RM Jin, J-Hope, Suga, V, and Jimin, JENNIE has now achieved an impressive milestone with 18.4 million monthly listeners. It’s a feat that fellow BLACKPINK members Rosé and Jisoo are close to achieving as well.

The accomplishment solidifies her position as the leading Korean female soloist on the streaming platform. Notably, she ranks second among female soloists within BLACKPINK and third overall as a solo artist. Her remarkable popularity underscores her global appeal and influential presence in the music industry.

Furthermore, JENNIE’s collaboration on ‘One Of The Girls’ with The Weeknd and Lily-Rose Depp, released earlier this year, recently achieved a significant milestone. The song recorded its highest streaming day on Spotify, accumulating 1,711,890 filtered streams, which propelled it to rejoin the Top Songs Global list on the platform. This resurgence is particularly remarkable given the elapsed time since its initial release and the absence of targeted promotion for ‘The Idol’ series audience.

‘One of The Girls’ Becomes Huge Hit Despite Dismal ‘The Idol’ Fan Reactions

‘One Of The Girls’ has already achieved various milestones, including debuting on Billboard’s Hot Trending Songs chart and securing JENNIE the title of the First Korean Female Soloist on the Billboard R&B Digital Song Sales chart. It also set records as the fastest song by a female K-Pop solo artist to reach 100 million Spotify streams, surpassing hits like ‘People Pt.2’ by IU featuring Suga and ‘SG’ by Lisa alongside DJ Snake, Ozuna, and Megan Thee Stallion. While her more recent solo success ‘You & Me’ may have taken the spotlight, ‘One Of The Girls’ continues to maintain a robust presence on the charts.

JENNIE’s continued success in both her solo career and collaborations underscores her significance in the global music industry and solidifies her reputation as a multifaceted and influential artist.

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BLACKPINK’s Jennie Has A Special Message For BLINKs On MelOn

Jennie has a special message for her fans. The BLACKPINK member has released a new single and as an additional gift, she wrote a playful note for BLINKs on MelOn.

BLACKPINK’s Jennie Drops Sweet Message on MelOn

To celebrate the release of her single “You & Me,” Jennie shared a personal and playful message with her fans on the Korean streaming platform MelOn. The platform had previously introduced an “Artist Note” feature where musicians can leave messages. Idols usually use it to promote their new releases and for the BLACKPINK member’s latest single, it was something perfectly Jennie.

In her special message for the release of “You & Me”, Jennie kept it short but incredibly cute. She wrote, “I picked this up on the way. Here! It’s a gift.”

The phrase “I picked this up on the way” is known for its cheeky connotation in Korean culture. It signifies playfulness and suggests that someone has put in effort to prepare something for another person but is too shy or humble to make a big deal out of it. Instead of straightforwardly saying, “I got this for you,” Koreans humorously claim that they “found it on the floor, so take it or whatever.”

In addition to that, the expression “Here you go!” adds an extra layer of good-natured silliness. Although it can be used sarcastically, it also allows for liberal use and is akin to the English or French equivalent of “voilà.” In her “Artist Note”, Jennie whimsically pretends to “throw” the song at her fans, as if it’s a small favor. However, given the context, cultural nuances, and Jennie’s playful tone, Korean fans understand that she is keeping things light, fun, and endearing.

It’s a delightful way for Jennie to connect with her audience and share her appreciation for their support. Not surprisingly, BLINKs are loving the short but sweet message and are truly grateful for the new song.

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BLACKPINK’s Jennie, ‘Moving’ Actor Lee Jung Ha to Participate in ‘Apartment 404’

A new team-up of celebrities is gearing up to delight fans in a new variety show. TVN announced on Thursday October 5, that Jennie of girl group BLACKPINK and actor Lee Jung Ha from the drama Moving will appear in Apartment 404, alongside “Nation’s MC” Yoo Jae Suk and veteran actor Cha Tae Hyun.

According to the network, Apartment 404 will be a reality variety program that will take place in an apartment complex. The real-action show is created by PD Jeong Cheol Min, known for his popular programs Running Man, and Village Survival, the Eight, and Sixth Sense.

Interestingly, Apartment 404 will be a reunion program of Jennie and Yoo Jae Suk. In 2018, the two celebrities previously worked together in the first season of Village Survival, the Eight. Now that five years have passed, fans are thrilled to see the two stars interact again.

On the other hand, Apartment 404 will be Lee Jung Ha’s first variety show in his career. The breakthrough actor previously gained recognition for his portrayal of Kim Bong Seok in the hit superhero drama Movin. With the success of the series, the creators are now in talks for a second season. There, Jung ha starred alongside Cha Tae Hyun, who will also take part in the upcoming variety show. 

Along with the confirmation of Jennie and Jung Ha’s appearance, TVN also announced that the production team is currently in the process of recruiting guests. Though broadcast details are yet to be finalized, Apartment 404 is expected to premiere in the first half of 2024.

Jennie and Jung Ha’s current activities

While there are no official confirmations yet regarding Jennie’s contract, YG Entertainment has revealed that the singer will be making a solo comeback.

On October 6, Jennie returned with the official release of her track You & Me.” Said song was performed by the K-Pop idol during BLACKPINK’s Born Pink World Tour.

Actor Jung Ha, meanwhile, is set to star in the new drama One: High School Heroes. As per his agency, Namoo Actors, the filming for the show has already been completed and is now in its post-production process.

Apart from that, Jung Ha has been selected as the new MC of MBC’s Show! Music Core. He will be with The Boyz’s Younghoon and NMIXX’s Sullyoon in the program.

Even before the confirmation of their appearances in Apartment 404, Jennie and Jung Ha have already given a brief sneak peak of their friendship. The two previously posed in a photo together when the actor attended BLACKPINK’s Born Pink Finale in Seoul, giving a hint of their upcoming project.

Featured image: Lee Jung Ha shows support for Jennie during BLACKPINK’s Born Pink concert. Credit: Instagram Story/Jung Ha

 

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BLACKPINK’s Jennie to Release ‘You & Me’ on October 6

It’s finally happening, BLINKs! Jennie of K-pop girl group BLACKPINK is officially releasing her digital single “You & Meon Friday, October 6. 

YG Entertainment made the announcement on Wednesday, October 4, by sharing a teaser for the special single. In the photo, Jennie is seen sporting a red dress while posing against a moon backdrop. 

For those unfamiliar, Jennie first performed “You & Me” in October 2022 during BLACKPINK’s Born Pink world concert tour. Since then, she’s been performing it as her solo stage for all the other concert stops. Interestingly, the teaser gave off similar vibes from her performance on the Born Pink stage. 

Aside from their concert, Jennie has also performed a remix version of “You & Me” during BLACKPINK’s performance in Coachella. 

In a press release, YG Entertainment revealed that they decided to officially release the single as a way to show their gratitude to fans who supported the group’s historic Born Pink concert. 

“We hope it will serve as a special memento, rekindling the emotion of that time,” they added. 

Prior to the official announcement, eagle-eyed fans have noticed that the remix version of the track has been registered in ASCAP or the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers. 

Jennie’s career as a solo artist

Since the announcement, fans took to social media to express their excitement in finally having “You & Me” as an official release. 

It will serve as Jennie’s first official solo release since she made her solo debut in 2018 with Solo. 

Outside of her activities as BLACKPINK, Jennie also collaborated with The Weeknd and Lily Rose-Depp for a soundtrack for the HBO series THE IDOL. Titled One of the Girls,” the track was released in June.

Notably, said track entered Billboard’s R&B Digital Song Sales chart at No. 11 for the week of July 6 to 12. Which led to Jennie being the first South Korean female soloist to hit one of Billboard’s music charts. 

Moreover, fans are considering this as a sign for more solo releases from Jennie. In September, the BLACKPINK member said in an interview that she’s working on a new, “unique” solo album. 

What’s next for Jennie? 

Another reason why fans are looking forward to Jennie’s release of “You & Me” is because it’s the latest project between YG Entertainment and a BLACKPINK member amidst discussions about contract renewal. 

Since the group’s seven-year contract with the agency ended in August, fans and media have been anticipating whether all BLACKPINK members will renew with the agency. Recently, there’s been reports that only Rosé will renew, while the rest of the members will continue their career elsewhere.

Moreover, other reports claimed that Jennie is planning to establish her own agency. However, YG Entertainment reiterated that no final decision has been made yet. 

Currently, Jennie also appears to be focusing on other ventures as she attends several fashion events. As proof of her global influence, she also was recently included in the Top 50 Most Influential Women list of 2023.

Featured image: YG Entertainment shares teaser for Jennie’s ‘You and Me’ single. Credit: Twitter/BLACKPINK

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