On the May 7 episode of tvN’s “You Quiz on the Block,” BLACKPINK’s Jennie offered one of her most heartfelt interviews yet, revealing her deep pride in her Korean identity, her emotional journey as a K-pop idol, and the personal growth she’s experienced since debuting.
One line stood out from her appearance: “To me, Seoul is my paradise city.”
A Journey Rooted in Korea
Jennie, who spent her school years in New Zealand, recalled returning to Korea and joining YG Entertainment as a trainee just a month later. “I had a firm belief that I would make it no matter what,” she said. Although her six-year training period felt long, she never resented it. Still, she admitted to feeling restricted as a teenager: “It was upsetting not having freedom. I’d get scolded just for going out. Once, I went to Hongdae for coffee and was told to come back right away.”
Despite debuting at 21 with confidence, Jennie said the early years were uneventful: “We didn’t do a lot early on, so we mostly stayed in our dorms. It was kind of boring because we were supposed to be mysterious.” When BLACKPINK began their global ascent with a world tour three years post-debut, Jennie was overwhelmed by the sudden spike in pressure.
“I released my first solo song, and my schedule doubled. I had no time to care for myself. I lost a lot of weight and injured my ankles. I started blaming myself, feeling like I wasn’t doing my job well,” she confessed. “I became very negative, and one day I just ran out of energy completely.”
The COVID-19 lockdowns gave Jennie her first real chance to rest. “Without traveling abroad, the pressure lifted. I became a hobby queen—every day of the week I tried something new,” she shared. Host Yoo Jae-suk empathized: “I think Jennie just wants to enjoy life. Who wouldn’t, in their early 20s?”
Jennie the CEO: A New Chapter
Now the head of her own agency with 15 employees, Jennie is learning to lead. “There are moments when I have to be cold, and I really hate that. It makes me feel like I haven’t matured enough,” she said. But her team remains close-knit, often going out for Korean meals after international trips.
Her debut solo album since going independent featured 15 tracks and 7 music videos—all carefully conceptualized by Jennie herself. “I already had the visuals in mind while writing the songs,” she noted.
Jennie made it a priority to showcase her heritage in her work. For the music video of “Zen,” she collaborated with stylist Park Min-hee to incorporate Korean history and traditional artistry. “We studied Korean history and drew from symbols like the phoenix, Silla gold crowns, and mother-of-pearl inlays,” Park explained.
When asked about her song “Seoul City,” Jennie’s pride was unmistakable. “I can’t forget how I felt when I wrote it. To me, Seoul is my paradise city. It wasn’t just about showing off Seoul—I wanted to express why I love this city through the mise-en-scène,” she said.
Jennie’s evolution—from an anxious trainee to a global soloist proud of her roots—resonates deeply with fans. Through her music, visuals, and heartfelt interviews, she continues to prove that her identity as a Korean artist remains central to everything she creates.
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