Jennie, one of the most iconic members of BLACKPINK, is opening up about the realities of fame, her solo career, and dealing with controversy. The 28-year-old K-pop sensation graces the cover of Harper’s Bazaar for their October 2024 Home Issue, where she dives into a range of topics from her career, her Korean roots, and the recent uproar surrounding a vaping incident. With the issue hitting stands on September 24, Jennie’s candid insights offer a rare look at the person behind the superstar.
Being in the public eye constantly is no easy task, and Jennie knows this all too well. During her interview, she reflected on how the world perceives her both on and off the stage, highlighting that there’s more to her than the fierce persona fans see during performances. “Anyone who meets me will say I’m so far from what I represent as me onstage,” Jennie shared. She explained that while her stage presence is very much a part of her, it’s just one facet of who she is. “I would never say that I’m lying there. It’s a part of me, a switch inside of me that I can just click.”
Despite being a global sensation, Jennie is keen on maintaining a balance in her life, and that includes finding ways to unwind during her rare moments of downtime. The K-pop star revealed that she’s currently hooked on Game of Thrones, which has become her ultimate relaxation ritual. “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,” she admitted.
As one of the leading figures of BLACKPINK, Jennie feels a deep sense of responsibility to her fans, known as BLINKs. Balancing her loyalty to the group with her desire to explore her solo career is a delicate task. Jennie is deeply grateful for the love and support from fans and her culture, and she’s determined not to lose their trust. “I don’t want to lose their trust. It is so important for me to have my culture, and everyone around the world, love me,” Jennie said, emphasizing how her roots and her global fanbase shape her decisions.
But moving forward as a solo artist comes with its own set of challenges. Jennie is adamant about staying true to herself as she continues to evolve. She explained that while BLACKPINK’s Jennie will always be a part of her, fans will also get to know a more personal side as she navigates her solo career. “You should be you. It might not seem as glamorous as who you were. BLACKPINK Jennie will always be a part of me, but you will also get to experience this new side,” she said, hinting at an exciting new chapter.
Addressing the recent controversy over a clip that surfaced showing her vaping indoors in Italy, Jennie was upfront and apologetic. “What can I do? If Korean people think it’s wrong, I’ve got to make up for it,” she acknowledged. Jennie expressed understanding toward the cultural sensitivities surrounding the incident, stating, “It’s like, I get why you guys are upset. It’s cultural, it’s history. It’s time. And I can’t go against time.”
In reconciling her deep loyalty to her Korean culture while also wanting to express herself more freely, Jennie believes she’s in a position to help shift perspectives. “I believe that I have learned, I have gained the trust from people to kind of break those boundaries and just open that little gap for our culture,” she said, showing her desire to stay authentic while still respecting cultural norms.
With her eyes set on the future, Jennie is navigating both the pressures of superstardom and her own personal journey with grace. Fans will undoubtedly be excited to see where she goes next as both an artist and an individual.
