BLACKPINK superstar and solo powerhouse JENNIE has officially returned with her newest release, “Less than a Lover,” out now via OddAtelier/Columbia Records. Following up on the success of her previous hits, the 30-year-old artist delivers a breezy, sun-drenched anthem crafted specifically for the lingering warmth and blurred boundaries of midsummer romance.
Officially characterized as JENNIE’s “ode to summer, capturing the excitement and lingering emotions of a relationship that exists somewhere between friendship and romance,” the track dives into the sweet spot of undefined connections. Over a lush tapestry of lo-fi guitars and vintage electric keys—produced by hitmakers Tyler Spry and Cashmere Cat—JENNIE leans into a softer, alternative-pop soundscape that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly modern.
The song’s infectious hook captures the delicate balance of keeping things casual yet intimate: “‘Cause all I need this summer / Is a little bit less than a lover / Need a little bit less than a lover / You get a little bit more than another / Need a little bit less, little less, little less / Need a little bit less than a lover,” Jennie sings on the chorus.
Beyond her vocal performance and songwriting contributions, JENNIE took a hands-on directorial role for the song’s cinematic music video, co-directing the project alongside Choeey. Shot during a heat wave along the scenic coast of Spain, the visual co-stars 22-year-old Taiwanese rising model Nah Kai—recently featured in the SEVENTEEN sub-unit DxS visual for “Blue”—as the object of her fleeting affection.
Framed like a candid, behind-the-scenes film set, the video features directorial voiceovers from JENNIE outlining the storyline in real-time. “So I want a film about a girl. She wants to avoid love, wants to avoid responsibilities. She’s very confused, but also knows what she wants…just to enjoy summer,” JENNIE explains in the opening monologue, moving through hazy seaside scenes alongside Kai.
As the video reaches its emotional peak near the shore, her voiceover guides the final moment: “So final scene: we’re at the beach. It almost feels like a date and you can’t control your emotions. And you just keep wanting more,” she adds towards the finale as the pair almost share a kiss before JENNIE playfully pulls away. Leaving fans eagerly anticipating what comes next, the cinematic visual closes with a tantalizing prompt: “To be continued.”
