Jennie Kim, renowned as a singer, actor, and member of the globally acclaimed K-pop group Blackpink, has officially signed a solo deal with Columbia Records. This new partnership is in collaboration with her current entertainment company, Oddatelier. The announcement was made on Sunday, with plans for Jennie to release her latest solo single in October.
Jennie first rose to fame in 2016 as a member of Blackpink, a groundbreaking group that has achieved numerous milestones, including being the highest-charting female Korean act on the Billboard charts and the first from the country to headline Coachella. Beyond her success with Blackpink, Jennie has made strides in her solo career. Last year, she collaborated with The Weeknd and Lily-Rose Depp on the song “One of the Girls” and took on an acting role in HBO’s controversial series, The Idol.
A Global Journey
Jennie’s journey began in South Korea, where she was born, but her path to stardom included a formative chapter in New Zealand. At the age of 10, she moved to Auckland and spent five years studying there before returning to South Korea to pursue her dreams. Her return marked the start of her journey with YG Entertainment’s talent academy, which eventually led to the formation of Blackpink in 2016.
As part of Blackpink, Jennie and her bandmates have achieved extraordinary success, including becoming the first Korean female group to have five music videos surpass one billion views on YouTube. They are also the most-followed girl group on Spotify, cementing their status as global icons.
Jennie’s Acting Debut
In The Idol, a series created by Sam Levinson, Jennie performed under the stage name Jennie Ruby Jane. She portrayed a backup singer and dancer who dreams of stepping into the spotlight, working alongside Lily-Rose Depp, who plays a rising pop star.
Speaking about her acting debut on Dua Lipa’s BBC Sounds podcast, “Dua Lipa: At Your Service,” Jennie shared insights into her cautious approach to the role. “Acting has always been something I wanted to explore,” she said. “But when I decide to take on something new, I want to do it right. I wanted my first acting experience to feel authentic, not just something I rushed into.”
Jennie revealed that her decision to join The Idol was a thoughtful one. While spending time in Los Angeles, she had the chance to meet Sam Levinson, who shared his vision for her character. “He explained the role he envisioned for me, and it truly touched my heart,” she said. This collaboration marked a meaningful step in her career, showcasing her versatility beyond music.
A Promising Future
With her solo career now taking off under Columbia Records and Oddatelier, Jennie is poised to add another chapter to her already remarkable journey. Her upcoming single in October will be her first major solo release since signing the deal, and fans worldwide eagerly await her next move. Whether through music, acting, or other creative pursuits, Jennie continues to break boundaries and inspire a global audience.
