Jennie Kim, known mononymously as Jennie, is a prominent South Korean singer, rapper, and actress. Born on January 16, 1996, in Cheongdam-dong, South Korea, she spent five years studying in New Zealand before returning to South Korea in 2010. Jennie is best known as a member of the globally successful girl group Blackpink, which debuted under YG Entertainment in August 2016.

Early Life and Career

Jennie’s interest in music began at an early age. At just 14, she auditioned for YG Entertainment with Rihanna’s “Take a Bow” and was accepted as a trainee. During her training, she developed her skills in both singing and rapping, eventually becoming the group’s lead rapper due to her fluency in English and Korean, alongside basic Japanese and French.

Rise to Fame with Blackpink

Blackpink quickly rose to international fame, becoming one of the most influential K-pop groups. Jennie made her solo debut with the single “Solo” in November 2018, which topped various charts, including South Korea’s Circle Digital Chart and the US Billboard World Digital Songs chart. The music video for “Solo” was notable for being the first by a Korean female soloist to surpass one billion views on YouTube.

Solo Projects and Recent Work

In addition to her work with Blackpink, Jennie has pursued solo projects. Her recent singles include “You & Me” (2023), which reached number one on the Billboard Global Excl. U.S., and “One of the Girls” (2023), which became the highest-charting song by a Korean female soloist on the US Billboard Hot 100. In 2023, she also made her acting debut in HBO’s The Idol, under the stage name Jennie Ruby Jane.

Fashion Influence

Jennie is recognized for her significant impact on fashion. Dubbed the “Human Chanel,” she has served as a global ambassador for several high-profile brands including Chanel and Calvin Klein. Her fashion influence extends to runway appearances; she made her debut as a runway model in June 2024 at Jacquemus’ anniversary show in Capri.

Personal Life and Social Media Presence

Jennie has garnered immense popularity on social media, becoming the most-followed Korean individual on Instagram. She frequently shares insights into her life and career with her fans, known as Blinks. Recently, she was spotted enjoying time with fellow K-pop idol BamBam in Los Angeles, further fueling interest in her personal life.

Jennie Kim stands out not only for her musical talent but also for her influence in fashion and culture, making her a multifaceted artist in the contemporary entertainment landscape.