Yesterday (07/03), JENNIE released her first studio album with 15 songs. I’ve been consuming a lot of JENNIE’s content for the past few weeks – not complaining, tho hahaha. And I thought that her album and story might be a great example of this year’s theme of International Women’s Day:”For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.”
The story that I write might not directly translate the rights, equality, and empowerment – but it’s more about how JENNIE, as a woman, navigates her solo career to an even bigger market. She is the embodiment of empowerment. She established Odd Atelier back in November 2023, and therefore, she led her team. It must be different from when she was under YG Entertainment. On top of that, I will also share some of my experiences since she is one of my idols and inspiration.
I want to open this post with this song:
The song has a strong sense of feminine empowerment. It’s about women taking control, being assertive, and celebrating their power.
The right to learn and to explore: the desire to adventure
In her interview with Zane Lowe, she mentioned how she moved to New Zealand at 9 and studied there by herself because her mom wanted her to know more about the world. Not only in Korea, but I think in most Asian countries, letting your daughters study abroad and live alone at such an early age is not common. It’s huge. This set a profound foundation that built her character later in life, like Lisa and Rose, in my opinion. But JENNIE has such a strong aura and charisma, in my opinion, since the beginning.
To look back, when I was in high school, my mom decided to let me live in a boarding house near my school. It caused some negative opinions from relatives and others since it was uncommon. It was looked as weird for most. But from my point of view, it was liberating. It’s not easy since waking up in the morning was not my strong suit back then, hahaha, but I got to learn to manage my time, to have my own personal time and space (which I couldn’t get back home), and moreover, prepare me to be independent. I understand her vision.
And back to JENNIE’s timeline, after her study time in NZ, the original plan was for her to find a university, but she decided not to continue with her studies and made the choice that she wanted to be a singer instead. And her mom let her. Can you imagine if her mom didn’t let her to become a trainee? We wouldn’t have THE JENNIE KIM of Blackpink now. From my perspective, at that age, and the fact that she could afford to study abroad, it was not an easy decision for her mom to let her only daughter be a trainee – for something that is not guaranteed. I think I know what made her mom agree: trust. Just as my mom supported all of my decisions and did not interfere with the little details of my life. She provides guidance, but just enough for me to grow as a person.
Strength vs Vulnerability
She mentioned that she is still trying to understand the balance between vulnerability and braveness, and I couldn’t relate more. Working as an artist, she pours herself into her creation, and it takes courage to do that – since it means showing her vulnerable side to the world, in a way.
I know for sure being vulnerable is really hard. It’s hard for me to open up to anybody – except my journal, obviously. But through writing my blog, I am, in a way, also being vulnerable since most of the topics I write are what’s about my concerns, my interests, and what’s close to my heart. I always tell others that my blog is my open diary for the public. Hahaha. It’s a channel for me to express myself. And I have a lot to say! By embracing my vulnerability, I can produce my writings – this is also what happens with JENNIE and her album, Ruby.
ZEN. It was the one song she claimed made up the identity of her album. When I saw the MV for the first time, I said to myself, “Oh, wow. JENNIE is not playing with her album. SHE’S DEAD SERIOUS.” The match cut on the beat is my favorite part of the video!! That’s crazyyy. The song screams CONFIDENCE – meaning that no one can make her doubt herself. The chorus lyrics:
Nobody gon’ move my soul, gon’ move my aura, my matter
Nobody gon’ move my light, gon’ touch my glow, my matter
Nobody gon’, all this power make them scatter
No, nobody gon’ touch my soul, gon’ match my glow, like, I dare you
“It was made in such delicate way, but to be expressed in such a loud and fierce way. That’s kinda represent who I am,” said JENNIE about ZEN.
Why do I feel this way? – The art of listening to ourselves
She also shared how, during the pandemic, when we were all forced to be with ourselves, she learned to dig deeper into her feelings and thoughts. “What is that feeling, and where is it coming from?” It is so easy to lose ourselves in this hectic world with work and busy schedules, which often leads us to be distant from ourselves.
I’ve shared in my previous post that I journal to talk and connect with myself and use blogging as a channel to express myself. There are many ways to unwind, where you can listen and entangle your feelings and thoughts.
Another point she mentioned was also how meeting different people, talking about her struggle, and expressing herself to the RIGHT people had helped her a lot before. And in connection to that, start a war, represents her feeling of protection for her loved ones – her friends and families that she wants to protect. She’d start a war if needed. I believe we will be able to bloom if we are surrounded by the right people. Therefore, we should fight for them. Such a beautiful song.
Lessons learned from making Ruby
JENNIE said that understanding her value and believing in that is the biggest lesson from her experience working on the album: “I’m not afraid to challenge myself now. My mantra is that I love myself, I’m worth it, and I’m so proud of myself. That’s my motivation. Accomplishing what I’ve dreamed of is the most fun part.”
Since she mentioned ‘mantra‘ – I couldn’t take my mind off that song once it came out! Must add the MV to this post.
In addition, JENNIE said she didn’t even understand what drove her before that—building her career as an artist. But as she learns to understand herself better, she realizes how big of an impact she can bring to the world—making it better in her own way, which then translated into her album now, Ruby.
With mantra, I want to invite everyone to make your own mantra or affirmations. At many times, the bad thoughts feels my mind and the anxiety creeps up. But I learn over the years that our own affirmation can fight those negative thoughts and feelings. It’s normal to have them, but it’s better to just acknowledge them and not fall down to the negative perspective.
Fuck That Shit
Besides all the pre-releases and like JENNIE, this song caught my attention when I first listened to the album from start to finish. I can’t say that this is my favorite from the album because it is too hard to choose! Hahaha, but this definitely caught my attention.
In the interview, she reveals how this song came out. She was just talking with the team about how they have been working so hard on their dreams and the belief in how it will eventually come through – including all the hard, deep shit in life and – you know what: Fuck that shit! hahaha, and here goes the song. Evidence of growth and time and trust:
Just last night, my friend and I talked about dreams and life in general. We are both tired of the endless conflicts and everything in between; we’re unsure of the future but also have hope at the same time. I could relate to the FTS energy since both of us at the end, making plans and stuff and just, “let’s just try cause we never know.” After all, life is all about experimenting, right? Since there is no guidebook.
Collaboration on Ruby
JENNIE said her collab with Dominic Fike is organic since they are friends, and Dominic agreed to be part of the album. With Doechii, she mentioned having her on the album is everything. “Not only her music, but she inspires me as a human being. She’s so empowering, and she’s so pure. She put her heart into her craft, and I admire her.” She also shared her experience watching Doechii’s performance – it amazed her but also made her nervous about their upcoming schedule of shooting the MV for ExtraL the following week.
I mean… even the JENNIE can feel that. I often struggle with that feeling. It’s not about performing, obviously, but more about the fact that I don’t want to disappoint the people who have trusted me. It’s not about pleasing other people but more about giving my best and establishing my standard for the world and the people I interact with. Writing has always been my companion, although I write for work – I can never get tired of writing. It has a purpose, and I am very grateful that I can pursue my career as a writer.
Zane asked how JENNIE can adapt to new spaces, collaborate with many other artists, and create chemistry and stuff. I genuinely love that all of Zane’s interviews are very deep. He knows his stuff, he listens and understands the songs beforehand, and the conversation is just going so well. I feel this also with other artists. That’s why I spend my time to listen to this interview.
Ok, now back to JENNIE’s answer. Being in the group with the girls is a big part of her journey and is helpful in many ways for her to adapt to work with many artists. Understanding that everyone is different is the key point of working together in a group. However, in New Zealand, she explained how she tried to be as observant as possible by learning about other people. You know, ‘not to kill the mood’ kinda vibes. I can totally relate to that! Then, she can adjust and adapt based on the situation and the people involved. I don’t know when, but I find myself always doing that. I try to match the energy of the room and the people I am with.
On top of that, there were her trainee days. It’s a survival game to begin with.
On Reuniting with Blackpink
All four of them have their own path, which actually enables them to have their own careers and shine individually. But how they managed to decide to come back again as a group—JENNIE said they feel responsibility for that choice. Even though choosing that path to come back again as a group is not an easy choice, overall, she’s excited about what’s next for Blackpink.
As a fan myself, I understand the pressure Blackpink holds as one of the biggest K-Pop girl groups alongside BTS as the boy group. They have such a big impact on the industry, so their coming back for a world tour is kind of shocking for me personally.
I mean, it’s a no-brainer if they choose not to come back as a group. With their solo activities, schedules, and everything – it’s hard already. As a blink, I am really happy that they have time to focus on themselves individually to the point of making their own company and being the sajangnim. Hahaha. But I am also looking forward to their new songs and upcoming tour as a group. I know how the public mocks them for not having many songs, but I like Blackpink for who they are. There must be reasons for that, which I can’t control obv. So, I can just enjoy what’s there on my side, right?
“I wanna be present. Less worrying, less concern. Enjoying being on the stage as Blackpink.”
Being our own support system
I want us, girls and women, to be confident with ourselves and know our worth. Confidence can be trained for the outside, but knowing our worth is from within. JENNIE mentioned that believing her value is essential. When we can lead ourselves, then we can work with others better.
I hope that all of us, in many ways, can achieve our dreams and embrace our vulnerability. Life will always get us down, but nothing can stop us when we own it.
ps. listen to Ruby! Let me know what your favorite track from the album!
VERONICAKUDO 
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