Jennie (Blackpink): Dance practice video

Name: Jennie Kim (김제니)

Profession: Singer, Rapper, Songwriter, Actress, Model

Born: January 16, 1996

Birthplace: Bundang, Seongnam, South Korea

Labels: Odd Atelier, Columbia Records

Groups: BLACKPINK (2016–present)

Solo Debut: November 12, 2018, with the single "SOLO"

Jennie Kim was born on January 16, 1996, in Seongnam, South Korea, as an only child. She began her education at Cheongdam Elementary School in Seoul. At the age of eight, she moved to Auckland, New Zealand, where she lived with a host family and attended Waikowhai Intermediate School. She later enrolled at ACG Parnell College. During her time in New Zealand, she was featured in a documentary about students learning English.

While her mother initially planned for her to continue her studies in the United States to become a lawyer or a teacher, Jennie decided to pursue her passion for music. At the age of 14, she returned to South Korea in 2010 and successfully auditioned for YG Entertainment, a major South Korean entertainment agency. She trained with the company for six years, a period during which she gained pre-debut recognition for her collaborations with various YG artists, including G-Dragon and Lee Hi.

In 2016, Jennie made her official debut as a member of the girl group BLACKPINK. The group, consisting of Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa, quickly became a global phenomenon. Known for their "girl crush" concept, powerful performances, and unique sound, BLACKPINK has broken numerous records and amassed a massive international fanbase, known as "Blinks."

Jennie was the first member of BLACKPINK to make her solo debut. Her single "SOLO," released on November 12, 2018, was a commercial and critical success. The song topped domestic and international charts, and its music video was the first by a Korean female soloist to surpass one billion views on YouTube.

Following the end of her contract with YG Entertainment for her individual activities in 2023, Jennie established her own label, Odd Atelier. This move has given her creative freedom and marked a new chapter in her career. She also signed with Columbia Records in 2024 to manage her activities in the United States.

She has since released new music, including the singles "You & Me" (2023), "Slow Motion" (a collaboration with Matt Champion, 2024), and "Mantra" (2024). Her debut solo album, Ruby, was released in early 2025 and sold over one million copies worldwide, tying as the highest-ranked album by a Korean solo artist on the UK Albums Chart. The album featured collaborations with A-list artists such as Dua Lipa on the track "Handlebars" and Doechii on "ExtraL".

In 2023, she made her acting debut under the stage name "Jennie Ruby Jane" in the HBO series The Idol, where she played the recurring role of Dyanne, a backup dancer and friend to the main character. She has also been featured in a number of television shows.

Jennie has become a major force in the fashion industry. She is a global ambassador for luxury brands like Chanel, earning her the nickname "Human Chanel." She has also collaborated with brands such as Calvin Klein and Gentle Monster, and her personal style is often a topic of discussion among fashion enthusiasts.

• Global Force Award: In 2025, Jennie became the first Korean soloist to be honored with the Global Force Award at the Billboard Women in Music ceremony.
• YouTube Milestones: "SOLO" music video was the first by a Korean female soloist to surpass one billion views on YouTube.
• Charting Success: Her songs have consistently performed well globally. "SOLO" achieved a "triple crown" on South Korean charts, and her collaborations and later solo releases have charted on the Billboard Global 200. Her debut album Ruby debuted in the top ten in 19 countries.
• Philanthropic Contributions: Jennie has engaged in various philanthropic efforts, including a donation of 100 million KRW to the Seoul National University's College of Medicine to support aspiring medical professionals.