Jennie Kim, a pivotal member of the global sensation BLACKPINK, has taken a significant step in her solo career by signing a deal with Columbia Records, a move that underscores her rising influence in the global music industry. The announcement, made on Sunday by her self-founded label Oddatelier, marks a new chapter in Jennie's burgeoning career outside the confines of the iconic K-pop group.
The news broke on social media with Oddatelier's official post on X (formerly known as Twitter), showcasing Jennie in an all-black ensemble, accompanied by the caption, "JENNIE x OA x COLUMBIA RECORDS... We are family." This partnership with Columbia Records, a subsidiary of Sony Music Entertainment and home to powerhouse artists like Beyoncé, Adele, and Harry Styles, cements Jennie's status as a formidable solo artist on the global stage.
Fans of Jennie, often referred to as "Blinks," quickly flooded social media with excitement, celebrating her latest achievement. The hashtag #JENNIE trended as fans expressed their enthusiasm for her upcoming solo projects, with one fan tweeting, "#JENNIE signed with Columbia Records, home of Beyoncé, Adele, Harry Styles, and more," alongside images of Jennie next to these music giants. Another fan aptly captured the mood by declaring, "THE ULTIMATE MAIN POP AND KPOP GIRL IS COMING. NO ONE IS SAFE. JENNIE IS COMING."
This new deal is particularly significant as Jennie prepares to release a new solo single in October, following her 2023 hit "You & Me." The upcoming release is eagerly anticipated and is expected to further solidify her presence as a solo artist, distinct from her contributions to BLACKPINK.
Jennie's solo career has been gaining momentum over the past few years, marked by a series of high-profile collaborations and her acting debut in HBO's "The Idol." The controversial series, created by Sam Levinson, featured Jennie alongside The Weeknd and Lily-Rose Depp, where she played a character named Dyanne, a backup dancer and singer. Her performance, particularly in a provocative dance sequence, quickly became a viral sensation, showcasing her versatility as an entertainer.
In a candid interview on Dua Lipa's "At Your Service" podcast last year, Jennie opened up about her decision to explore acting, describing it as a "thoughtful and patient process." She emphasized the importance of choosing the right role, saying, "Acting was definitely one of the things that I've wanted to explore, but when I do something... I know I need to do it right." Jennie credited her meeting with Sam Levinson as a turning point, noting that his vision for her character deeply resonated with her, ultimately leading her to take on the role.
The timing of Jennie's partnership with Columbia Records is noteworthy, coinciding with "The Idol" winning an Emmy Award for Outstanding Choreography for Scripted Programming. This double celebration has only added to the excitement surrounding Jennie's burgeoning solo career, further fueling speculation about what's next for the K-pop star.
Since her debut with BLACKPINK in 2016, Jennie, along with her bandmates Jisoo, Rosé, and Lisa, has consistently pushed boundaries, becoming the highest-charting Korean female act on the Billboard charts and the first Korean group to headline Coachella. Outside of BLACKPINK, Jennie's individual ventures have also made headlines, particularly her collaboration with The Weeknd and her role in "The Idol."
