BLACKPINK Jennie
BLACKPINK Jennie reveals her favorite food in an interview with ELLE magazine. (Photo: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCb6uBWNlCA0kyhRln2aa6JA (Nine Stars), CC BY 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons | Cropped)

Jennie, a member of global K-pop sensation BLACKPINK and a brand ambassador for Chanel, is facing backlash after topless images from her latest magazine photoshoot surfaced online. The shoot, released on April 8, includes provocative images in which the singer poses without a top, using garlic or a Chanel jacket to partially cover herself. The editorial also features celebrities like Kylie Jenner, Troye Sivan, and NJZ, and has drawn immediate attention for its bold styling and imagery.

The photos quickly went viral after being posted on the popular Korean forum TheQoo, where responses were sharply divided. Some netizens expressed discomfort with Jennie's styling, questioning the appropriateness of the shoot and its impact on her younger fanbase.

"She really needs to be more aware of the influence she has," one user commented. Another added, "Even if Jennie somehow makes it big in the U.S. by dressing like that, it's only going to harm the image of Asian women."

Others criticized not just the nudity but the creative direction of the shoot. "Forget the revealing aspect-doesn't the photoshoot just look bad overall? Like, is this really the best they could do?" one commenter wrote. Another called the editorial "uncomfortable," likening it to seeing "your younger cousin wearing a bikini."

Jennie's slender figure also became a topic of discussion, with some users describing her appearance as "too skinny" and expressing unease about the way her body was portrayed in the shoot.

Despite the criticism, many fans came to Jennie's defense, arguing that the shoot aligns with both Chanel's avant-garde reputation and Jennie's ongoing exploration of fashion-forward concepts. "Jennie has always gone for that chic, sultry vibe," one fan wrote. Another added, "This seems like a natural progression in her fashion journey."

Defenders also noted that Jennie has previously embraced daring styles, especially since launching her solo career. "It just seems like she's trying out different concepts... If the reaction isn't great, she'll probably switch it up again," one supporter commented.

The photoshoot continues to generate debate across social media, with some heralding it as a bold artistic move and others calling for more consideration of the messages such high-profile imagery sends.