Jennie Kim

 Jennie Kim: The Multifaceted Star of K-Pop and Beyond

Early Life and Education

Jennie Kim was born on January 16, 1996, in Bundang, Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea. At the age of eight, she traveled with her family to Australia and New Zealand. A year later, she moved to Auckland, New Zealand, where she attended Waikowhai Intermediate School and later ACG Parnell College. During her time abroad, Jennie appeared in the MBC documentary English, Must Change to Survive, sharing her experiences learning English and adapting to a new culture. Initially aspiring to become a ballet dancer, her exposure to K-pop, particularly artists from YG Entertainment, inspired her to pursue a career in music. 

Trainee Years at YG Entertainment

In 2010, Jennie returned to South Korea and auditioned for YG Entertainment by performing Rihanna's "Take a Bow." Impressed by her performance and fluency in English, YG accepted her as a trainee. Over six years, she honed her skills in singing, rapping, and dancing. During this period, Jennie featured in several music videos and songs, including G-Dragon's "That XX" and "Black," as well as Lee Hi's "Special." 

Debut and Success with BLACKPINK

On August 8, 2016, Jennie debuted as a member of BLACKPINK alongside Jisoo, Rosé, and Lisa. The group's debut single album, Square One, featured hits like "Boombayah" and "Whistle," propelling them to instant fame. As the main rapper and lead vocalist, Jennie played a pivotal role in shaping BLACKPINK's sound and image. The group achieved numerous milestones, including performing at Coachella in 2019 and releasing their first full-length album, The Album, in 2020. 

Solo Ventures and Artistic Growth

Jennie launched her solo career with the single "SOLO" on November 12, 2018. The song topped charts in South Korea and internationally, with its music video becoming the first by a female K-pop soloist to surpass 1 billion views on YouTube. In 2023, she released "You & Me" and collaborated with Zico on the track "Spot!" In December 2023, Jennie established her own label, Odd Atelier, and signed with Columbia Records in September 2024. Her debut solo album, Ruby, released in 2025, features collaborations with artists like Dua Lipa, Childish Gambino, and Dominic Fike, showcasing her versatility and personal growth as an artist. 

Fashion Influence and Brand Collaborations

Jennie has become a prominent figure in the fashion industry, earning the nickname "Human Chanel" after being appointed as a global ambassador for the brand in 2019. She has fronted several campaigns, including the Chanel 25 handbag campaign in 2025. Additionally, Jennie collaborated with Calvin Klein in 2023 to release a limited-edition capsule collection, which sold out rapidly and generated significant media impact value. 

Acting Debut and Media Presence

In 2023, Jennie made her acting debut under the name Jennie Ruby Jane in the HBO series The Idol, portraying the character Dyanne. She also participated in variety shows such as Apartment 404 and My Name is Gabriel, further showcasing her versatility and expanding her presence in the entertainment industry. 

Philanthropy and Personal Life

Jennie is known for her philanthropic efforts, including a donation of 100 million won in May 2024 to Habitat Korea for the construction of the Rodemnamu International Alternative School in Anseong, aimed at supporting Korean teenagers. She has also been open about her personal life, with her relationship with EXO's Kai being confirmed in early 2019, though the couple parted ways shortly thereafter to focus on their careers. 

Jennie Kim continues to evolve as an artist and public figure, balancing her roles in music, fashion, and acting while maintaining a strong connection with her fans worldwide.