By the time I meet Jennie, she’s been working almost nine hours in front of the camera with the same intensity as when she first walked into the studio. Empowering songs by Rihanna, Beyoncé, and Cardi B have been playing throughout the shoot, which is fitting for a member of the biggest girl group in the world. Jennie and her Blackpink bandmates have redefined “girl power” in the K-pop industry with their dynamic lyrics, edgy music videos, and fierce attitudes. Jennie oozes intensity and assertiveness, striking power poses fervently—almost as if she’s staring down the camera. A part of me was a bit nervous to approach the K-pop idol, who is known to be a serious person.
Yet Jennie, who was born in South Korea but spent part of her childhood in New Zealand, is shy and soft-spoken when we meet, a persona that is very different from the “Blackpink Jennie” whom Blinks—the endearing name for Blackpink fans—have seen onstage and near the top of the U.S., U.K., Asian, and world charts. Jennie has been honest about the alter ego she’s created, who is more aggressive and forceful, but calls it more of a collaborative effort rather than turning a switch on and off in her head. Still, there is a change in the atmosphere watching Jennie in full glam in front of the flashing camera lights, full of confidence and ferocity, transform into the calming and sweet-natured person sitting beside me.