BLACKPINK Jennie publicly addressed the controversies that have been following her for years.
When BLACKPINK debuted in 2016, Jennie caught attention as the first member to be introduced member in the “PINKPUNK” project.
The main rapper is classy, charismatic, and transgressive. Despite her desirable popularity, Jennie has to carry on her shoulders the weight of being a role model for the youth.
Series of controversies that follow her through 7 years of work
“Lazy dancing” is the most talked-about topic when Jennie is mentioned. When “DDU-DU DDU-DU” first came out, the main rapper drew criticism for her supposed lack of energy onstage, which stood out even more when she was at the center of the group formation in striking outfits. Jennie received more hate when the idol became the first to go solo with the song “SOLO.”
The criticism was revived in 2022 and 2023 during the “BORN PINK” World Tour. For the first time in this tour, Jennie left the Melbourne stage in Australia, which was later explained to be health reasons. Concert audiences took jabs at the idol, denouncing her for a lack of professionalism.
Performance aside, Jennie’s dating life is also the talk of the town. From 2019 until now, Jennie has been embroiled in dating rumors with three male stars, namely EXO Kai, G-Dragon, and BTS V, putting her under more pressure from other fandoms and the public.
Nonetheless, Jennie strives to show her individuality. She hopes to rise above the norms in K-pop and proves herself worthy no matter what. She proudly wears provocative clothes with bold styles and revealing cutouts. She persisted in joining “The Idol” as a personal statement about her uniqueness, despite skepticism and criticism from the public.
Why is Jennie the target of hate?
In the 2020 documentary “BLACKPINK: Light up the Sky,” Jennie admitted to having a tired expression even when she relaxed her facial muscles, which implied why she got hated sometimes. Moreover, with YG, Jennie manufactured an “all-rounder” image and received solo activities only in her second year as an idol. It is her expression and the treatment she receives that turns the rapper into the target of hate.
However, some hate may be irrational and can cloud one’s judgment. In the past, fans spotted editing elements in clips of Jennie’s “lazy dancing,” showing that the idol’s reputation was actively being damaged. Jennie also shared with Rolling Stone about her poor immune system which led to her frequent illness. She expressed about being mentally and physically drained after the world tour in 2020, adding, “Our sleep systems were breaking down; we weren’t eating properly; I wasn’t hydrating myself.” While it is easier for fans, who love the rapper for her cute personality behind a cool image, to sympathize with her, it is not enough for anti-fans who can only see her flaws.
Can Jennie redeem herself in the eyes of haters?
Jennie recently opened up about her struggles and concerns as an idol on BBC’s “At Your Service” hosted by Dua Lipa. This is the first time Jennie publicly addressed the controversies involving her: “So I feel like I’ve disappointed my fans at some point of my life where it seemed like I wasn’t giving my best […] but I want to say that I did not know how to control my body and use my body the way I should.”
Jennie acknowledged her imperfection in the interview and revealed she was on a self-realization journey. The idol showed that she was well aware that she was her own saboteur and that not everything was as perfect as the public imagined.
While public pressure is inevitable as part of being an idol, or a public figure, through all her struggles, many believe Jennie should be free to do whatever she likes.
Reality has shown that constant pressure can lead to disastrous outcomes. Therefore, as Jennie has been made aware of her problems, it is time netizens allow her time to make improvements before hurling criticism at her.
Source: k14, Rolling Stone, Naver
