Jennie on How Blackpink’s Time Apart Changed the Group: ‘Everyone Took Their Own Journey’

This year, K-pop group Blackpink will resume group activities after focusing on solo projects following their 2022 to 2023 Born Pink World Tour. Lisa, Jennie, and Rosé are currently in the midst of promoting their own solo albums. Rosé released hers, Rosie, a month ago, while Lisa’s album, Alter Ego, comes out on February 28.

Rosie by Rosé

Jennie is also gearing up to release an album following its first single, “Mantra.” She has not shared the album’s title or debut date yet, but she spoke to Billboard about the project. She also discussed what the Blackpink members’ relationship has been like during this time apart—and how it has changed them individually and as a group.

Jennie said she was taught to compromise when working on Blackpink projects. Having full control over her own solo record forced her to look more deeply at herself. “I needed this. I wanted this,” she said. “The more I get to know myself, the more I try to love myself. I’ve had a time in my life where I didn’t—I had no clue how to do that. I didn’t know who I was. I didn’t know what I was living for. The time where I was feeling clueless. The fact that I’ve moved on from that phase and being so committed to myself, I’m very proud.

“It’s so easy to lose yourself, which is OK,” she elaborated. “There was also a time where I was feeling lost about ‘K-pop,’ ‘pop music,’ all these labels that I was chasing after … Now that I look back, I just want to tell myself, ‘Maybe enjoy it a little, feeling lost in the struggle, because there will be a time where you don’t even have time to think you’re lost.’”

She revealed that she, Jisoo, Lisa, and Rosé check in on each other in their group chat regularly.

“We are all so caught up with life. Obviously, we can’t be calling each other every day,” she noted. “Even though we know we can’t see each other so much, it doesn’t really feel any different than all the other years because we know we’re here for each other. They’re literally a phone call away. And at this point, we respect each other’s space so much. So if there’s anything to be happy for, to celebrate, we’re all in it together.”

Their reunion as a group will include new music and a tour, Billboard reported. Jennie said she’s ready for it, noting this time away has allowed them to grow for the better.

“I’ve missed the girls,” she began. “I’ve missed doing tours with them. I miss our silly moments. I’m excited to see what everyone brings. You know, everyone took their own journey [during] this time, and I’m excited to share that with the girls. I want to say it’s going to be the most powerful [versions] of ourselves that anyone has seen.”