Blackpink member Jennie Kim takes the cover of W Korea Magazine‘s November 2024 edition lensed by fashion photographer Songyi Yoon. In charge of styling was Minhee Park, with fashion direction from Shin Kim, and set design by Dohyung Kwon. Beauty is work of hair stylist Gabe, makeup artist Sol Lee, and manicurist Unistella. For the covers Jennie is wearing selected pieces from Chanel.
K-pop superstar Jennie has also made a powerful return to the music scene with her solo single Mantra. Released on October 11, the track quickly soared to the top of global music charts, surpassing 5 million streams on Spotify in just one day. This achievement marked Jennie’s biggest solo debut on the platform and also secured her a spot at No. 5 on Spotify’s Daily Global Songs Chart.
It’s the perfect song to begin my new era. I think ‘Mantra’ will make my fans happy but also show a new side of me as a solo artist. The song was inspired by my time recording in Los Angeles, and hopefully fans feel that energy — which is about being positive, being expressive, and being true to who you are. – Jennie
Mantra is Jennie’s first solo release since partnering with Columbia Records and launching her own label, Odd Atelier. The song’s energetic beats and uplifting lyrics have struck a chord with fans around the world, offering more than just catchy rhythms. The track encourages listeners, especially women, to embrace their individuality and self-worth, a message that resonates deeply in today’s music landscape.
Directed by Tanu Muino, known for her work with artists like Harry Styles and Dua Lipa, the music video for Mantra adds another layer of allure to the song. Set against the backdrop of Los Angeles, the video features Jennie in a series of striking outfits, blending bold color schemes that enhance the visual experience. From the iconic L.A. traffic to the famous In-N-Out Burger, the video captures the city’s essence and highlights Jennie’s message of confidence and self-expression.
The success of Mantra extends across multiple platforms. In addition to its impressive Spotify performance, the single quickly claimed the top spot on iTunes charts in 47 countries, including the U.S., Mexico, and Brazil. This made Jennie the first female K-pop soloist in 2024 to reach No. 1 on the U.S. iTunes Top Songs chart. On YouTube, the music video dominated both the Korean and U.S. trending lists. In her home country, Jennie’s influence remains unmatched. Mantra secured the No. 1 position on Bugs’ real-time chart in South Korea.
Photography © Songyi Yoon for W Korea, read more at wkorea.com
