Jennie Kim‘s journey from K-pop star to independent solo artist takes center stage in a revealing new cover story for Complex Magazine. Published ahead of the release of her highly anticipated solo album, Ruby, the profile explores Jennie’s creative evolution, offering insight into her ambitions beyond Blackpink.
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Having left YG Entertainment’s management in December 2023 (while still active in Blackpink under YGE), Jennie’s album Ruby marks a significant personal milestone. Complex reveals that her accompanying tour, The Ruby Experience, kicks off simultaneously with the album release, culminating in a highly anticipated performance at Coachella alongside headliners like Megan Thee Stallion and Post Malone.
In conversation with Complex, Jennie appears calm and reflective, emphasizing how personal this album feels. “My album gets to be alive, out in the world at places where people can feel [my music]. It’s so surreal,” she tells the magazine. Jennie explains that Ruby deliberately spans multiple musical genres, from ’90s hip-hop and Brazilian funk to alt-pop and R&B. The album features collaborations with high-profile artists such as Dua Lipa, Childish Gambino, Kali Uchis, Dominic Fike, and recent Grammy-winner Doechii, and boasts production from Mike Will Made It, El Guincho, and Dem Jointz.
She admits to the magazine that the most difficult aspect of producing Ruby was learning to open up emotionally. “I needed to find me, then decide what I wanted to tell the world,” Jennie explains. Her lyrical themes reinforce this introspection, centering around self-confidence, empowerment, and authenticity rather than the usual romantic clichés prevalent in pop music. Songs such as “Mantra,” “Like Jennie,” and “ExtraL” reflect Jennie’s determination to close the gap between her public persona and true self.
The profile concludes by highlighting Jennie’s creative process and emotional breakthroughs. Initially struggling with the recording sessions, Jennie told Complex she finally found clarity with the track “Zen,” symbolizing her newfound creative control and identity. The accompanying visuals for the song further emphasize her rebirth as a solo artist, with Jennie embodying a powerful presence that represents wisdom and strength. With Ruby, Jennie invites listeners into her world, confidently charting a new course toward creative authenticity.
Photography by Mia Barnes for Complex Magazine, read more at complex.com
