BLACKPINK’s Jennie has taken fans by surprise with the unexpected release of her new single, “Zen,” accompanied by a visually arresting music video, helmed by visionary director Cho Gi-Seok. This surprise drop comes hot on the heels of her announcement for her highly anticipated debut solo album, Ruby, slated to release on March 7.
In “Zen,” Jennie exudes unshakable confidence and self-assurance, delivering a powerful anthem of resilience and authenticity. With striking lyrics like, “Nobody gon’ move my soul, gon’ move my aura, my matter / Nobody gon’ move my life, gon’ touch my goal, my matter,” layered over a brooding, atmospheric production, she embodies the essence of her artistic evolution. The track further delves into themes resilience, authenticity and the relentless drive to achieve her goals, even amidst life’s relentless challenges.
Jennie’s lyrical storytelling is as raw as it is reflective, peeling back the layers of fame’s pressures. As she croons, “Thick skin layer like chains on chains on chains / Wear the pressure on my neck and rings / Rain, midnight bloom / In the dark, I grew,” she confesses, offering an intimate glimpse into her journey of growth and survival. The bridge delivers a sharp emotional punch with the lyric, “Money cannot buy no real friends,” capturing the duality of her world with striking honesty.
The music video for “Zen” is a stunning visual spectacle, perfectly complementing the song’s powerful message. It takes viewers on a mesmerizing journey through cosmic, dreamlike landscapes, blending futuristic aesthetics with a bold interplay of elegance and edge. Jennie commands attention as she appears on the screen, effortlessly transitioning between striking, otherworldly looks and settings that symbolize her artistic evolution. With Cho Gi-Seok’s visionary direction, the music video radiates a polished, ethereal beauty, elevating its emotional depth and cementing it as one of Jennie’s most visually captivating works yet.
Watch the music video below:
The release of “Zen” offers fans an enticing glimpse into Jennie’s highly anticipated debut album, Ruby. Following her October 2024 single “Mantra”—which marked her solo debut on the Billboard Hot 100 and achieved impressive global chart success—Ruby is shaping up to be a powerhouse project. Featuring 15 tracks, the album promises to push beyond Jennie’s BLACKPINK persona, showcasing her artistic range and delivering an intimate, personal narrative. With an all-star lineup of collaborators, including Childish Gambino, Dua Lipa, Doechii, Dominic Fike, FKJ, and Kali Uchis, Ruby is poised to make a bold statement.
In a recent interview, Jennie revealed that Ruby has been a deeply personal and transformative journey. Reflecting on the creative process that began in early 2024, she shared, “It’s not nice to be someone who’s always like, ‘I’m sorry, I can’t say anything.’” She admitted, “I’m just going to say, ‘I don’t do well with time,’” hinting at the difficulties of balancing her artistic ambitions with the pressures of global fame. Yet, if “Zen” is any indication, Jennie has emerged from this process with a newfound sense of clarity, identity, and purpose as an artist.
To elevate the excitement surrounding Ruby, Jennie has announced “The Ruby Experience,” a three-city tour designed to bring fans closer to her artistry. Kicking off on March 6 at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, the tour will make stops at New York’s iconic Radio City Music Hall on March 10 and Seoul’s Inspire Arena on March 15. Describing the shows as “intense and intimate as I like it,” Jennie promises an exclusive and personal experience for fans, offering them a rare chance to witness her creative evolution firsthand.
As anticipation continues to build, Jennie is keeping the momentum alive by teasing another single, “Love Hangover,” set to drop on January 31 at 2 p.m. KST. Yes, you heard that right. The teaser for the upcoming single has already sparked widespread excitement, confirming that Jennie’s solo era is as bold and groundbreaking as fans had hoped. With her unapologetically self-assured lyrics, cutting-edge visuals, and a star-studded album, Jennie is making it clear: she’s here to shine on her own terms.