Jennie is signaling that her next solo era may be closer than expected. Speaking on the red carpet at the TIME100 Gala 2026, the BLACKPINK star teased new music while celebrating her inclusion on the prestigious TIME100 list.
Asked about future collaborators, Jennie shifted the conversation toward her own work. “I’m gonna be real and give a real answer. I think it’s time to put my next thing out… new music from me maybe?” she said, offering the clearest public hint yet that a follow-up to her solo debut is imminent. The moment arrives as she stands among TIME’s 100 Most Influential People of 2026, where she was the only K-pop act recognized in the Artists category.
Momentum around her next release has been building for months. Earlier this year, Jennie confirmed in an interview with V Magazine that new solo material is in development, describing her current creative phase as open-ended and exploratory. “I honestly have no clue what it’s gonna look like yet. I am a very open book right now,” she said at the time, emphasizing a desire to push her vocals further and refine the balance between Korean and English in her music.
Recent activity has reinforced that trajectory. Jennie collaborated with Tame Impala on the “Dracula Remix,” which became her highest-charting single on the Billboard Hot 100. She also returned to group work with BLACKPINK’s Deadline EP.
Her 2025 debut album Ruby established a strong commercial baseline, delivering multiple entries on the Billboard Hot 100 and cementing her ability to operate as both a group member and solo force. Outside music, her presence has continued to expand through acting roles, including HBO’s The Idol, and sustained influence in fashion, positioning her as one of the most visible figures in global pop culture.
Recognition from TIME adds another layer to that trajectory. The accompanying tribute, written by Gracie Abrams, highlighted Jennie’s duality—her quiet presence paired with undeniable star power—underscoring why her impact extends beyond charts and streams.
Photo: Jennie/Instagram
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