BLACKPINK’s Jennie has made a stunning acting debut in the HBO series The Idol, which premiered on June 4. The show, created by Abel “The Weeknd” Tesfaye, Reza Fahim, and Sam Levinson, follows the story of an aspiring pop star (Lily-Rose Depp) who falls under the influence of a charismatic cult leader (Tesfaye). Jennie plays Dyanne, a backup dancer, and friend of Depp’s character, who shows off her impressive dance skills and confident attitude in the first episode.
Jennie’s performance has received rave reviews from fans and critics alike, who praised her for setting new standards for K-pop idols in Hollywood. Many were impressed by her natural acting and boldness in portraying a character that is different from her usual image. Jennie said in an interview with Women’s Wear Daily that she was drawn to the role because it was about the music industry. She also said that she didn’t train or prepare for the role, but just wanted to be brave.
The Idol is Jennie’s first acting project outside of Korea, where she is part of the hugely popular girl group BLACKPINK. The group is known for their catchy songs, stunning visuals, and global influence. They have collaborated with artists such as Lady Gaga, Selena Gomez, and Cardi B, and have broken numerous records on YouTube, Spotify, and Billboard. Jennie is also a successful solo artist, having released her debut single “Solo” in 2018.
The Idol has generated a lot of buzz and controversy since its announcement, due to its explicit content and behind-the-scenes drama. The show premiered at the Cannes Film Festival on May 22, where it received a five-minute standing ovation and mixed reactions from the audience. The show is expected to air 10 episodes on HBO and HBO Max.