In a candid interview with Clash Music on April 8, 2025, Jennie of BLACKPINK shared the significance of her middle name, Ruby. This name forms part of her full English name, Jennie Ruby Jane, which she adopted during her school years in Auckland, New Zealand.
Desiring a name that was more expansive like those of her classmates, the K-pop sensation chose a name that resonated with her personal journey. Jennie now identifies Ruby with qualities such as “strength.”
“Rubies symbolize courage, resilience, and strength, which are qualities I have and try to live up to every day,”the talented South Korean artist remarked.
Reflecting on her upbringing in New Zealand, Jennie acknowledged the challenges she faced adapting to a completely new environment. She noted that her experiences there played a pivotal role in shaping her ability to navigate unfamiliar situations even today.
“I didn’t know any English or have an awareness of the cultural background in New Zealand. I consider myself to be a fast learner and I settled into the environment quite quickly. The cultural difference shocked me but in a good way,”she shared.
Furthermore, she indicated that the title of her latest solo album is intricately linked to her identity and experiences. Inspired by Shakespeare’s “Seven Ages of Man,” the album delves into the various stages of her life—from her youthful aspirations to her journey as a trainee, idol, and now a solo artist. Through “Ruby,”Jennie not only embraces a part of her past but also offers insight into her evolution as an artist.
BLACKPINK’s Jennie Steps into Her Solo Career with Ruby
Jennie officially embarked on her solo career under her full English name, Jennie Ruby Jane. In early 2023, she applied for this name through the Korean Intellectual Property Office, and after a detailed review and a two-month period for public objection, the name was successfully registered in mid-2024.
Her debut solo album, aptly titled Ruby, was released on March 7, 2025. This album features an impressive collection of 15 tracks, showcasing collaborations with several prominent international artists, symbolizing her transition from group-based projects to a focus on individual artistry.
The album’s lead track, Mantra, was launched in October 2024, making its mark by reaching number 98 on the Billboard Hot 100 and climbing to number two on the Global 200 charts.
Throughout Ruby, listeners can enjoy collaborations with diverse global talents, including “Handlebars”featuring Dua Lipa. The track “Love Hangover,”which delves into emotional complexities of romantic relationships, features Dominic Fike.
Addtionally, “Extra L”showcases Jennie’s collaboration with rapper Doechii, while “Damn Right”includes appearances by Kali Uchis and Childish Gambino. Following the album’s launch, Jennie announced the commencement of The Ruby Experience tour.
The tour included performances on March 6–7 at L.A.’s Peacock Theater and March 10 at NYC’s Radio City Music Hall, covering various locations across the U.S. and South Korea. This month, she is also set to grace the stage at Coachella on April 13 and 20.
On April 8, 2025, Jennie was featured on the cover of HOMME Girls magazine’s 13th volume, coinciding with the recent release of her album Ruby. The magazine referred to her as a “phenomenon,” and the accompanying photos from the shoot have rapidly gained traction across social media platforms.