The JENNIE interview revealed her emotional struggles during her trainee years, highlighting the harsh evaluations and constant competition. JENNIE also discussed her demanding BLACKPINK activities and the toll her relentless schedule took on her health. Fans admired her resilience and dedication, especially as her solo album “Ruby” achieved international success.
JENNIE Interview: Reflections on Her Trainee Years
JENNIE of BLACKPINK recently opened up in an interview about her challenging trainee years, marked by intense competition and emotional stress. Appearing on the YouTube channel ‘Fairy Jaehyung’ on January 9, she shared her story of giving up studying abroad in the U.S. at the age of 14 to join YG Entertainment as a trainee. After six years of rigorous training, she made her debut as a member of BLACKPINK in 2016.
JENNIE admitted in the interview that the evaluations were brutal, and watching her friends leave one by one was emotionally overwhelming. “It was tough to accept because, at a young age, you’re supposed to learn about giving and receiving love, but the trainee life was all about competition,” she recalled. Despite the heartbreak of seeing her close friends leave, she pushed herself to keep going. “I kept telling myself, ‘I will debut no matter what.’ It wasn’t about being exceptionally talented; it was about believing this was my only path.”
JENNIE Interview: Coping with BLACKPINK’s Demanding Schedule
Discussing her hectic schedule as a member of BLACKPINK during the interview, JENNIE admitted that her body couldn’t keep up with the overwhelming demands. “We were insanely busy at times,” she confessed. She added that her constant traveling left her feeling disconnected from home.
She explained that she hardly had time to spend at home and stayed in Korea for only two days before leaving again. “I come back, think, ‘Oh, it’s home,’ and then it’s over,” she said. She jokingly referred to the airport as her real home. JENNIE mentioned she spent only about three months in Korea last year and grew close to the flight attendants who often helped her.
To cope with her demanding schedule, JENNIE carries various items when traveling. These include a tablet PC, work-related materials, headphones for movies and music, wireless earphones, wired earphones, a sleep mask, a makeup pouch, wellness products, and stretching tools. However, her body struggled to adjust to the constantly changing time zones and environments.
JENNIE Interview: Finding Herself Through Rest
JENNIE acknowledged during the interview that her health was compromised by her packed schedule. Despite managing to get through her commitments, she admitted, “I wasn’t healthy. I only want to live like this in this lifetime, but I know it comes with many sacrifices.” The relentless pace of her activities also affected her mentally.
“There were times when my heart felt heavy, and negative thoughts kept creeping in because I didn’t know how to take care of myself,” JENNIE shared. Working tirelessly without understanding her likes and dislikes made her struggle to find genuine happiness.
The COVID-19 pandemic, however, gave JENNIE a much-needed break. She invested time into her health and self-reflection, eventually coming to understand herself better. “Taking a break allowed me to study myself, and it feels like that’s why I can exist as who I am today,” she explained.
Jennie’s Perspective on Growth
Singer Jung Jae-hyung, who hosted the interview, praised JENNIE for her maturity, acknowledging that her experiences must have contributed to her personal growth. JENNIE agreed, admitting that while she had moments of frustration and even tried shouting to release her stress, it was ultimately time and patience that taught her valuable lessons. “If I had kept working nonstop, at some point, I would’ve said, ‘I quit. I’m done,’” she admitted with a laugh.
JENNIE’s journey to self-discovery and her determination to keep going despite her struggles demonstrate her resilience. This period of reflection has helped her gain a deeper understanding of herself and her future aspirations.
Fans’ Reactions to JENNIE’s Interview
On January 7, JENNIE released her first full-length solo album, ‘Ruby,’ which achieved remarkable success, topping real-time charts on Bugs and reaching the number one spot on iTunes ‘Top Albums’ charts in 21 countries and regions, including the Philippines, Thailand, and Singapore.
Fans and netizens have been discussing JENNIE’s interview on various online communities, including MLBPARK. Many acknowledged that while JENNIE lives a glamorous life as a superstar, her sacrifices have been equally substantial. Others expressed relief that JENNIE found time for self-reflection during the pandemic. Some speculated that having reached the peak of her career, JENNIE might wish to explore a different path in another life, perhaps living as an ordinary person.
Fans also noted her tireless work ethic and how the quality of her solo album reflects her dedication. They humorously suggested that with her frequent overseas activities, JENNIE might as well build a house near Incheon Airport’s Yeongjongdo.
Thank you so much for reading this post! I’d love to hear your thoughts, so feel free to share them in the comments!
It breaks my heart to hear JENNIE went through such a tough time as a trainee. Seems like she’s longing for a different life, but who doesn’t have regrets about paths not taken? Wishing JENNIE all the happiness in the world.