Jennie, a member of the world-renowned K-pop group Blackpink, is making her highly anticipated return as a solo artist with her new single, “Mantra,” set to release on October 11, 2024. This marks Jennie's first solo release in a year since her digital single “You & Me” in October 2023, according to her agency, OA Entertainment.

The announcement of “Mantra” was shared by Jennie on her official website, along with preserved links for fans on major streaming platforms such as Spotify and Apple Music. A teaser for the track has already generated buzz with its captivating melody, further building excitement for what is expected to be another hit from the K-pop star.

Jennie’s last notable solo venture was her collaboration with The Weeknd and Lily-Rose Depp on “One of the Girls,” a soundtrack for the HBO series The Idol. The track achieved monumental success, surpassing 1 billion streams on Spotify and staying on the Billboard Hot 100 for 20 consecutive weeks. With “One of the Girls,” Jennie became the first Korean female solo artist to receive platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), an accolade awarded to artists who sell over 1 million units.

In addition to her recent musical success, Jennie has broken new ground as a solo artist. Earlier this year, her debut solo track “Solo” reached a staggering 1 billion views on YouTube, making her the first K-pop female solo artist to achieve such a milestone. This achievement further cemented her status as one of the most influential artists in the global K-pop scene.

To enhance her global reach, Jennie signed a partnership with Columbia Records in September, a major US label under Sony Music Entertainment that represents some of the biggest names in the music industry, such as Beyoncé, Adele, and Harry Styles. Columbia Records has promised to provide comprehensive support for Jennie’s solo projects, signaling the label’s confidence in her ability to dominate both the Korean and international music markets.

Fans and industry experts alike are eagerly anticipating whether “Mantra” will be Jennie’s second entry on the Billboard Hot 100 as a solo artist. While Jennie has frequently appeared on the chart with Blackpink, her first solo entry came with “One of the Girls.” Her previous single, “You & Me,” reached No. 2 on Billboard’s Bubbling Under Hot 100, just shy of breaking into the main chart.

Jennie’s return with “Mantra” comes at a pivotal moment in her career, following the immense success of her solo endeavors and global collaborations. With Columbia Records backing her and an ever-growing fanbase, the single has the potential to continue her record-breaking streak in the industry.

As Jennie prepares to release “Mantra,” fans are already speculating about its impact. Will it surpass the success of her previous works and earn her a coveted spot on the Billboard Hot 100 again? Regardless of the outcome, Jennie’s continued evolution as a solo artist reinforces her position as one of the most versatile and influential figures in K-pop today.

Sayart / ReaA JUNG, queen7203@gmail.com