Jennie's 'SOLO' track is a continuation of BLACKPINK music

Jennie poses for a photo at a press conference unveiling her solo track “SOLO” at Platform-L in Seoul, Monday. Courtesy of YG Entertainment

By Kwak Yeon-soo

K-pop girl band BLACKPINK's Jennie debuted as a soloist on Monday with her single “SOLO,” a pop-like tune mixing in hip-hop. The 22-year-old became the first member of the group to release a solo track. Other members Rose, Jisoo and Lisa are also expected to release solo records in the future, according to label YG Entertainment.

Jennie unveiled her “SOLO” performance at BLACKPINK's first Seoul show ever on their “In Your Area” tour held at Olympic Gymnastics Arena over the weekend. “I just performed twice in front of the Blinks (BLACKPINK's official fan club), but it just doesn't feel real even now,” Jennie said during a press conference unveiling her single “SOLO” at Platform-L in Seoul, Monday.

“When I heard I'd be the first in the group to release a solo track, I definitely felt nervous. But I'd like to think of it as a continuation of the music I've been doing as part of BLACKPINK,” she said.

The singer said she has prepared a lot in detail regarding styling, performance and vocals and feels confident about the entire concept and music.

YG's hit producer Teddy and 24 created “SOLO,” of which opening lines have beautiful chords and melodies. Jennie mentioned the lyrics embody her duality both as a vulnerable girl and as a powerful, independent woman.

Somewhat frank, some verses read “I ain't got no time for the troubles in your eyes / This time I'm only lookin' at me, myself and I.”

Jennie speaks during a press conference unveiling her solo track “SOLO” at Platform-L in Seoul, Monday. Courtesy of YG Entertainment

Jennie sought to expand her image as a versatile performer with her solo single. “SOLO is a fun, self-loving song. Through it, I wanted to show different sides of me. I have a dark and sexy side, and I sometimes have a feminine, elegant side,” she said.

Regarding the opinion of Yang Hyun-suk, founder and CEO of YG Entertainment, on her solo debut, Jennie said “Yang texted me every day, commenting on my clothes, album cover, music and many other things. He also advised me to have confidence.”

Jennie will kick off promotion of “SOLO” on music programs next week.

“I'm still lacking in many ways, but I'll do my best and show better performances because I feel responsible for representing BLACKPINK,” she said.

BLACKPINK debuted in August 2016 with its first mini-album “Square One.” The group has had hits including “Whistle,” “Boombayah,” and “Ddu-Du Ddu-Du.”

The band will begin its first world tour, holding eight concerts across seven cities from January to March, including in Bangkok, Jakarta, Hong Kong and Manila.