Jennie Unveils Honest Reflections on Coachella, Korean Food, and Her Mother’s Love
Global superstar Jennie, a member of the trailblazing K-pop group BLACKPINK, recently appeared on tvN‘s popular variety talk show You Quiz on the Block, hosted by Yoo Jae-suk and Jo Se-ho. The show aired on May 7 and showcased Jennie in a refreshingly candid light, far removed from her usual high-glamour public persona.
On the show, Jennie opened up about her unforgettable performance at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, where she performed 13 songs in 50 minutes without a single outfit change. She described the moment as liberating, saying, “It was the first time I truly felt relieved in my life. I kept thinking maybe I could finally rest for a while.”
When asked by Yoo how many times she had watched the Coachella performance video, Jennie laughed, “I only saw the full version maybe twice. But it kept popping up on my phone, so I couldn’t stop watching it.” She admitted she usually avoids watching herself due to overthinking but made an exception for Coachella, citing how authentically dedicated she felt on stage.
Discussing how she prepared for the intense set, Jennie shared, “Full run-throughs weren’t always possible in rehearsals. Endurance felt like a wall I had to climb. I repeatedly ran and sang for 50 minutes with the setlist, even receiving treatment when necessary. It was a battle with myself.”
After returning from the U.S., Jennie fulfilled a simple craving — traditional Korean food. She revealed she ordered six types of kimbap (Korean rice rolls) and paired them with ramyeon. Tuna kimbap, she said with a smile, is her favorite.
She also opened up about her mother’s influence, especially in her skincare and haircare habits. “My mom would tell me to dry my scalp and apply essence before going out. I am thankful now — it was a good habit,” Jennie recalled fondly.
At the age of ten, Jennie was sent to study abroad in New Zealand — a decision her mother made to broaden her world. “I think my mom wanted me to grow up with a global mindset,” she shared. “New Zealand’s environment suited me. I enjoyed study time, playtime, and rolling around in the grass.”
While contemplating college, Jennie felt a calling toward music. She sent an audition video to YG Entertainment and was accepted as a trainee within a month. Though tough, her training period sharpened her resolve: “I gave it my all. It was a brutal experience.”
Six years later, Jennie debuted with BLACKPINK, and the group skyrocketed to global fame. During the show, Jennie even displayed her Coachella outfits and discussed incorporating Korean cultural elements into her music video for “ZEN.” She explained, “I wanted people overseas to naturally experience Korean culture. I’m proud of being Korean.”
Between dominating global fashion events like the Met Gala and showcasing simplicity in her off-screen life, Jennie remains an icon who bridges Korean heritage with contemporary stardom. Her authenticity continues to charm fans worldwide.
