While flying to London, Jennie excitedly shared the much-anticipated trailer for her debut solo album, Ruby. “It’s hard for me to stay longer than a week in one city,” she admits candidly, as she embarks on yet another journey, this time returning from Los Angeles to her home in Seoul. Her constant travels reflect the life of a global superstar, and this whirlwind lifestyle fuels her creativity and artistic expression, making her music resonate with fans around the world.

To accompany the album’s trailer released in January, Jennie selected the powerful track “Zen,” drawing attention to the poignant lyric “In the dark I grew.” This line perfectly encapsulates the overarching theme present throughout Ruby. Jennie articulates, “To me, that song is the core of this album,” emphasizing its significance in her artistic journey. It was only fitting to kick off this new chapter with such a profound and introspective piece, signifying her growth and evolution as an artist.

Arriving on March 7, Ruby is a groundbreaking album entirely in English, featuring hit singles like “Mantra,” and collaborative tracks “Love Hangover” with Dominic Fike and “ExtraL” alongside Doechii. The diverse roster of featured artists, which includes legends like Dua Lipa, Childish Gambino, and Kali Uchis, showcases Jennie’s eclectic musical taste and undeniable global appeal. As a jet-setting artist with a dedicated international fanbase cultivated through her role in the iconic K-pop group Blackpink, Jennie is eager to carve out her own identity in the music industry. She proudly launched Ruby under her independent label, OddAtelier, in collaboration with Columbia Records. “It feels like my power as a superhero,” she shares with Billboard, noting how this experience inspires her to create more impactful music and work diligently towards her goals.

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How has your global fanbase with Blackpink influenced your solo career journey?

For me, this album feels like a reintroduction to the world. I’m presenting myself as if it’s the very first time — that’s the level of commitment I’ve promised myself. So, while I appreciate the support I’ve received from my fans, I don’t believe there’s a significant change in how I approach my artistry. Instead, I’m focused on establishing a deeper connection with my audience through this new musical exploration.

Your middle name is now Ruby Jane. What inspired you to name your album after it?

The title Ruby was a decision I contemplated until the final moments. It doesn’t solely stem from being part of my name; rather, Ruby symbolizes a significant transition, akin to a curtain call in a theatrical performance. This album marks the opening of a new chapter in my life. I prefer not to categorize Jennie, Ruby, and Jane as separate personas but rather view them as integral parts of who I am, blended into one cohesive identity.

You released a lyric breakdown of “Love Hangover” in Korean. What motivated you to do this?

I take immense pride in my Korean heritage, and I wanted to express my gratitude to my fans by providing them with a deeper understanding of my music and my artistic self through the lyrics. Given that this album is entirely in English, it was essential for me to create a bridge for my Korean fans, allowing them to engage with my work and connect with me on a more personal level, as they often wish to interact in both languages.

Which lyrics from Ruby resonate most with your personal journey?

A particular song that captures my emotions throughout this journey is “Starlight.” It beautifully encapsulates my feelings during this time, making it a very personal piece for me. The lyrics convey a depth of emotion and reflection that aligns with my experiences, resonating with listeners who have faced similar journeys.

Dua Lipa collaborates on the track “Handlebars.” Can you tell us about your friendship?

My friendship with Dua has been longstanding; I attended her very first concert in Korea, which was a memorable experience. We have a strong friendship, and collaborating on a song together was a fresh and exciting venture for both of us. It allowed us to explore our artistic connection in a new way, and we truly enjoyed the process of creating music together.

Who do you think travels more between you and Dua Lipa?

To be honest, both of us are extremely dedicated to our careers and travel extensively for work. Our schedules are hectic, and we both put in the effort to balance our professional commitments with personal time, making it difficult to determine who truly travels more.

What motivated you to build a team of strong women to support your label?

Working alongside individuals who radiate positive energy is crucial to me, and I’ve found myself naturally gravitating towards empowering women. It’s essential for me to be part of a collaborative environment where we uplift each other. I’m continuously striving to become one of those inspiring women whom I admire and look up to, fostering a culture of support and empowerment.

This story appears in the March 22, 2025, issue of Billboard.