“Cherishing Self-Love” — BLACKPINK’s Jennie Discusses the Theme of ‘Mantra’ in Latest W KOREA Interview

In an exclusive discussion with W KOREA on October 22, 2024, BLACKPINK’s Jennie unveiled the concept behind her new solo track, “Mantra.”The K-pop star and CHANEL ambassador shared that, while she typically enjoys songs that feature a soft essence, “Mantra”was crafted to reveal a fresh aspect of her artistry. She highlighted that the song’s underlying message revolves around self-love.

“Historically, my music has leaned towards romantic narratives, characterized by gentle vocals and charming choreography. With , however, I’ve shifted the focus to ‘myself’. This track celebrates the importance of self-acceptance and confidently embracing one’s own unique attributes, promoting a powerful message of encouragement.”

The BLACKPINK member also took a moment to express her appreciation for her team, saying:

“The excitement I felt daily during the creation of this project was palpable as I returned to fulfilling my primary role and worked on new music after quite some time. holds a special place in my heart, especially with Team OA, because we discuss every aspect of the production meticulously prior to its release, ensuring it is perfected.”

BLACKPINK's Jennie discusses the concept of 'Mantra' in her latest W KOREA interview. (Image via X/@JennieDCGallery) — BLACKPINK’s Jennie discusses the concept of ‘Mantra’ in her latest W KOREA interview. (Image via X/@JennieDCGallery)

BLACKPINK’s Jennie on the Influence of CHANEL on Her Unique Style

In December 2023, Jennie established her own label, ODDATELIER (OA), following her exit from YG Entertainment. By September 2024, she had inked a global solo deal with Columbia Records, leading to the release of her single “Mantra”on October 11, under both ODDATELIER and the American label.

During the interview, Jennie shared insights about her decision to incorporate the color red into the W KOREA photoshoot and the visual elements of “Mantra.”She noted that red symbolizes a spectrum of emotions and conveys numerous impressions. Jennie expressed that capturing a concept centered around red was a challenging task.

Nonetheless, she revealed that for the W KOREA shoot, the “red”theme synergized perfectly with her appearance.

“I believe that ‘red’ doesn’t exist as a singular tone. It’s a color that encompasses an array of feelings and ideas. This complexity made it difficult to conceptualize a red theme, but in this photoshoot, the ‘red’ element harmonized beautifully with my look, allowing me to showcase various interpretations.”

Jennie disclosed that despite having attended more than ten CHANEL shows, she has never managed to participate in a cruise event at a new locale. She expressed uncertainty regarding the location of the upcoming CHANEL Cruise collection for 2025-2026.

Nevertheless, she conveyed her excitement, noting that the luxury brand’s shows inspire her to immerse in the local atmosphere, breeze, and vibe. The artist behind “Mantra”also remarked on her efforts to interpret the “feminine and elegant”aesthetics of CHANEL models, sharing:

“When I don a CHANEL outfit, I strive to embody the feminine and elegant essence of the original model’s look while adding my unique flair in a cool or fun way, which both CHANEL and the audience seem to appreciate.”

Additionally, BLACKPINK’s Jennie has represented CHANEL as an ambassador since December 2017, earning the affectionate nickname “Human Chanel”from her fans for exemplifying the brand’s ethos of grace and femininity.

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