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On January 25, 2025, BLACKPINK's Jennie surprised fans worldwide by releasing the music video for her latest single, ZEN, without prior announcement. This unexpected drop quickly garnered massive attention, propelling the video to the No. 1 spot on YouTube's trending charts across 45 countries.
As of January 26, 2025, the music video has surpassed 9.1 million views on YouTube. Additionally, the video soared to No. 1 in countries including Brazil, Indonesia, the United States, Mexico, and more.
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Directed by the acclaimed Cho Gi-seok, the ZEN music video is a visual feast, showcasing the amalgamation of the BLACKPINK star's rap verses with the Korean heritage of the Silla dynasty, which took pride in their women warriors. The idol's golden crown ornament custom-made outfit was also inspired by the Silla dynasty.
The video's grand production and striking aesthetics have captivated audiences, leading to widespread acclaim. Within hours of its release, ZEN amassed over 3 million views and 700,000 likes, underscoring Jennie's global influence and the dedication of her fanbase.
BLACKPINK's Jennie's ZEN represents female leaders from Silla, the ancient Korean kingdom
BLACKPINK's Jennie has captivated audiences with her latest music video, ZEN, which draws inspiration from the rich heritage of Korea's Silla dynasty, particularly its formidable female leaders and the mythical Jujak, or Vermilion Bird.
The Silla Kingdom (57 BC – 935 AD) was one of Korea's Three Kingdoms and is notable for having been ruled by three queen regnants, a rarity in ancient times. The first of these was Queen Seondeok (r. 632–647), who ascended the throne as Silla's first female ruler. She is remembered for her diplomatic acumen and efforts to strengthen the kingdom's cultural and political standing.
Following her, Queen Jindeok (r. 647–654) continued to fortify Silla's alliances and internal stability. The third was Queen Jinseong (r. 887–897), who faced significant challenges during her reign but remains a testament to the era's progressive stance on female leadership.
In East Asian mythology, the Jujak, or Vermilion Bird, symbolizes the southern direction and represents fire, summer, and prosperity. Often depicted as a red phoenix-like creature, it embodies renewal and transformation. This mythical bird holds a significant place in Korean cultural heritage, symbolizing both power and grace.
According to the designer, LEJE, Jennie's golden crown ornament outfit, and the ZEN music video is a visual masterpiece that pays homage to the Silla dynasty's heritage. The designer wrote:
"‘Wonhwa’ is a prestigious title representing female leaders from Silla, the ancient Korean kingdom. This collection envisions Jennie as the modern embodiment of the ‘Wonhwa’, radiating both grace and resilience. The design takes inspiration from the intricate gold crown ornaments of Silla, drawing upon the mythical ‘Jujak’ (Vermilion Bird), symbolizing both ethereal beauty and unwavering strength."
They further stated:
"We are deeply honored to contribute to Jennie’s ‘RUBY’ album. Her genuine passion and dedication to preserving and celebrating Korean culture command the highest respect and admiration. We love you, JENNIE."
ZEN serves as a prelude to the BLACKPINK idol's upcoming debut solo album, Ruby, set to release on March 7, 2025. The 15-track album features collaborations with renowned artists such as Dua Lipa, Childish Gambino, Doechii, Dominic Fike, FKJ, and Kali Uchis.
In conjunction with the album release, the BLACKPINK idol announced The RUBY Experience, a series of performances designed to offer fans a closer peek into her solo artistry. The showcase will span three cities: Los Angeles on March 10, 2025, New York City on March 17, 2025, and Seoul on March 24, 2025.
