"Stop using India to hate Jennie" — Netizens defend BLACKPINK idol as she faces cultural appropriation allegations for her song 'Mantra'

BLACKPINK's Jennie got embroiled in another controversy after a few netizens accused her of cultural appropriation for her upcoming single, Mantra. Netizens believed that the South Korean artist allegedly disrespected Hinduism and Indians by titling her forthcoming party-themed song, Mantra.

For the unversed, "mantra" is a Sanskrit word used during meditation and is considered to be a sacred message, text, charm, or spell in both Hinduism and Buddhism.

They accused her of disrespectfully using the word "mantra" and said it had nothing to do with her upcoming song's theme. They further claimed that her song "exploited" Hindu culture as the lyrics contain slang and talk about partying. It is crucial to note that the song is set to be released on October 11, 2024, and only the chorus was released by her on October 1 as a teaser.

Meanwhile, some netizens also highlighted how BLACKPINK allegedly disrespected Lord Ganesha, a Hindu deity, in their single, How You Like That MV, released in 2020. They alleged that the BLACKPINK members have repeatedly disrespected India and its culture.

The BLACKPINK idol's fans came to her defense and highlighted that several Western artists have previously used the word as it is a global term. One fan wrote on X,

"No one is mad besides you! Stop using India to hate Jennie"

Some netizens demanded that the BLACKPINK idol should apologize for the cultural appropriation of Hinduism.

"This time we need a serious apology not just getting away with it if they don't know a certain meaning related to a certain culture either educate urself abt that word or culture or just don't use it unnecessarily," an X user wrote.

"Indian people are MAD and they're RIGHT! MANTRA MEANING ISN'T MATCHING WITH THE LYRICS! JENNIE APOLOGIES, YOU'RE MAKING MISTAKES AGAIN AND AGAIN," another user stated.

"Not okay with this kind of cultural appropriation. Even in the past, Jennie has been guilty of Indian cultural appropriation. Using "mantras" which is extremely religious and important to Hinduism is not okay in anyway. You wanna make a club song ? DO IT. Keep Hinduism out of it." another user remarked.

However, several Indian fans united and defended Jennie. They stated that her upcoming song didn't offend them at all.

"Jennie probably the first mainstream kpop artist to promote in India. I have never even seen western artists ever promote here." a fan wrote.

"No actual Indian or Hindu would be upset that a global superstar is using and promoting our culture... it's only kpoppies," another fan said.

"Exactly I ain’t upset at all cause mantra is literally a chant a repeated statement for someone to be motivated or give them some kind of energy and it doesn’t have to religious it’s more spiritual and personal ! They are just finding stupid reasons to hate Jennie," one other fan added.

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BLACKPINK's Jennie set to drop her comeback solo single Mantra

On October 1, 2024, the BLACKPINK rapper announced her comeback single, Mantra. The song will be released under ODDATELIER and Columbia Records on October 11. For the uninitiated, Jennie established her company, ODDATELIER aka OA, on December 24, 2023. She signed a partnership deal with Columbia Records on September 6, 2024.

In December 2023, she resolved her solo contract with YG Entertainment. However, she renewed her group contract as a BLACKPINK member with the company. Similarly, her bandmates—Jisoo, Lisa, and Rosé—also terminated their solo contracts with YG Entertainment but maintained the group contract. Jisoo and Lisa both founded their respective companies in February 2024.

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In other news, the You & Me rapper attended CHANEL's spring/summer 2025 presentation at the Paris Fashion Week on October 2, 2024.