What does Zen mean? Decoding the symbolism, lyrics, Korean representation, & outfits on BLACKPINK’s Jennie’s latest MV

Jennie Kim, a member of BLACKPINK, recently surprised her fans with the release of her music video for the new track Zen, which dropped on January 24. The video was directed by Cho Gi-Seok and captivates with stunning visuals of Jennie moving through cosmic landscapes, all while showcasing a blend of both elegant and futuristic styles.

The word "Zen" originates from the Japanese school of Mahayana Buddhism, focusing on meditation, mindfulness, and simplicity. It emphasizes the importance of living in the present and finding balance amidst chaos.

The song's lyrics explore themes of self-empowerment, resilience, and independence. The BLACKPINK member sings about the strength of her aura and soul, repeatedly emphasizing her determination. She declares herself as a figure who cannot be influenced or affected by the outside world, even as she faces criticism and judgment. She also tackles the harsh realities of fame, saying,

“"nobody gon touch my soul, move my life, touch my goal or matter. i dare you / Money can't buy sixth sense.”

This new single comes just days after the artist announced her debut solo album, Ruby, which will be released on March 7, 2025. The album will feature 15 tracks, including her single Mantra and collaborations with artists like Childish Gambino, Dua Lipa, Doechii, Dominic Fike, FKJ, and Kali Uchis.

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More about the symbolism, representation, & more in BLACKPINK's Jennie's Zen music video

The music video for Zen is rich with symbolism rooted in philosophy, which emphasizes peace, balance, and self-awareness. The rapper integrates these themes into the visuals and lyrics in powerful ways:

1) The Owl:

The owl is a prominent symbol in the video, appearing in various forms—from live owls to owl masks worn by the singer and her dancers. In Zen, owls symbolize heightened awareness and wisdom.

Just as owls see clearly in the dark, Zen encourages a deep awareness of oneself and the present moment. Jennie’s connection with the owl represents her spiritual growth and the clarity she seeks through Zen principles.

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2) The Lotus:

One of the visuals in the video shows Jennie sitting in the middle of a blooming lotus. The lotus symbolizes spiritual awakening, purity, and growth, as it emerges from muddy waters to bloom. Jennie’s position within the lotus suggests her connection to enlightenment.

The implosion of the lotus in the video represents breaking free from constraints and personal transformation. Her emergence with wings signifies rebirth and ascension, connecting with the Zen idea of transcendence.

3) The Four Elements:

• Fire (Transformation and Energy): The idol is surrounded by flames signifies destruction and rebirth, aligning with Zen’s focus on transformation.
• Water (Adaptability and Emotion): The scenes where Jennie stands in water speak to emotional depth, cleansing, and adaptability, which are essential to Zen teachings.
• Air (Freedom and Intuition): Open skies and moments of her floating represent freedom and intuition, central themes in Zen meditation.
• Earth (Grounding and Growth): The rapper's serene presence among nature represents the grounding aspect of Zen, emphasizing stability and connection to the present.

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4) The Different Eye Colors and the Evil Eye:

The idol is seen with one brown and one blue eye, symbolizing the balance between the physical (brown) and spiritual (blue). The brown eye connects her to the earth, while the blue eye represents spirituality.

Together, they highlight Zen’s principle of unity in duality. She also wears an evil eye, which is believed to protect against negativity—aligning with her lyrics about guarding her aura and remaining resilient.

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5) Rejecting Materialism:

Jennie’s line “Money can't buy sixth sense” challenges the idea that material wealth can provide true happiness or wisdom. Despite her fame, she asserts that true enlightenment and self-awareness cannot be bought, reflecting Zen’s focus on inner peace over external success.

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6) Chained Heart Imagery:

The heart wrapped in chains in the video symbolizes the burdens and pressures of fame. Jennie’s “thick skin” is a metaphor for her emotional resilience, developed over years of facing public scrutiny.

The chains reflect the weight of societal expectations, but Jennie wears them proudly, symbolizing her strength in overcoming adversity.

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7) The Five Jennies:

In one scene, five versions of the idol appear, representing the many roles she plays—public figure, artist, and individual. This visual signals that despite external expectations, she remains true to her authentic self. Her soul, aura, and goals are untouchable, reinforcing her sense of independence and self-empowerment.

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8) Acceptance of Criticism and Hate:

In a powerful moment, masked figures representing critics and haters approach Jennie, but she stands unshaken. This moment symbolizes her growth, as she no longer allows negativity to affect her.

The Zen practice of detachment is evident here, as Jennie accepts hate without letting it consume her.

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9) Cultural References and Traditional Korean Influences

The music video for “Zen” also incorporates rich elements of traditional Korean culture, reflecting Jennie’s pride in her heritage. The owl featured in the video, a Eurasian eagle owl, is native to South Korea.

The Solo singer's outfits and accessories, especially the golden wing ornament, are inspired by ancient Korean royal artifacts from the Silla dynasty. Her fashion choices, including hairstyles reminiscent of Joseon-era styles, merge historical Korean aesthetics with a modern twist.

The lotus, which symbolizes purity and spiritual awakening, is also significant in Korean culture and Buddhism. The jewel imagery and traditional Korean hairpins seen in the video further connect the visuals to the star's cultural roots.

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To mark the release of her album, the K-pop idol will embark on a short tour, the Ruby Experience, visiting Los Angeles (March 6), New York City (March 10), and Seoul (March 15).