I was scared to express myself: Blackpink's Jennie

K-pop band Blackpink's member Jennie Kim recently discussed the challenges of fame and the limitations she faced as a K-Pop idol. In an interview on Dua Lipa's BBC Sounds podcast, Jennie shared her experiences and aspirations, according to Variety.

Jennie, who was born in Korea but spent five years studying in Auckland, New Zealand, before returning to Korea and joining YG's talent academy, has achieved global success as part of Blackpink. The group holds the distinction of being the first music group and Korean female act to have five music videos surpass one billion views each on YouTube, and they are the most-followed girl group on Spotify.

Reflecting on her career in the Korean music industry, Jennie expressed how it initially restricted certain aspects of her personality that were not deemed suitable for a K-Pop idol. She admitted feeling fearful of expressing herself fully. However, as time went on and her success grew, she found the courage to break free from these constraints. 

"Starting my career in Korea as a K-pop artist has restricted so many sides of me, where it wasn't just allowed to be shown because I'm a K-pop idol. And I was scared, I think, to express myself," said Jennie. 

During the podcast, Dua Lipa asked Jennie about the Blackpink song "Tally," which features explicit language. 

Jennie shared her experience of performing "Tally" at Coachella earlier this year, highlighting the immense pressure she felt. After leaving the stage, she burst into tears, overwhelmed by the emotional impact of the performance and the support from the crowd.

Jennie Kim's candid revelations shed light on breaking boundaries in the K-Pop industry, and her ongoing journey of self-discovery.