BLACKPINK’s Jennie has added another major achievement to her career. The 30-year-old singer and rapper became the only K-pop artist included in TIME Magazine’s “100 Most Influential People of 2026” list. The announcement came on April 15, 2026, and fans quickly flooded social media with praise. Many are now calling her the “Rihanna of K-pop” because of her global impact and solo success.
The TIME100 list honors leaders, artists, icons, and pioneers from around the world. Jennie earned her spot in the Artists category. She joins famous names like singer-songwriter Gracie Abrams, actor Dakota Johnson, and musician Anderson .Paak on this year’s list.
Netizens Call Jennie the ‘Rihanna of K-pop’ After TIME Honor
Social media exploded with reactions after the news broke. Fans used the nickname “Rihanna of K-pop” to describe Jennie’s influence in both music and fashion. One supporter wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “Yeah she’s the Rihanna of K Pop”.
Another fan celebrated her achievement by calling her a global icon.
“Global IT Girl did it again MOST INFLUENTIAL ARTIST OF 2026 CONGRATULATIONS JENNIE”
Other admirers pointed out how Jennie has grown from a K-pop star into a worldwide figure. One comment read, “From K-pop star to global figure, that transition doesn’t happen by accident. Well deserved Jennie”.
Fans also highlighted her work ethic and consistent success. A supporter said, “Congratulations Jennie! Making it to TIME 100 most influential is HUGE. From BLACKPINK stages to global fashion icon and solo powerhouse — your impact keeps growing. Well deserved queen”.
Gracie Abrams Writes Special Tribute for Jennie in TIME Magazine
Gracie Abrams, the Grammy-nominated singer, wrote the official tribute for Jennie in TIME. Abrams described Jennie’s unique presence and charm. She explained that Jennie’s appeal goes beyond her music or fame.
Abrams shared her personal thoughts about meeting Jennie.
“To put it simply, she is a star. There is magic at her core. Whether you see her through a screen, in a stadium filled with 100,000 people, at a party, or in a backstage hallway, she draws you in in the same way.”
Abrams also talked about Jennie’s personality. She called her kind and warm. The American singer wrote, “What makes Jennie a true star is that even in her quiet moments, she possesses the same kind of undeniable presence that cuts through all the noise, and she carries that with kindness and warmth”.
The two artists worked together earlier this year. They appeared in Chanel’s Coco Crush jewelry campaign in 2026. Their professional connection made Abrams the perfect person to introduce Jennie in TIME.
Solo Album Ruby and Billboard Success Led to This Moment
Jennie’s inclusion in the TIME100 list comes after a very strong year for her solo career. She released her first studio album, “Ruby,” on March 7, 2025. The album had 15 tracks and featured big names like Childish Gambino, Dua Lipa, and Kali Uchis.
“Ruby” received high praise from music critics. Rolling Stone magazine named it one of the “100 Best Albums of 2025”. The album also made history on the Billboard charts. Jennie became the first K-pop female solo artist to place three songs on the Billboard Hot 100 at the same time.
Her single “Dracula,” a remix of Tame Impala’s song, reached a personal best of No. 17 on the Billboard Hot 100. The track also performed well on rock charts. “Dracula” got nominated for “Song of the Summer” at the 2026 American Music Awards.
Jennie also earned a nomination at the 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards. Her song “ExtraL” with Doechii was nominated for “Favorite Use of a Sample”. These achievements show how Jennie has built a strong solo career while still being part of BLACKPINK.
A Year of Growth and Global Recognition
Jennie started her own independent label, ODD ATELIER, in 2025. This move gave her more control over her music and brand. She also signed a distribution deal with Columbia Records for her solo work.
Her influence goes beyond music. Jennie is a major fashion icon. She works with luxury brands like Chanel and Calvin Klein. Her style choices often become trends on social media. Fans and fashion critics say she has a unique look that stands out.
Jennie also tried acting. She appeared in the HBO series “The Idol” in 2023. The show was created by The Weeknd. This role showed another side of her talent.
On Spotify, Jennie has over 52 million monthly listeners. Her Instagram following has crossed 80 million. These numbers prove how much people around the world connect with her.
Korean and Asian Representation on the Global Stage
Jennie’s achievement is important for Korean and Asian representation. She is the only Korean person on the 2026 TIME100 list. Last year, her BLACKPINK bandmate Rosé made the list. Now Jennie continues that legacy.
Korean-American musician Anderson .Paak and snowboarder Chloe Kim also made this year’s list. But Jennie stands alone as the only K-pop act. This shows how her solo work has reached a new level of global recognition.
The TIME100 list also includes world leaders. US President Donald Trump, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum are among the names in the Leaders category. Pope Leo XIV and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also appear on the list.
Fans Celebrate the Historic Moment Online
BLINKs, the official fandom name for BLACKPINK fans, celebrated online. Many shared clips of Jennie’s performances and magazine covers. Some made edits comparing her career path to Rihanna’s journey from music to fashion and business.
One fan wrote, “A well deserved nod to Jennie proof that talent, style, and global charisma can reshape culture far beyond music. K-pop’s influence keeps expanding in the most inspiring ways”.
Another admirer called her a “queen” and the “GLOBAL IT GIRL”. The excitement shows how much this recognition means to her supporters. They see it as proof that Jennie’s hard work has paid off.
Jennie has not yet posted her own reaction to the TIME100 honor. But fans expect her to share something soon on her social media accounts.
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TIME100 Gala to Take Place in New York on April 22
TIME magazine will hold the 20th annual TIME100 Gala on April 22, 2026, in New York City. The event will honor all the people on the influential list. For the first time, the red carpet will be live-streamed. Fans from around the world will be able to watch the ceremony online.
Jennie is expected to attend the event. If she goes, it will be another chance for her to meet other influential figures from politics, entertainment, sports, and business.
The full TIME100 list appears in the magazine’s April 27, 2026 issue. Print copies will hit newsstands on April 17.
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