BLACKPINK’s Jennie has finally opened up about her debut solo album, Ruby, and the deep personal meaning behind its name. In a recent chat with Clash Music, the global superstar gave fans a closer look at what inspired her to choose “Ruby” as the title for her first full-length solo project, released on March 7, 2025, through her label Odd Atelier and Columbia Records. It’s a story that ties back to her childhood, her journey of self-discovery, and the strength she’s built along the way.
Here’s the scoop: Ruby isn’t just a catchy title—it’s a piece of Jennie’s life, reflecting who she is and what she stands for. Below, we break down everything she revealed about the album’s name and why it’s so much more than fans might expect.
A Name Born in New Zealand
When Jennie was a kid, she moved to New Zealand to study, a big leap for a young girl from South Korea. Back then, she noticed something simple but meaningful—her classmates had longer names, often with a middle name, while hers was just “Jennie Kim.” Wanting to fit in and add a bit of flair, she came up with “Jennie Ruby Jane.” The “Ruby” part stuck with her over the years, becoming more than just a playful addition.
In her Clash Music interview, Jennie explained how that time in New Zealand shaped her. She said she didn’t know any English or understand the culture when she arrived. It was a shock, but a good one. She learned fast and adapted to her new surroundings, setting the stage for how she’d tackle challenges later in life. That little girl who picked “Ruby” was already showing signs of the resilience she’d carry into her career.
More Than Just a Name—It’s About Strength
The name “Ruby” isn’t only a throwback to her childhood—it’s a symbol of something bigger. Jennie told Clash Music that rubies stand for courage, resilience, and strength. These aren’t just pretty words to her; they’re qualities she sees in herself and works to live up to every day. Naming her album Ruby was her way of owning that strength and sharing it with the world.
This double meaning hits deep. It’s not just about a gemstone or a name she liked as a kid—it’s about the grit she’s developed through years of hard work, from her trainee days at YG Entertainment to becoming a global icon with BLACKPINK. That strength shines through in Ruby, an album packed with 15 tracks that mix pop, hip-hop, and R&B, featuring big names like Childish Gambino, Dua Lipa, and Doechii.
Finding Herself Through BLACKPINK and Beyond
Jennie got real about her journey in the interview, looking back on her early days with BLACKPINK. She debuted with the group in 2016 at just 20 years old, young and unsure of what lay ahead. She admitted she was naive back then, stepping into a world she didn’t fully understand. Over time, though, she found her footing—and her identity—thanks to the bond she shares with her bandmates Jisoo, Rosé, and Lisa.
Those years helped her grow, but they also pushed her to figure out who she was beyond the group. Ruby is the result of that self-discovery. It’s her first big solo move since leaving YG Entertainment for her solo career in 2023, and it’s a chance to show fans the real Jennie—not just the BLACKPINK star, but the artist with her own voice and vision.
Why Ruby Matters
Ruby isn’t just an album—it’s Jennie stepping into her own spotlight. The name ties together her past and present, from a kid in New Zealand picking a longer name to a woman embracing her strength and courage. It’s personal, it’s powerful, and it’s 100% her. With over a million copies sold worldwide in its first week and top-ten debuts in 19 countries, including South Korea, the U.S., and the UK, Ruby proves she’s a force on her own.
Fans are loving this peek into Jennie’s world, and the album’s success shows they’re along for the ride. It’s a bold start to her solo chapter, blending her story with music that’s fresh, diverse, and totally authentic.
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