Jennie, a member of global K-pop sensation BLACKPINK, has once again stirred the internet with a daring fashion statement. On April 8, fashion magazine HommeGirls released photos from her new shoot, revealing Jennie topless with only minimal accessories covering her upper body.
While HommeGirls praised her as a global icon who “redefined what it means to be a phenomenon,” Korean and international audiences responded with sharply divided opinions. The shoot coincides with her first full solo album “Ruby,” which continues to dominate domestic and international charts.
Korean Reactions: “Sexy? Not Even Close.”
Korean online communities were largely unimpressed, with many criticizing both the concept and execution. Rather than praising the shoot for being empowering or stylish, most comments expressed confusion, discomfort, or disappointment.
Top Korean Comments (Source : Nate)
“Not sexy at all… is it just me?” (👍 1,324 / 👎 51)
“Who came up with this concept? It’s awful.” (👍 1,043 / 👎 43)
“Why bother covering up at all?” (👍 1,031 / 👎 49)
“She used to be cute and classy. Now it just feels cheap.” (👍 103 / 👎 3)
“Even a band-aid could’ve done the job…” (👍 82 / 👎 2)
“Too flat to pull this off. It’s not sexy, just wild.” (👍 82 / 👎 2)
“She never looked sexy to me. Why stick to this concept every time?” (👍 80 / 👎 2)
“YG knew how to brand BLACKPINK. Now without them, it feels off.” (👍 70 / 👎 1)
Global Reactions: “Let Her Be Free”
International fans were far more enthusiastic and supportive. Many praised Jennie’s confidence and dismissed any backlash as sexist or outdated, framing her as a role model for body positivity and independence.
Top Global Comments (Source : X @NEWSJENNlE)
“I love how Jennie doesn’t care about what the haters say. She does what she wants and likes. A TRUE inspiration for women.” (❤️ 47)
“GOOD MORNING TO YOU TOO, JENNIE!!!” (❤️ 43)
“My girl better not get slutshamed. Btw she ate.” (❤️ 37)
“JENNIE OH MY GOD WOW.” (❤️ 30)
“My god… Jennie the woman that you are.” (❤️ 19)
“Mommyyyy have mercy omg.” (❤️ 7)
Cultural Divide: Liberation vs. Legacy
This incident reveals the cultural gap in how female celebrity expression is perceived.
Korean audiences remain conservative in their expectations of “luxury idols,” often valuing elegance over provocation. For many, Jennie’s past image—stylish yet reserved—was part of her appeal, and her current direction feels like a detour.
In contrast, global audiences embrace boldness and self-expression. To them, this wasn’t about shock value—it was about a woman owning her body and brand on her own terms.
As Jennie steps into a new chapter of her career, the real challenge might not be public opinion—but reconciling two different standards of what it means to be “empowered.”