SEOUL, April 16 (Yonhap) — Jennie of K-pop girl group BLACKPINK has been listed among U.S. Time magazine’s “100 Most Influential People of the Year,” becoming the only Korean included.
The singer was named in the Artists category of the Time 100 announced Wednesday (U.S. time), joining global figures across politics, culture and sports.
Jennie made history last year when her solo album, “Ruby,” saw three tracks enter the Billboard Hot 100 chart simultaneously, a first for a K-pop female solo artist.
Grammy-nominated American musician Gracie Abrams introduced Jennie in Time, calling her “a star” and praising “the magic at her core” that draws audiences whether on stage, on screen or behind the scenes.
BLACKPINK’s Jennie is seen in this photo provided by YG Entertainment. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
“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,” Abrams wrote.
Among the Korean Americans on the 2026 list are musician Anderson .Paak and snowboarder Chloe Kim, who drew praise for competing through an injury at this year’s Winter Olympics despite falling short of her third consecutive win.
U.S. President Donald Trump was selected again, joining a group of state leaders that includes Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
sshim@yna.co.kr
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