BLACKPINK’s Jennie continues to solidify her position as a global music powerhouse, making headlines once again with a record-breaking milestone.
Her solo single “Like JENNIE” has officially become the first song released in 2025 to surpass 500 million streams on YouTube Music, outpacing global stars such as Bad Bunny and Lady Gaga in reaching the benchmark.
This achievement marks a massive win not only for Jennie as a soloist but also for the K-pop industry, as “Like JENNIE” is now the most-streamed song by a K-pop act on YouTube Music in 2025.
Released earlier this year, the track has seen explosive growth in its global reach, resonating with fans worldwide thanks to its catchy production, sleek visuals, and empowered message- fitting for an artist who has consistently set trends since her debut.
“YouTube Music,” the successor to Google Play Music, serves as a global platform for music streaming and video content.
It provides access to official tracks, music videos, live performances, and dance practices, making it one of the most influential platforms for measuring global fan engagement.
Jennie’s record on the platform further underscores her star power and international appeal.
“Like JENNIE” also continues to trend across various social media platforms and has maintained its strong chart performance not just in Korea but across Europe, North America, and Southeast Asia.
The song’s polished fusion of pop, R&B, and hip-hop elements reflects Jennie’s unique artistic identity and growth as a solo performer.
Her effortless charisma, both in the track and its accompanying visuals, has sparked a wave of viral challenges and fan covers across TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube Shorts.
The single is Jennie’s first major solo release since her 2018 debut “SOLO,” and it’s clear that the wait was worth it. “Like JENNIE” builds upon her established image while also pushing into new sonic territory.
Fans and critics alike have praised the song’s sleek, confident lyrics, which reflect self-empowerment and resilience—a theme that deeply resonates with her global fanbase, known as Blinks.
Notably, Jennie’s impact extends far beyond music. With a strong foothold in fashion, film, and beauty, she has become a true global icon.
Her collaboration with luxury brands like Chanel, Calvin Klein, and her recent acting debut in HBO’s The Idol have only amplified her reach, making her one of the most recognized faces in pop culture today.
The success of “Like JENNIE” is yet another testament to Jennie’s multifaceted talent and the ever-expanding global influence of K-pop artists in Western-dominated markets.
It also highlights how digital streaming platforms like YouTube Music have become key indicators of an artist’s international success and engagement.
As fans continue to stream the track and celebrate this milestone, Jennie has once again proven why she remains at the top of her game- breaking records not just for BLACKPINK, but for all solo artists in the K-pop world.
In the midst of ongoing legal turmoil and prolonged silence from NJZ (NewJeans), a surprising and heartwarming fan encounter with member Hanni has sent waves of emotion and relief throughout the fandom.
Months after her last public sighting, Hanni was quietly spotted by a fan during what appeared to be a personal vacation—marking the first update on her in several months.
Though simple and unassuming, this unexpected moment provided a powerful reminder of Hanni’s warmth, humility, and enduring bond with her supporters.
As one of the most beloved members of NJZ, Hanni has held a special place in the hearts of fans since the group’s explosive debut.
However, the ongoing dispute between ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin and parent company HYBE has cast a long shadow over the group’s activities in 2025.
The dispute, involving legal claims and management disputes, has severely limited NJZ’s promotional efforts and left fans in the dark regarding the members’ well-being and future.
With member appearances reduced to courtrooms and behind-closed-door meetings, fans have grown increasingly anxious.
Danielle and Minji were spotted attending court in August, but no public statements or activities followed.
For Hanni, the silence was even more prolonged—her last appearance having been in March, leaving her fans with nothing but worry and hope.
That is, until now.
In a quiet town far from the spotlight of Seoul or any K-pop hub, a fan stumbled upon Hanni enjoying time at a café with friends.
According to a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), the interaction was intimate and friendly.
NJZ (NewJeans) Hanni (Credit: YouTube)
The fan’s friend spoke to Hanni for about five minutes. They described her as kind, approachable, and surprisingly candid. Hanni even agreed to take a photo, requesting only that it be posted a day later—suggesting both humility and a wish for momentary privacy.
More notably, the fan revealed that Hanni had dyed her hair—a subtle but significant visual change that thrilled supporters.
Even without makeup, she reportedly looked radiant and healthy, with her natural beauty shining through.
“She was really kind, and even though she was completely barefaced, she was still so pretty,” the post read. “She was surprised that my friend noticed her dyed hair, lol.”
Though it was a brief encounter, the reaction from fans was anything but small.
The fandom exploded with emotion online, with many posting heartfelt reactions to what was essentially a cropped glimpse of Hanni’s eye from the shared image.
For fans who’ve waited months for reassurance, that tiny corner of her face was enough to trigger a wave of joy, relief, and renewed hope.
Some fans shared messages like:
“I’ve never been more happy to see the corner of someone’s eye.” “HANNI UPDATE” “726263663 years later and I’m still crying over her beauty”
This emotional outpouring reflects just how deeply NJZ’s supporters have felt the group’s absence.
Since their debut under the now-controversial ADOR label, NJZ (NewJeans) has built one of the most dedicated fandoms in K-pop.
Their image—defined by youthfulness, creativity, and emotional openness—has created a deeply personal connection between fans and idols.
As a result, the legal battle between their management companies has been more than just a business matter; it’s been a source of personal heartache for those who care deeply for these young artists.
Beyond the heartwarming fan encounter, Hanni’s appearance also served as a subtle but powerful message: the members are still here, still living their lives despite the chaos, and still willing to connect with fans in the quietest ways possible.
Her presence, even without an official schedule or promotional material, became a symbol of resilience.
Meanwhile, controversies around NJZ continue to surface. Allegations involving other members, including claims about Minji’s appearance and Soobin’s shocking trainee experience, have kept the group in the spotlight for the wrong reasons.
But it’s moments like this one—with Hanni casually sipping coffee in a quiet café and exchanging warm words with a stranger—that remind fans of why they fell in love with the group in the first place.
As the group’s future remains uncertain and legal proceedings continue, Hanni’s rare update is a much-needed breath of fresh air for a fandom that’s remained loyal through silence.
It may be months before NJZ returns to the stage—but in the meantime, the gentle reassurance of Hanni’s quiet smile is more than enough.
Fans now wait patiently—not just for legal resolutions, but for the day when updates like this one are once again the norm, not the exception.
