Jennie has released 7 music videos for her debut album Ruby, setting an unprecedented precedent in the Korean music industry

When BLACKPINK’s Jennie announced her long-anticipated solo debut album Ruby, fans were already expecting a spectacle. But no one could have predicted just how groundbreaking the release would be. In an unprecedented move, Jennie rolled out seven separate music videos for the album, each corresponding to a track and each with a distinct visual and thematic identity. This bold step not only showcases her artistic versatility but also sets a new benchmark in the Korean music industry — one where visual storytelling, creative autonomy, and global appeal intersect like never before.

From her early days as a trainee to becoming one of K-pop’s most iconic fashion and music figures, Jennie has always pushed the boundaries. Her debut with BLACKPINK in 2016 marked the beginning of a career filled with chart-topping hits and international influence. But Ruby isn’t just another chapter in her career; it is a reinvention, a solo emergence, and a declaration of her multifaceted identity as an artist. By pairing every track with its own visual universe, Jennie creates an immersive experience that few in the K-pop industry — or global music scene — have dared to attempt.

Ruby: A Gem of Artistic Vision and Personal Expression

Ruby, both in name and nature, is a reflection of Jennie’s personal artistry — bold, fiery, and uncompromising. The album spans various genres, including R&B, pop, trap, and even alternative electronica. Each song peels back layers of Jennie’s personality, from vulnerability and nostalgia to confidence and rebellion. The lyrical content weaves a story of self-discovery, love, and identity, with many tracks co-written by Jennie herself.

Far from being just a commercial release, Ruby feels like a visual and musical autobiography. Jennie’s role in the album’s creation went far beyond vocal performance; she was actively involved in concept development, styling, and even the direction of music videos. Her partnership with top-tier producers and visual directors demonstrates her commitment to presenting an authentic and curated version of herself.

Moreover, the album reflects a shift within YG Entertainment — one that leans more toward artist-driven projects. Jennie’s hands-on approach indicates a growing trend among K-pop idols to demand more control over their creative output, paving the way for younger artists to follow suit.

A Visual Symphony: Breaking Down the Seven Music Videos

1. “Ruby (Title Track)”
   The crown jewel of the album, this music video blends surreal dreamscapes with high fashion and fast-paced choreography. Directed by a renowned art film director, it captures Jennie’s evolution from idol to independent artist.
2. “Crystalline Tears”
   A more emotional piece, this MV is filled with melancholic hues and minimalistic visuals. It emphasizes vulnerability and internal conflict, showing a rarely seen side of Jennie.
3. “Midnight Flame”
   Shot in a noir-inspired style, this MV explores themes of desire and mystery. Jennie plays a femme fatale figure navigating a dangerous emotional labyrinth.
4. “Pastel Skies”
   A visually soft and playful video, reminiscent of youth and innocence. The color grading and cinematography evoke nostalgia and personal growth.
5. “No Return”
   This MV leans heavily on performance, featuring intricate choreography and avant-garde fashion. It’s a declaration of artistic independence, set in a post-apocalyptic world.
6. “Velvet Knife”
   A cinematic narrative-driven MV, this piece tells a suspenseful story of betrayal and resilience. With Jennie in a lead acting role, it highlights her growing acting chops.
7. “Finale (You & Me Pt. II)”
   The closing video serves as a love letter to her fans. It’s a blend of behind-the-scenes moments and intimate monologues, bringing the Ruby era full circle.

Each video complements the respective track not only thematically but emotionally. The diversity in visual storytelling—from fashion-forward sets to stripped-down, raw emotion—cements Ruby as a multidimensional artistic statement.

Redefining K-pop Norms: Why Seven MVs Matter

Traditionally, K-pop promotions include one or two music videos per album, typically focusing on the lead single and, occasionally, a pre-release or B-side track. Producing even one high-quality MV requires extensive budget, time, and manpower. By choosing to create seven, Jennie — and by extension, her label — took a significant financial and artistic risk.

But this wasn’t a gimmick; it was a declaration. In an industry often driven by formulaic release schedules, Jennie’s approach challenges the notion that K-pop idols must conform to commercial norms. It offers a template for immersive, cinematic album rollouts that emphasize story as much as sound.

Comparable soloists such as IU, Taeyeon, or Sunmi have released impactful MVs, but none have matched this scale. Even global acts like BTS or Taylor Swift typically cap their visual releases at two to three per album cycle. In this sense, Jennie is not only innovating within K-pop but within the broader global pop sphere.

This move also suggests a deeper investment in artistry over virality. Rather than chasing TikTok trends or radio play, Jennie focused on crafting timeless visuals that add depth to her songs. It’s a long-game strategy that aligns more with filmmakers or auteur musicians — rare in the fast-paced world of Korean entertainment.

Jennie’s Solo Legacy: The Impact on Future Generations

Jennie has always been seen as a trendsetter, whether on the runway or the stage. With Ruby, she transitions from icon to pioneer. The album and its visual roll-out redefine what it means to be a “soloist” in the K-pop realm. Rather than treating the solo project as a side adventure between group promotions, Jennie positioned Ruby as an era — a standalone body of work deserving of global attention.

For future female soloists, especially those from idol groups, Ruby serves as a blueprint. It demonstrates that there’s room for deeper artistic exploration, visual innovation, and personal storytelling in K-pop. Jennie’s success will likely encourage labels to take similar risks, especially as global audiences demand more authentic, artist-driven content.

Moreover, Jennie’s global fanbase — ranging from fashionistas to music purists — ensures that her influence will ripple far beyond Korea. Already, fans and critics are drawing parallels between Ruby and the visual albums of Beyoncé or the genre-hopping brilliance of Billie Eilish. Yet, Jennie remains firmly rooted in her own cultural context, blending K-pop’s rigor with the individuality of Western pop stars.

Conclusion: Ruby — More Than a Debut, a Movement

Jennie’s Ruby is not just a debut album; it’s a bold, visual, and musical odyssey. The release of seven music videos may seem excessive in a traditional sense, but in Jennie’s hands, it becomes a masterstroke. Each MV adds a new facet to her persona, building a layered and unforgettable narrative that redefines what it means to be a K-pop soloist.

As the Korean music industry continues to evolve, Jennie’s move will be remembered as a landmark moment — one that pushed the envelope of visual storytelling and challenged industry conventions. In doing so, Jennie doesn’t just shine; she redefines the light.