Jennie Finally Breaks Down Her Path from New Zealand to YG: “I Had to Do What I Truly Wanted”
In a rare and heartfelt interview on the May 7 episode of tvN’s “You Quiz on the Block,” BLACKPINK’s Jennie opened up about the experiences that shaped her—from growing up alone in New Zealand to deciding to pursue music and join YG Entertainment.
A Childhood Abroad: Learning Independence at 10
Jennie moved to New Zealand at the age of ten, a decision driven by her mother’s vision. “I think my mom just wanted me to grow up in a bigger world,” she recalled. “She thought it was important to learn languages early, so she stayed with me for the first two months, and after that, I lived alone.”
In a moment of humor, Jennie added, “She told me I used to say, ‘Don’t call me—I’m busy playing.’ I must have understood even back then that if I stayed in Korea, I’d be buried in studies.”
Her life in New Zealand was both freeing and formative. “If we studied for an hour, we’d get to run around for two. We learned cooking, art, and did so many outdoor activities,” she said. “I remember thinking, ‘Is there a better place for me than this?’ I couldn’t speak any English at first, but I picked it up in six months—out of survival.”
A Clear Calling: Returning to Korea for Music
After five years abroad, Jennie faced a crossroads when her mother suggested studying in the U.S. for college. Instead, Jennie had already found her purpose. Her decision to aim for YG wasn’t random. “Their music matched my taste, and I admired the senior artists there,” she explained. With determination, Jennie sought out a private audition. “I found a private audition and went for it. Right after, I got a call from the CEO.”
Jennie joined YG as a trainee just a month after returning to Korea. While she passed the audition quickly, the path to debut was long. “I always had this belief that I would make it no matter what,” she said. “I was frustrated at how long the training lasted, but I didn’t hate it.”
However, the pressure of trainee life wasn’t easy, especially during her teenage years. “Not having freedom was hard. I couldn’t meet friends, and if I went out, I’d get scolded,” she remembered. “One time I went to Hongdae for coffee and was told to come back right away. Monthly evaluations were terrifying. I was very shy, and they’d tell me to speak louder.”
From a ten-year-old girl learning to navigate life in a foreign country to a determined teen auditioning for her dream company, Jennie’s journey is a testament to clarity, resilience, and fierce self-direction. Her story reveals that behind the glamour of global fame lies a long road paved with personal sacrifices and unwavering belief.
