Jennie’s Hollywood Leap Sparks a Cultural Debate
Blackpink’s star‑former Jennie is gearing up for her first Hollywood role in the HBO drama The Idol, a series that also stars The Weeknd in the lead role. The show, created by Sam Levinson (think Euphoria), follows a charismatic self‑help guru and cult leader who falls for a rising pop icon—played by Lily‑Rose Depp.
What’s the Buzz?
When the trailer dropped on Sunday, July 17, Jennie’s appearance as a backup dancer didn’t go unnoticed—her hair was styled in cornrows. For many viewers, that haircut felt like a cultural misstep.
- Cornrows are a Deep‑Rooted Tradition—solid, narrow braids that sit close to the scalp, a staple in African hair culture.
- Some Fans Raised the Alarm—they said it read more like cultural appropriation than fashion.
- Supporters Weighed In—they argued the look was the producers’ choice, not Jennie’s own.
- Critics Asked for More Voice—they urged the K‑pop idol to use her influence to steer the conversation, given her global reach.
Behind the Curtain
The series wrapped production earlier in the month, but HBO has yet to share a release date—or a plan to settle the backlash.
Throwback to the Lisa Incident
Remember 2021, when fellow Blackpink member Lisa sparked a similar controversy? Her Money music video featured dreadlocks, prompting fans to call out her for potentially misrepresenting African hair traditions. Lisa later apologized in a heartfelt livestream to her fans.
Key Takeaways
- Show the writer’s har‑ivar with emojis? No.
- Keep the piece natural, light‑hearted, fully human‑written.
- Emotions and humor are my favorite tools—let’s bring joy and clarity to the story!
Full article originally by The Straits Times. For reproduction, obtain permission first.
