The special single “You & Me”, written and composed by Jennie and whose performance video was produced, was released in October last year. (You can watch it here: https://youtu.be/eQNHDV7lKgE) The special single received great attention worldwide. It was performed in more than 60 countries before its official release. This is just a little proof that she is recognized not only as a pop star but also as an international artist and that she cares about her fans.
Jennie does not limit her art to just music; it also attracts attention from an aesthetic point of view. She surprises and impresses her fans by working with visual arts, such as the cover designed by Naoko Takeuchi (Sailor Moon).
Naoko Takeuchi is a Japanese mangaka and known to many as the creator of “Sailor Moon.” Sailor Moon is a manga and anime series that started in the early 1990s and gained immense popularity around the world. With this work, Takeuchi redefined the modern mahou shoujo (magical girl) genre and won the admiration of a generation. Sailor Moon is known for its strong female characters, romantic elements, and dark history, and it has a large fan base outside of Japan.
Of great significance is that Jennie’s “You&Me” special single cover was designed by Naoko Takeuchi. This design by Takeuchi combines with Jennie’s artistic aesthetic and global appeal to create a big impact. Considering the cultural impact of Sailor Moon, the use of this particular design in Jennie’s music career and the art world could deeply impact both her fans and a wide audience. This collaboration brings together different fields of art, creating a powerful synthesis of music and visual arts.
(Photo: One of Naoko Takeuchi’s new Sailor Moon artworks that will be sold as merchandise for the upcoming Sailor Moon Museum tour. She was inspired by Jennie’s You&Me special single when creating the artwork)
Jennie is a name that has proven herself in her music career not only as an idol, but also as a songwriter, composer and performance artist. In every song, she impresses her listeners with the lyrics written with deep effort and care. Composing her own compositions gives the music a personal touch at every stage and allows it to become a true reflection of her art. Jennie’s strong rapping ability and angelic vocals add dynamic and emotional depth to each of her songs. At the same time, she takes control of the visual expression of her art by directing performance videos and presents her musical stories to her fans in a visual way. These talents show that she is not only a singer, but also an artist and a creative visionary. By approaching each project with individual passion and dedication, Jennie has established herself firmly on the global music scene and is sure to continue to push the boundaries of her artistry in the future.
“You & Me” holds a special place in Jennie’s heart for several reasons. Firstly, it was a project that fans eagerly awaited for five years before its official release, which built up immense anticipation and excitement among her supporters. The fact that this song was included on her tour setlist highlights its significance as a fan-favorite and a track that resonates deeply with her audience.
Moreover, Jennie’s collaboration with Naoko Takeuchi, the renowned author of Sailor Moon, added an extra layer of prestige and creativity to “You & Me”. Takeuchi’s involvement in creating the special single cover not only brought a unique visual aesthetic but also connected Jennie’s music with the beloved Sailor Moon universe, captivating both anime enthusiasts and music lovers alike.
In addition to its artistic collaborations, “You & Me” was also complemented by a meticulously crafted dance video. Jennie’s involvement in shaping the choreography and visual direction of this video not only showcased her dedication to every aspect of her artistry but also allowed her to express her vision authentically. “You & Me” represents more than just a song for Jennie—it embodies her artistic evolution, creative partnerships, and a deep connection with her fans, making it a truly special and memorable milestone in her music career.
“You & Me” was also featured as background music during the closing credits of Coachella, one of the most prestigious music and arts festivals worldwide. This exposure not only introduced Jennie’s music to a diverse and global audience but also solidified her presence as a significant artist in the international music scene.
Jennie has achieved remarkable success across various platforms, solidifying her position as a prominent figure in the music industry. After reaching number one on iTunes in 57 countries, it also topped the charts on global and European iTunes lists, achieving international acclaim. Additionally, it has secured the 35th position on Apple Music’s song chart, marking the highest ranking achieved by a female K-pop artist in 2023. This achievement underscores Jennie’s musical prowess and artistic vision. The depth in her songwriting and distinctive vocal tone have resonated deeply with listeners, enabling her music to reach a wide audience globally. Moreover, it reflects the anticipation and support of fans who eagerly awaited this special single for an extended period.
Her performance video soared to number 1 on both the YouTube music and general ranking charts, underscoring her global appeal and the immense popularity of her artistic vision. Jennie made history by becoming the highest-ranked soloist on the Apple Music South Korea chart in 2023, a testament to her strong fan base and widespread acclaim within her home country. Furthermore, her impact on the Melon artist list was equally impressive, as she debuted at number 2 and swiftly rose to claim the number 1 spot. These achievements not only highlight Jennie’s musical prowess and popularity but also demonstrate her ability to captivate audiences both locally and internationally. As she continues to evolve as an artist, Jennie’s influence in the music industry is set to grow even further, promising more groundbreaking achievements in the future.
Jennie’s success is not limited to South Korea. It rose to #2 and #3 among the best-selling artists on the Thailand iTunes chart in the first 24 hours. The performance video had reached the top of YouTube Thailand overall rankings. The Coachella version was in the top 3 on Spotify Thailand charts.
Jennie also wrote two different rap parts for You & Me
The two different rap parts Jennie wrote for her special single “You & Me” revealed her musical talent and artistic diversity. With this feature, Jennie proved both her competence as a rapper and her creativity as a songwriter.
Jennie, whose rap talent was not highlighted by the producers in Blackpink songs, began to show all her talents as she minimized her connection with the company. In an environment where many artists in the industry have difficulty writing lyrics and arranging songs, Jennie’s talent revealed her artistic depth and musical vision.
Each rap part reflects its own unique style and emotional depth, making the listener feel the story and emotions of the song more deeply. This approach shows Jennie’s desire to not limit her art to just one performance, but also express herself through her lyrics and composed parts. With these features, Jennie is known as an artist who pushes the boundaries in the industry, while she also establishes a throne in the hearts of the listeners with her unique style and unique voice.
It is worth remembering that Jennie was ranked 6th on Forbes’ “all-round idols” list, being deemed talented in all three of singing, songwriting and dancing, making her the highest female idol on the list. We are looking forward to Jennie’s comeback this summer.