Jennie Kim makes history with Ruby debut on Billboard 200

In South Korea, Jennie Kim, a member of the K-pop group Blackpink, has made significant strides in her solo music career. Her debut solo album, Ruby, launched in March 2025 and debuted at No. 7 on the Billboard 200 chart, marking her entry into an elite group of K-pop female solo artists. This achievement is especially notable as she becomes only the fourth solo female artist from K-pop to secure a spot in the top 10 of this highly competitive U.S. chart. The album garnered a total of 56,000 equivalent album units in its first week, which includes both traditional sales and streaming data. This balanced performance showcases the strong support of her fanbase, which has contributed to her growing popularity as a solo artist. Moreover, Jennie's rise is further underscored by the success of her recent single, "Like Jennie," which debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. chart. Through this ranking, Jennie has surpassed both Blackpink and her fellow band member, Lisa, to become the top soloist from the group, breaking a previous tie and establishing herself as a defining figure in K-pop solo performances. This milestone for the artist marks her fifth top 10 hit as a soloist, with several others including a collaboration with The Weeknd, illustrating her broad appeal and versatility in the music industry. The success of Jennie's music, including Ruby and its lead single, reflects a larger trend in the K-pop industry where female solo artists are carving out remarkable identities separate from their groups. Jennie follows in the footsteps of her Blackpink bandmate Rosé, who holds the record for the highest-charting solo album by a female K-pop artist, motivating others within the genre to pursue individual projects while maintaining group affiliations. This dual success not only amplifies their individual brands but also contributes to the overall growth of K-pop on a global scale. As a result, female artists like Jennie are influencing the music industry and setting new standards for success. Jennie’s achievements have sparked discussions about representation and success in K-pop. With her dual success as a member of Blackpink and as a solo artist, she exemplifies how female artists can thrive in a traditionally male-dominated industry. Furthermore, as she continues to break records and set high standards, fans are eagerly anticipating her future works and the continued evolution of K-pop music. The combination of global fan support and strategic marketing through releases is crucial to sustaining this momentum, ensuring that both Jennie and her contemporaries remain relevant in the ever-changing landscape of the music industry.