Global K-pop sensation Jennie from the iconic group Blackpink has been named among TIME magazine’s prestigious 100 Most Influential People of the Year, standing out as the sole Korean honoree on this highly anticipated annual list.
The esteemed US weekly magazine officially unveiled its annual list on Wednesday, recognizing Jennie’s significant impact by placing her in the highly competitive Artists category.
Singer-songwriter Gracie Abrams, daughter of acclaimed filmmaker J.J. Abrams, penned Jennie’s tribute in TIME, describing her profound appeal: “To put it simply, she is a star,” Abrams stated. She further elaborated, “There is magic at her core. Whether you see her through a screen, in a stadium filled with 100,000 people, at a party, or in a backstage hallway, she draws you in in the same way.” This powerful endorsement underscores Jennie’s global influence and captivating stage presence.
As a prominent and trailblazing figure in the K-pop industry, Jennie cemented her solo career with the critically acclaimed album “Ruby.” This groundbreaking work saw her become the first K-pop female solo artist to achieve the remarkable feat of placing three songs concurrently on the prestigious Billboard Hot 100 main singles chart. Adding to its accolades, “Ruby” also earned a coveted spot on Rolling Stone magazine’s definitive list of “the 100 best albums of 2025,” further solidifying her status as a global music icon.
Within the same esteemed Artists category, Jennie was recognized alongside other notable figures, including Grammy-winning Korean-American pop star Anderson .Paak and acclaimed actress Dakota Johnson, highlighting the diverse talent celebrated.
Beyond the arts, TIME’s “100 Most Influential” also honored influential figures in the Leaders category. This diverse group featured prominent global political figures such as Chinese President Xi Jinping, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, US President Donald Trump, Pope Leo XIV, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
In the Icons category – celebrating individuals who inspire through their achievements – the list spotlighted exceptional athletes like Korean-American snowboarder Chloe Kim and figure skater Alysa Liu. Liu notably secured the gold medal in the women’s singles event at the Milan–Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, showcasing remarkable athletic prowess.
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