LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: HBO MAX's 'The Idol' was lambasted for its explicit content, including graphic sex scenes and dialogue. Created by 'Euphoria' showrunner Sam Levinson and The Weeknd, the show was called as "misogynistic" by some critics while viewers were left appalled.
BLACKPINK member Jennie seems to be taking the heat for being a part of the controversial show, in which she plays a backup dancer named Dyanne. She has been slammed in her home country South Korea for starring in the show, as it is extremely uncommon for them to see a mainstream pop idol take on such racy roles.
Jennie faces flak for 'The Idol'
Korean viewers equated the HBO series to "pornography" and directed their ire towards Jennie for her involvement in the project. They argued that her participation tarnished her image, which she created by becoming the face of brands including Chanel. A Korean article translated by Daily Naver states, "Jennie, who usually had an elegant image, disappeared without a trace, even though she also served as an ambassador for a luxury brand."
Jennie's K-Pop fans too are angry with her as one commented, "In one instant, she has torn apart everything Blackpink has built with her own hands." Another fan commented, "Even re-watching that scene again, I still can't believe that she chose to do that dance with those gestures and facial expressions too."
"This is the first time I've seen an idol in such a dirty drama performing with that level of acting, that's why it's shocking and embarrassing. She'll never be able to recover from this, her image is in the gutter now," another fan said.
‘The Idol is bad, but Jennie isn't’
Despite the controversy, Jennie's performance in the show garnered positive reviews. Glamour's piece on the show had a headline that read, "There’s One Good Reason to Watch The Idol, and Her Name Is Jennie." High Snob Society stated, "The Idol is bad, but Blackpink's Jennie isn't."
During BLACKPINK's sold-out concert at Melbourne's Rod Laver Arena as part of their Born Pink World Tour, Jennie abruptly walked off stage in the middle of their hit single, 'Lovesick Girls'. Her bandmate, Rose, informed the audience that the rest of the show would proceed without her. Her management team, YG Entertainment, reportedly said that she left the stage abruptly due to her deteriorating health and she was recovering.
