Shocking and proud moment for K-Pop: BLACKPINK’s Jennie has been named to TIME’s 2026 ‘100 Most Influential People in the World,’ standing out as the list’s only Korean honoree.
On April 15 (local time), TIME unveiled its annual roster spotlighting 100 figures who made a singular impact across fields worldwide.
Jennie appears in the Artists category — and she is the sole Korean recognized this year, drawing major attention.
Her tribute was penned by hit U.S. singer-songwriter Gracie Abrams, who wrote, "Long story short, she’s a star," praising Jennie as "an undeniable presence that cuts through the noise even in the most high-stakes moments." Abrams added, "The almost magical power she projects in a stadium of 100,000 matches exactly the energy you feel if you run into her backstage or in a quiet corner of a party."
Jennie debuted with BLACKPINK in 2016. Last year, with her solo album 'Ruby,' she became the first female K-pop soloist ever to place three songs on the Billboard Hot 100 at the same time.