Jennie’s ‘The Ruby Experience’ Draws Fans and Celebrities
On March 15, 2025, BLACKPINK’s Jennie held her first solo concert in Seoul, titled The Ruby Experience, to celebrate the release of her debut studio album, Ruby. The event attracted over 10,000 fans and numerous K-pop celebrities, including BLACKPINK’s Rosé, BIGBANG’s Daesung, TV host Yoo Jae-suk, actresses Kim Ji-won and Hyeri, as well as members of Red Velvet, GOT7, and NewJeans. However, the excitement was dampened when the concert was delayed by 10 minutes due to chaotic fan interactions at the entrance.
Fans Criticize Short Performance and Lack of Engagement
Jennie performed 15 songs from her album, including “Mantra,” “Love Hangover,” “Zen,” and “Like Jennie.” However, many fans were disappointed as the concert lasted only 70 minutes, half the duration of a typical K-pop concert. Ticket prices ranged from HKD 760 to HKD 1,180 (USD 97-150), but the show lacked special effects or elaborate stage designs, leaving attendees feeling underwhelmed.
Adding to the disappointment, Jennie did not interact with fans until 40 minutes into the show, with only a brief 5-minute audience interaction. Some attendees also noted that she wore sunglasses for most of the performance, leading to criticism about lack of engagement with the audience.
Mixed Reactions and Online Backlash
While some fans defended Jennie, stating that the concert was intended as a showcase rather than a full-scale performance, others felt the high ticket prices were unjustified. Online, netizens labeled the event a new song launch rather than a concert, expressing frustration over what they perceived as a lack of sincerity from the artist.
Despite the controversy, Jennie’s solo debut continues to generate buzz, following her previous concerts in Los Angeles and New York, which were also met with debates over stage outfits and performance style.