Born in Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea, Jennie was exposed to the world of music and performance from a young age. Her early life in New Zealand, where she moved with her family, exposed her to Western music genres, which she credits as significant influences on her musical tastes. This fusion of Korean and Western cultures would later become a defining characteristic of her artistry. Jennie's foray into the music industry began with her joining YG Entertainment in 2010, a pivotal moment that set her on a path to stardom. Her early training years, though marked by rigorous practice and performance under the YG Entertainment system, laid the groundwork for her future success. As a member of BLACKPINK, Jennie debuted in 2016 with the group's first single, "Whistle," from their debut EP "Square One." The group's explosive popularity soon made them household names, not just in Korea but globally.