BLACKPINK Jennie Steals Spotlight in 'The Idol' – But for the Wrong Reasons
Following "The Idol" premiere, BLACKPINK Jennie immediately became a hot topic for both positive and negative reasons.
Here's what went down in the HBO series' debut.
BLACKPINK Jennie Steals Spotlight in 'The Idol' for Dancing & Acting Skills
BLACKPINK Jennie finally made her acting debut!
On June 5, the first episode of "The Idol" was unveiled, marking the debut drama of the idol as Jennie Ruby Jane, her actress stage name.
In the show, the main characters were introduced, including the pop star Jocelyn (played by Lily-Rose Depp).
It was seen how her tour was canceled due to a nervous breakdown after her mother's death and is now preparing to return to the entertainment scene by preparing for an album cover shoot.
Tedros (The Weeknd) was also shown in Episode 1 as a nightclub owner, who will have a relationship with Jocelyn, and lure her into joining a cult.
ALSO READ: BLACKPINK Jennie Acting Debut: What We Know About Her Role in 'The Idol'
At the same time, BLACKPINK Jennie appeared as Dyanne, who is Jocelyn's friend and backup dancer.
Despite her 3-minute screentime, the idol-turned-actress stole the spotlight with her spot-on acting. Viewers praised her for being able to deliver Dyanne's charisma and personality with just a brief appearance.
In fact, according to many, Jennie's acting became one of the reasons they would want to continue watching the show.
Jennie was also lauded for leaving a strong impression of her dancing skills by doing an intense choreography with the dancers.
BLACKPINK Jennie's 'R-19' Choreography in 'The Idol' Draws Flak
Amid positive reviews about Jennie's role, some, however, weren't that happy and expressed strong criticism about Jennie's appearance in a "controversial" scene.
The scene in question was when Jennie as Dyanne was seen performing a dance routine with two male dancers, reminiscent of "R-19" acts at first glance.
Even if it was a choreography practice, Jennie was dancing passionately in a bra top and a sleeveless shirt that showed her body as it was partnered with short hot pants.
While international fans are saying that Jennie slayed the scene, Koreans expressed discomfort and questioned why Jennie chose a debut drama project with such explicit scenes.
In fans' defense, they implied that Koreans should give the drama more time and chance because only the first episode has been released so far, and Dyanne's story might unfold as the drama progresses.
Meanwhile, "The Idol" has been receiving more criticism than favorable reviews since it was first released at the Cannes Film Festival.
Rolling Stone released an article about it and cited it as a "darker, crazier, and more risqué version” of "Euphoria" and implied that it was rather a look to young female stars with predatory eyes.
Variety also criticized the show and emphasized how Director Sam Levinson can argue that there is something revolutionary in describing women's sex, but pointed out that "The Idol" is nothing but a lewd male fantasy.
READ MORE: BLACKPINK Jennie ‘The Idol’ Draws Flak in Korea, Stirs Outrage
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