BLACKPINK's Jennie Makes K-Pop Solo Artist History With 3 RIAA Certifications

Jennie of BLACKPINK performs at the Coachella Stage during the 2023 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival on April 22, 2023 in Indio, California. Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for Coachella

BLACKPINK's Jennie has made history as a K-pop solo artist by earning three RIAA certifications for three different albums or tracks, highlighting her success and influence as a solo performer beyond her achievements with the globally popular girl group.

The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) awards Gold certification to singles or albums that have reached 500,000 units in combined sales and streaming equivalents in the United States. Jennie's three certifications demonstrate her strong presence in the competitive U.S. music market, particularly remarkable for a Korean solo artist.

Jennie earned her first certification with her debut solo single "SOLO," released in 2018. The song was well-received internationally and solidified her reputation as a solo star. She later added two Gold-certified tracks to her resume, for "Mantra" and "Like Jennie," marking her continuing success as a solo act.

These notable achievements make Jennie the first K-pop female soloist to receive three RIAA certifications. It underscores the growing influence of K-pop outside of South Korea and highlights the individual accomplishments of the group's members. Jennie's success reflects both her personal talent and the expanding global demand for K-pop music.

BLACKPINK, one of the world's most prominent K-pop groups, has also enjoyed significant success collectively, but Jennie's solo career has set new records in individual accomplishments. This accomplishment adds to the ongoing international recognition for K-pop artists and points to a broadening of the genre's audience.

Jennie's ability to capture attention with her solo releases continues to elevate her status within the music industry. Her solo work complements BLACKPINK's collective releases, helping to maintain the group's relevance while showcasing her unique style and artistry.

The multiple RIAA certifications achieved by Jennie further cement K-pop's presence in the U.S. music industry, a market traditionally dominated by Western artists. It also encourages more Korean artists to pursue solo projects with confidence that they can achieve global success.

As of August 2025, Jennie's record-setting achievement remains a significant milestone for K-pop female soloists and sets a high standard for future artists to follow. It exemplifies the ongoing global expansion of Korean pop music and its increasing appeal among international audiences.

Tags
BLACKPINK
Jennie
K-Pop
Solo
Solo artist

Join the Discussion

Latest News