If you’ve spent any time on TikTok or Twitter lately, you’ve probably seen the frantic "Jennie is leaving" edits. It’s stressful. One day she’s launching her own label, the next she’s at a Chanel show in Paris, and fans are left wondering if the group that defined a generation is actually over. Let’s cut through the noise. Did Jennie leave BLACKPINK? No. She’s still very much a member of the group, but the way she’s navigating her career has changed so drastically that it’s easy to see why people are confused.
The K-pop world shifted on its axis in late 2023. That was the moment YG Entertainment finally admitted what everyone suspected: the girls signed for group activities but walked away for their solo stuff. It was a "best of both worlds" move that we rarely see work out in the long run. Usually, when a K-pop idol leaves their founding agency, the group slowly fades into "indefinite hiatus" territory.
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Jennie Kim isn't "usual."
The OA (ODD ATELIER) Era and Why It Matters
In December 2023, Jennie officially announced her own label, OA (ODD ATELIER). She’s the CEO. It’s her playground. This was a massive statement because, for seven years, every move she made—what she wore, what she sang, where she traveled—went through the YG filter. Now? She’s calling the shots.
But here’s the thing. Owning a company doesn't mean she’s done with Jisoo, Rosé, and Lisa.
The agreement they signed is basically a split-custody arrangement. YG Entertainment still manages "BLACKPINK." They own the name, the songs, and the trademark. When it’s time for a world tour or a new album, Jennie puts on her BLACKPINK hat and works under the YG banner. When she’s releasing solo singles like "Mantra" or collaborating with brands, she’s the boss of OA.
It's actually a pretty genius move for her longevity. K-pop idols often hit a ceiling because their agencies want to keep them in a specific "idol" box. By stepping out, she gets to experiment with sounds and aesthetics that YG might have vetoed. Remember when she did The Idol on HBO? That was a hint of the autonomy she was craving.
The "Solo" Success vs. Group Commitment
There’s a lot of fear that her solo success will eventually push her to quit the group for good. Honestly, it’s a valid concern. "Mantra" performed exceptionally well on global charts, proving she doesn't need the group brand to sell records.
However, being in BLACKPINK is a different kind of power.
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The chemistry between the four members is what created the "Blinks" phenomenon. Jennie has said in several interviews—and more subtly through her social media—that her identity is tied to the group. They are sisters. You don’t just walk away from a multi-billion dollar legacy because you want to release a solo EP. You do both.
She's been busy. Very busy.
Between variety show appearances like Apartment 404 and her constant presence at international fashion weeks, she’s barely had a moment of downtime. Some fans point to this packed solo schedule as evidence that there’s "no room" for BLACKPINK. But if you look at the 2025-2026 roadmap YG dropped, a group comeback and a massive world tour are already in the works.
Addressing the "Blackpink Disbandment" Rumors
Let’s be real: "Leaving the group" and "Leaving the agency" are two different things. People mix them up constantly.
- Jisoo has BLISSOO.
- Lisa has LLOUD (and a deal with RCA).
- Rosé signed with THE BLACK LABEL for solo management.
- Jennie has OA.
If Jennie had left the group, the 2023 contract renewal for group activities wouldn't have happened. YG is a publicly traded company; if they lied about the members staying in the group, their stock would crater. They are legally bound to represent her as part of BLACKPINK for group projects.
There was a moment during the Born Pink tour finale where the girls got emotional, and the internet immediately decided it was a goodbye. It wasn't. It was the end of an era, sure, but not the end of the line. The transition to this new "independent yet together" phase is just messy and public.
Why the rumors won't die
Scarcity. That’s the answer.
YG Entertainment’s strategy has always been "less is more." They make you starve for content so that when it finally drops, it breaks the internet. Because we haven't seen the four of them in a room together for a while, the "did Jennie leave BLACKPINK" searches spike.
We’ve seen this pattern with other groups. Look at Got7. They all left JYP, joined different labels, but they still own their name and released music together. It’s the new blueprint for K-pop stars who want to grow up without abandoning the fans who built them.
What to Expect in 2026
If you’re waiting for a sign, watch the charts in the coming months. Jennie is currently focusing on her solo album—the one she’s been teasing for ages. Once that cycle finishes, the focus will shift back to the group.
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There are rumors of a major collaboration and a return to Coachella-level stages. Jennie’s role in the group has always been the "Main Rapper" and a visual lead, and her recent solo work has actually improved her stage presence. She looks more confident now than she did during the middle of the Born Pink tour when she was clearly struggling with burnout.
Taking this break to run her own company seems to have recharged her.
The Reality Check
Is there a chance she leaves eventually? Of course. Nothing lasts forever in music. But right now, there is zero evidence—official or otherwise—that Jennie has quit. In fact, she’s been spotted wearing BLACKPINK merch and supporting the other members' solo releases consistently.
The relationship between the members seems stronger than ever because they aren't forced to be together 24/7 anymore. They’re choosing to be a group now. That’s a huge distinction.
How to stay updated without the clickbait
- Follow OA (ODD ATELIER) official accounts: This is where her actual career moves are posted.
- Check YG Life: This is the only place group-wide BLACKPINK announcements are made.
- Ignore "Insider" TikToks: Unless there is a photo or a legal filing, it’s usually just someone looking for views.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans:
If you want to support Jennie while she navigates this dual-identity phase, the best thing you can do is engage with her solo music on official streaming platforms and wait for the official group tour announcement. Stop stressing over the "leaving" headlines. The contracts are signed, the labels are set, and the 2026 group plans are already in motion. Keep an eye on her solo album rollout—it’s going to set the tone for how she balances her "CEO" life with her "Idol" life moving forward.