On January 24, 2025, BLACKPINK’s Jennie dropped her visually stunning “ZEN” music video, instantly setting the K-pop world abuzz across social media. The idol got immediate praise for her edgy styling and mesmerizing scenes. However, not everything was glitz and glam! Eagle-eyed fans quickly spotted some déjà vu moments that looked similar to XG’s HOWLING, causing an online frenzy.
Fans noticed similarities between Jennie's Zen and XG's Howling MV. pic.twitter.com/mOuu8b7QC2
— Ù’ (@TheFlopKpop) January 28, 2025
Quickly, stans pointed out some similarities: from winged costumes and headpieces to a set with flames seemingly taken from “HOWLING.” While both music videos share the same director, Choi Gi Seok, some fans weren’t there for that excuse and accused him of recycling concepts. Angry netizens took to social media to call him “lazy,” while others insisted that coincidences can happen in the music scene. Either way, the debate goes on, with XG and BLACKPINK’s Jennie supporters taking sides.
Despite the drama, “ZEN” and its visuals continue racking up views, solidifying Jennie’s star power. The 29-year-old idol teased that the track is just a taste of her first solo album, “Ruby,” which drops on March 7, 2025. She also confirmed the release of another single, “Love Hangover” featuring Dominic Fike on January 31.
