'Drama Debut' Jennie, a victim of distorted Orientalism? K-Top Idol used exhaustively

《Kim Jiwon's Hidden Track》
Ten Asia reporter Kim Ji-won takes a closer look at the hidden stories of the music industry. We will vividly convey the facts and truth of the music industry issues.

---

Black Pink Jennie, who has been loved by fans all over the world for her cute yet sophisticated image, is being criticized for being 'shock and fear'. It's because of Jennie's acting, which was 'difficult' to watch, who debuted in a drama through HBO's 'The Idol'. Because of the '19 gold dance' in the play that puzzles viewers. Appearing in a drama acted as a 'minus' for Jenny, who has a luxurious image enough to be called 'Human Chanel'.

'The Idol', starring Jenny, is a drama depicting what happened in the entertainment world of a popular pop idol star in the background of Los Angeles (LA). Jenny appeared as Lily-Rose Depp's friend and backup dancer.

In the recently broadcast episode 1, Jenny appears briefly for about 10 minutes. Although he is a 'global star', in the drama world, it is natural that the amount of appearances in Jennie, who is a 'rookie', is small. However, his short appearance and 'unconventional acting' shocked everyone. Jenny wears short, tight shorts that reveal her hip line and dances with male dancers in a trance. The performance reminiscent of a sexual act with her eyes open is the exact opposite of Jennie's existing image of being lovely and luxurious. In other words, Jenny's talent was sexually consumed in her drama debut. Netizens expressed their bewilderment with comments such as "Where are the images that I have accumulated and they look vulgar?", "Is it okay to roll Jennie like this?"

Some point out that this may be due to Westerners' erroneous views on Asian women. It reflects the distorted orientalism that Asian women seduce men with their sexual attractiveness. There is also an interpretation that the gaze toward Jenny, who passionately performs on stage, is seen as a look of condescension rather than a look of admiration. As a great artist, they saw her as a more sensual woman than Jennie.

Overseas, there are many viewers who said they watched this drama because Jenny appeared in it. The New York Times also paid attention to Jenny's drama debut with an article titled 'The only reason I watched 'The Idol' is Black Pink Jennie'. This proves that Jennie's global popularity has contributed to 'mobilizing viewers'. On the one hand, I wonder if Jenny's popularity was used to create a sensation.

According to the industry, Jenny was enthusiastic about her drama debut and actively participated. In an interview with a foreign media, Jenny said, "It was just an opportunity to be myself and be brave. It was definitely difficult because I had no acting experience. It was like breaking a wall for me." Jenny's new challenge, rising to the top as a singer, was beautiful, but if you want to build a career as an actress, challenging spirit alone will not be enough.

Reporter Kim Ji-won, Ten Asia bella@tenasia.co.kr