Jennie is kicking off 2026 with a fiery lineup of major events and releases that proves her global domination is only just beginning. With just three days left until the 40th Golden Disc Awards (GDA 2026), fans are already buzzing about her upcoming performance potentially as the closing act. While nothing has been confirmed, expectations are sky-high that Jennie will debut a brand-new solo track at the GDA.
Marking its 40th anniversary, GDA 2026 promises a production scale even more elaborate than previous years, earning its nickname as the “Korean Grammys.” Jennie’s MMA 2025 performance was widely praised for blending modern stagecraft with rich elements of traditional Korean culture, from her costume choices to the storytelling flow of the performance. Fans believe GDA 2026 will follow suit with a new concept that continues to celebrate Korean heritage while pushing creative boundaries.
This anticipation is amplified by Jennie’s past performance styles, where she consistently used specific fashion and props to match her songs like the long coat for “ZEN” or sunglasses for “Like JENNIE.” Fans are now wondering: Will she stick to this signature “transformative” style or introduce a new direction?
On the global front, Jennie has been announced as a headliner for The Governors Ball Festival in New York, alongside Stray Kids. She’s also slated to perform at Spain’s Mad Cool Festival, following the massive buzz she created at Coachella 2025. These back-to-back headline slots at major international festivals mark a significant milestone in her solo career.
In a recent interview with V Magazine, Jennie confirmed she will release new solo music in 2026, saying, “To be honest, I don’t know exactly what it’ll be like yet. Right now, I’m staying open and definitely enjoying developing my vocal skills. I treat combining Korean and English in my music as homework I’ve been given since the beginning.”
With her festival appearances scheduled for June and July, fans can expect at least one single release prior to these performances either as a digital drop before a live debut or a surprise reveal during the festivals themselves.
Outside of music, Jennie will also show her softer side with a return to variety shows. She’ll serve as a special commentator on the dating show Transit Love 4 and make a guest appearance on the upcoming reality show Manitto Club. These roles are expected to bring out her fun, down-to-earth charm.
Following the release of her new music, Jennie will also begin a full-scale promotion schedule, ensuring that her presence will be everywhere throughout the year. With so many high-profile events and releases lined up, 2026 is shaping up to be one of Jennie’s most explosive years yet.
Sources: HHT