At the 2025 Melon Music Awards (MMA 2025) held on December 20 at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul, Jennie of BLACKPINK returned to a Korean award show for the first time in six years—and instantly reminded everyone of her global pop star status.
Jennie opened her set with “Seoul City”, a track from her first solo studio album Ruby, released in March. Her performance ignited the stage with explosive energy and set the tone for the evening.
Anticipation for her appearance had been mounting since the MMA 2025 lineup was announced, as it marked her first participation in a domestic award show since 2019. The moment she stepped on stage, Jennie delivered more than just a performance—she delivered a cultural statement.
Known for her involvement in Korean cultural projects, Jennie previously introduced a custom font for Hangul Day earlier this year. On this night, she appeared in a striking veil dress embroidered with Korean characters, instantly catching the eye and adding depth to her presence.
She followed up with performances of “Zen” and her hit track “Like JENNIE”, delivering powerhouse vocals and stage control that captivated the crowd. With a voice that pierced through the mic and a commanding performance style, Jennie reaffirmed her place at the top of the game.
The star-studded MMA 2025 lineup included G-Dragon, Jay Park, 10CM, Zico, EXO, WOODZ, Jennie, aespa, IVE, Hanroro, BOYNEXTDOOR, RIIZE, PLAVE, NCT WISH, ILLIT, Hearts2Hearts, KiiiKiii, ALLDAY PROJECT, IDID, and ALPHA DRIVE ONE.
Jennie’s bold return to the domestic stage not only celebrated her musical evolution but also paid homage to her Korean roots—proving once again that she’s not just an artist but a cultural icon.
Sources: Daum