Blackpink’s Jennie takes Hollywood in dazzling TV series debut: the K-pop singer stars in HBO’s The Idol as Lily-Rose Depp’s backup dancer alongside The Weeknd and Troye Sivan – but can she act?

Jun 7 , 2023

Blackpink’s Jennie promoting HBO’s The Idol at the 76th Cannes Film Festival in France on May 23. Photo: Reuters

K-pop queen Jennie Kim’s character on HBO series The Idol is Dyanne – lead star Lily-Rose Depp’s backup dancer and confidante – and it’s a reoccurring role on the series

The storyline has drawn plenty of similarities to the rise and fall of Britney Spears, who was mysteriously photographed with creators Sam Levinson and The Weeknd in May 2022

She’s already gone from K-pop queen to global music star thanks to Blackpink’s international success, but now Jennie Kim has her sights set on Hollywood after her debut acting role in new TV series The Idol.

The Idol cast members Hank Azaria, Hari Nef, Moses Sumney, Jennie Kim, Lily-Rose Depp, Abel Makkonen Tesfaye aka The Weeknd and others pose during a photocall at 2023 Cannes Film Festival, on May 23. Photo: AFP

After plenty of hype, HBO’s The Idol finally premiered on June 4 to somewhat mixed reviews. Despite the show’s initial reception, Blackpink fans were surely glued to their screens as Jennie made her big on-screen Hollywood splash.

So what’s the show about, what role does Jennie play in it and – most importantly – can she act?

What is The Idol about?

South Korean singer and actress Jennie Kim poses during a photocall for the TV series The Idol at 2023 Cannes Film Festival, on May 23. Photo: AFP

Created by Sam Levinson, Abel “The Weeknd” Tesfaye and Reza Fahim, the series focuses on Jocelyn (played by Lily-Rose Depp), a world-famous music star who, after having a nervous breakdown that causes her last tour to be cancelled, tries to reclaim her title as popular pop princess.

Jocelyn then begins a complicated relationship with Tedros (played by The Weeknd), a self-help guru and the head of a contemporary cult.

What role does Jennie play?

Blackpink’s Jennie plays the lead character Jocelyn’s backup dancer and confidante, Dyanne. Photo: HBO