BLACKPINK’s Jennie showed up to the 2026 TIME 100 Gala in New York and immediately took over the internet. She attended the event on April 23 local time at Jazz at Lincoln Center as the only K-pop idol named to this year’s TIME 100 Most Influential People list, and within hours of stepping onto the red carpet, she hit number one on worldwide trends on X. The look she wore sparked immediate conversation globally, with opinions flying in every direction. Here is everything that happened.
Why Jennie Was at the TIME 100 Gala
TIME recognised Jennie for her growing impact across music, fashion, and entertainment, citing her position as one of the most influential global figures in contemporary pop culture. She stands as the sole K-pop artist on the 2026 list, which in itself is a statement about how far her reach has extended beyond the genre.
Her recognition comes on the back of a strong stretch of solo achievements:
| Achievement | Detail |
| RUBY | Solo album featured on Rolling Stone’s 100 Best Albums of the Year list |
| Dracula remix with Tame Impala | Earned a spot on the Billboard Dance Electronic chart |
| Forbes Korea | Ranked No.1 in Korea Idol of the Year 2025 |
At the gala, Jennie appeared alongside prominent international celebrities including Dakota Johnson, Keke Palmer, and Hailey Bieber, drawing significant media coverage throughout the evening.
The Look: What Jennie Wore
For the TIME 100 Gala red carpet, Jennie wore a custom black design by Schiaparelli. The look featured a corset-style structure, sheer midriff detailing, and a velvet skirt, combining high-fashion construction with a bold overall silhouette.
The outfit became one of the most-discussed looks from the event across social media platforms almost immediately after she stepped out. Reactions ranged from strong praise for the artistic intention and statement-making quality of the design, to mixed opinions on how the proportions and styling translated on the red carpet. Some fans praised the hair, makeup, and accessories as standout elements of the overall presentation, while others focused their commentary specifically on the outfit itself.
What Jennie Said on the Red Carpet
During her red carpet interview at the gala, Jennie hinted at ongoing work on new solo music, sparking anticipation among fans and observers worldwide. No specific details were confirmed, however the comment was enough to set fan communities buzzing about what comes next in her solo career.
The Global Reaction
The speed of Jennie’s rise to number one on worldwide trends on X reflects something beyond a typical red carpet moment. As the only K-pop representative on the TIME 100 list, her appearance carried additional weight, and international audiences responded immediately. Fans celebrated her recognition as a landmark for K-pop’s global cultural standing, while the fashion discussion added another layer of engagement that kept her name trending throughout the day.
Jennie continues to build a solo profile that operates at the intersection of pop music, high fashion, and mainstream Western entertainment, and the TIME 100 recognition is the most high-profile institutional acknowledgement of that influence to date.
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