"Zen" is a song by South Korean singer and rapper Jennie. It was released through her label Odd Atelier and Columbia Records on January 25, 2025, as a promotional single from her debut studio album, Ruby (2025). A music video for the song was directed by Cho Gi-seok and uploaded to Jennie's YouTube channel on January 25 before the song's official release on digital and streaming platforms with the album on March 7.
After departing from YG Entertainment for solo activities, Jennie founded her own record label named Odd Atelier in November 2023.[1] She went on to sign as a solo artist with Columbia Records in partnership with Odd Atelier in September 2024.[2] Jennie released "Mantra" through Odd Atelier and Columbia Records on October 11, 2024, as the lead single from her debut studio album.[3] On January 21, 2025, she officially announced the album's title Ruby and its release date of March 7, 2025.[4] Hours after announcing a three-city run of concerts titled the Ruby Experience on January 25, she surprise released the music video for an upcoming song on the album titled "Zen".[5] The song was subsequently released on digital and streaming platforms as the tenth track of Ruby on March 7.[6]
Lyrics and composition
"Zen" appears two-thirds of the way through Ruby near the album's more reflective end. Although the song features a grinding, over-the-top production, lyrically it sees Jennie on an introspective journey towards enlightenment. Using a chant-like delivery, she shares her personal development to find her inner strength. The song depicts a turning point of reflection, acceptance, and "true zenith" in Jennie's storyline on the album.[7] In an interview with Apple Music's The Zane Lowe Show, Jennie explained the intentional dichotomy between the song's message and production, sharing that "'Zen' was made in such a delicate way but to be expressing it in such a loud fierce way, I think that kind of represents who I am." She stated that the song was created after sixth months in the studio and marked the moment she knew her album would be Ruby. After months of growing anxiety and getting lost within herself, she connected with writer Bibi Bourelly, who played a big role in the album. After several conversations with Bourelly about their true motivations and inspirations, the two were able to open themselves up to one another and created "Zen".[8]
Music video
The music video for "Zen" was surprise released on Jennie's YouTube channel on January 25, 2025.[5] It was directed by Cho Gi-seok, a Korean photographer and the founder of streetwear brand KUSIKOHC, and features his signature "delicate, surrealist aesthetics".[9] The three-and-a-half-minute clip follows Jennie as she journeys through cosmic landscapes, showcasing a range of looks that are both elegant and futuristic.[10] She portrays a variety mythical and celestial personas across numerous realms, appearing "poised, nonchalant and brimming with unrivaled aura."[9] Each of the eight outfits, styled by Park Min-hee, reflects a different side of Jennie’s persona. The imagery of fire, waves, and rain in the video represents external chaos, while her pursuit of peace and balance anchors the narrative.[11]
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