Rolling Stone Korea Calls JENNIE a “Muse of the Era” and LISA an “Icon Beyond an Icon”

JENNIE and LISA Named Globally Highlighted Artists by Rolling Stone Korea

Rolling Stone Korea has recognized JENNIE and LISA in The Phenomenon: Globally Highlighted Artist selection for 2026. This places two members of BLACKPINK among five artists the publication believes are capturing significant worldwide attention.

The final Editors’ Picks line-up includes CORTIS, TAEMIN, EJAE, LISA, and JENNIE. It's important to note that this is an editorial selection by Rolling Stone Korea, not a competitive award, a public vote, or a ranking from the American edition of Rolling Stone.

The announcement is particularly notable for the specific language used to define each member's individual influence.

JENNIE: A “Muse of the Era”

Rolling Stone Korea describes JENNIE as “a muse of the era who moves through music, fashion and culture.” This praise highlights her unmistakable aura and cultural impact, which extends beyond conventional album promotions.

JENNIE's approach integrates her sound, styling, and visual identity into a cohesive cultural conversation. Her debut album, Ruby, received significant recognition from Rolling Stone's American edition, being the only K-pop album in its midyear selection and later ranking No. 29 on its list of the 100 best albums of 2025.

From Ruby and “Like JENNIE” to her collaborations, festival performances, and creative fashion projects, JENNIE's influence spans multiple industries simultaneously. The description “muse of the era” acknowledges her growing role in shaping contemporary culture.

LISA: An “Icon Beyond an Icon”

For LISA, Rolling Stone Korea uses an even more impactful phrase: “an icon beyond an icon.” The publication emphasizes her powerful presence in the global pop scene, her commanding stage presence, and her ability to drive international trends.

This description is particularly fitting given LISA's recent endeavors. She has expanded her identity across solo music, acting, entrepreneurship, and major live projects, all while maintaining the performance power that initially captivated audiences.

Her latest chapter further illustrates this reach. “SaWaDiKa” transformed her Thai heritage into a global pop statement, and her upcoming PRESS PLAY project continues to build anticipation for her next moves. Rolling Stone Korea is recognizing LISA not just as a successful K-pop soloist, but as an artist whose influence transcends markets and creative fields independently.

Distinct Forms of Global Influence

While JENNIE and LISA are both featured in the same five-artist selection, the editors use distinct language to describe their impact. JENNIE is celebrated for her ability to connect music, fashion, and culture, while LISA is praised for her explosive presence, stage command, and trend-setting reach.

This distinction underscores the meaningfulness of their joint inclusion. Their solo careers are not merely extensions of BLACKPINK; they are increasingly recognized as unique worlds with their own creative expressions. JENNIE, the muse defining the era, and LISA, the icon moving it forward, together demonstrate the multifaceted nature of BLACKPINK’s global influence. 🖤💗