JENNIE’s ‘Ruby’ and CHAEYOUNG’s ‘LIL FANTASY’ Named Among Rolling Stone’s ‘Best Albums of 2025’! A New Era for K-POP Solo Artists

K-POP female solo artists are achieving remarkable success in the global music market.

BLACKPINK’s JENNIE and TWICE’s CHAEYOUNG both made it onto Rolling Stone’s prestigious “100 Best Albums of 2025” list, proving K-POP’s growing influence once again.

JENNIE’s ‘Ruby’ – Ranked 29th, Highest for K-POP Solo Artist

JENNIE released her debut studio album ‘Ruby’ on March 7, 2025. The album title comes from her full English name ‘Jennie Ruby Jane,’ and features 15 tracks.

JENNIE directly produced the album, showcasing her artistic identity and musical potential. The album includes the title track “Like JENNIE” and features collaborations with world-class artists including Dua Lipa, Childish Gambino, Doechii, Dominic Fike, FKJ, and Kali Uchis.

Rolling Stone ranked JENNIE’s ‘Ruby’ at #29, marking the highest position for a K-POP solo artist. Billboard also selected ‘Ruby’ as one of “The 50 Best Albums of 2025 So Far,” praising it as “an impressive debut project radiating confidence, elegance, and powerful energy.”

CHAEYOUNG’s ‘LIL FANTASY vol.1’ – Ranked 86th, Showcasing True Artistry

TWICE’s CHAEYOUNG made her solo debut on September 12, 2025, with her first studio album ‘LIL FANTASY vol.1’ and title track ‘SHOOT (Firecracker)’.

CHAEYOUNG participated in writing and composing all 10 tracks, establishing her own unique musical world. ‘LIL FANTASY’ represents the small world within CHAEYOUNG, featuring diverse genres including neo-soul, jazz, and disco.

Rolling Stone ranked CHAEYOUNG’s solo album at #86, noting that “the lyrics contain themes of losing old friends, forgiveness, and accepting her unique self.”

Both Albums Dominating Global Music Charts

JENNIE’s ‘Ruby’ received a 7.1 rating from Pitchfork, the highest score ever for a K-POP solo album, and was named among the “Best Albums of 2025” by major international media outlets including Billboard, NME, and Complex.

CHAEYOUNG’s ‘LIL FANTASY vol.1’ topped Hanteo Chart’s daily album chart on its release day and entered the top 5 of the Worldwide iTunes Album Chart.

Both artists have firmly established their own distinctive colors as solo performers beyond their group activities, presenting new possibilities for K-POP female solo artists.

• Seoul Bus Strike | How to Stay Informed – 7 Checklist for Expats and Foreign Residents
• 4 Most Anticipated Korean Dramas and Movies Coming in 2026
• DDP Design Store Seoul: 3 Things to Buy & How to Get There
• Korean Skin Care Pop-Up: B the B at DDP Seoul | Experience Guide 2026 | K-Beauty Event
• Jongmyo Shrine Mystery: Why is a Goryeo King in a Joseon UNESCO Site?