BlackPink's Jennie has found herself at the center of yet another plagiarism controversy following the release of her new single, 'Like Jennie,' on March 7. The track, which features a prominent repetition of her name, has drawn comparisons to a Bollywood song from the 2023 film 'Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahani,' specifically the entrance theme for actress Alia Bhatt's character, Rani. Social media users quickly noticed that the instrumental phrasing and melody of Jennie's song—especially when her name is sung—bear a striking resemblance to the iconic 'Rani's Entrance' music composed by Pritam Chakraborty. The debate has divided fans, with some accusing Jennie of outright copying and others dismissing the similarity as a coincidence.
The Controversy: What Sparked the Accusations?
The controversy erupted shortly after Jennie dropped the teaser for 'Like Jennie' on March 4. Within hours, side-by-side comparison videos circulated on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok, highlighting the melodic overlap. The most contentious element is the rhythmic repetition of 'Jennie' in her song, which mirrors the way 'Rani' is sung in the Bollywood entrance theme. Critics argue that the similarity extends beyond a single phrase—the entire intro section shares a similar bounce and instrumentation. One user wrote, 'Some unknown K-pop artist named Jennie Kim is copying Indian songs now, she thought we wouldn't find out, but we did.' Another defended her, stating, 'Jennie did not plagiarise the song at all. She repeated her name, and so did the other artist.'
Prime Video India Enters the Fray
Adding fuel to the fire, Prime Video India's official X account posted a still of Alia Bhatt's character Rani smirking into the camera with the caption: 'BLACKPINK fans, we bet you can hear this image.' The post, which many interpreted as a sly dig at Jennie, was quickly deleted after Blinks (BlackPink's fandom) launched a massive online backlash, demanding an apology and threatening a boycott. The incident highlighted the intense loyalty of the group's fanbase, which often mobilizes quickly to defend the members against any criticism. However, the deletion only further amplified the controversy, with some accusing Prime Video of trying to monetize the drama without taking responsibility.
Composer Pritam Chakraborty Defends Jennie
In a surprising turn, Pritam Chakraborty—the composer of the Bollywood track in question—publicly defended Jennie. Pritam, who himself has faced multiple plagiarism accusations over his career (including for songs like 'Badtameez Dil' and 'Dilwale'), took to Instagram to call for a more nuanced approach. He wrote: 'Rani and Jennie are names that rhyme, so a similar flow in one phrase doesn't make it a copy.' He emphasized that in today's interconnected world, musical coincidences are inevitable and should not automatically be interpreted as theft. 'Music is about creativity, unique artistic perspective, influence, and sometimes pure coincidence.' His statement was welcomed by Blinks but dismissed by skeptics who pointed out that Pritam's own history might make him sympathetic to such allegations.
Not the First Time: BlackPink's History of Plagiarism Claims
This incident is far from isolated for BlackPink. Over the years, the group has faced a string of similar accusations, often involving visual concepts or musical arrangements borrowing from Western and Indian artists.
Lisa's 'Rockstar' and Travis Scott's 'FE!N'
In 2024, Lisa, another BlackPink member, faced allegations after the release of her solo single 'Rockstar.' Cinematographer Gabriel Moses claimed that a specific shot in the music video—where Lisa is seen performing in a confined, rotating space—was strikingly similar to a shot in Travis Scott's 'FE!N' video. The discussion once again divided fans: some saw it as intentional homage or even theft, while others argued that such visual motifs are common in music videos. Moses' public complaint did not lead to legal action, but it added to the narrative that BlackPink's creative team frequently draws from other sources without proper credit.
Rosé and Bruno Mars' 'APT' Compared to Poppy
In a similar vein, Rosé and Bruno Mars' collaboration 'APT' was criticized by some listeners for resembling an unreleased track by American musician Poppy. The comparison focused on the song's verse melody and chord progression. Although Poppy herself did not comment, fans of both artists engaged in heated debates. This episode demonstrated that even collaborations with globally recognized stars like Bruno Mars are not immune to scrutiny.
Broader Context: K-pop and Cultural Borrowing
BlackPink's repeated plagiarism allegations must be viewed within the larger context of K-pop's global rise. As the genre has absorbed influences from across the world—especially Western pop, hip-hop, and R&B—it has often been accused of sampling or copying without permission. While some cases are clear-cut, many involve gray areas of inspiration, hommage, and algorithmic similarity. The internet era has amplified scrutiny, with fans and detractors alike comparing tracks down to the millisecond. For BlackPink, whose fanbase is enormous and fiercely loyal, any hint of plagiarism triggers an immediate backlash both from defenders and accusers.
The Bollywood Connection
This latest controversy is particularly notable because it involves Bollywood, a music industry that itself has a long history of borrowing from international sources—including K-pop. Earlier in 2024, a Bollywood song from 'Crew' was accused of copying BlackPink's 'How You Like That.' This mutual borrowing reflects a globalized music landscape where influence flows in multiple directions. Pritam's defense of Jennie, despite his own checkered past, suggests that some within the industry see these overlaps as a natural byproduct of creativity rather than malicious copying.
Fan Reactions and Industry Implications
The Blinks have once again mounted a massive defense, trending hashtags like 'JENNIE IS A QUEEN' and 'SKZARENDAIRE' (a portmanteau of her name and 'unbothered'). Meanwhile, Indian music fans have expressed frustration that K-pop stars often appropriate local sounds without acknowledgment. The incident also highlights the power of streaming platforms: the side-by-side videos spread rapidly, and the Prime Video India post—though deleted—shows how brands sometimes engage in online drama for engagement. The controversy may actually boost streams for both 'Like Jennie' and the original Bollywood track, as curious listeners compare the two.
What's Next for Jennie?
As of now, Jennie and YG Entertainment (BlackPink's label) have not issued an official response. The lack of comment is typical for the group, which often lets controversies die down without acknowledgment. Meanwhile, the Bollywood composer's support may help defuse some of the tension. Whether the comparison will have any legal consequences remains unlikely, given the difficulty of proving copyright infringement for a short melodic phrase. However, the incident has once again shone a spotlight on the delicate balance between inspiration and imitation in global pop music.
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