BLACKPINK’s Jennie is facing backlash over claims she inspired the lead character Rumi in Netflix’s hit movie KPop Demon Hunters.
The controversy started when fans noticed several mentions of Jennie as a reference for Rumi’s design during interviews with the film’s team. Rumors spread quickly that Jennie was the primary inspiration behind the character.
Director Maggie Kang pushed back on this, stating Rumi’s inspiration came from many female figures, inside and outside K-pop.
Maggie Kang:
“Rumi was inspired by many leading ladies, some not even K-Pop. Names are going around (individual idols + groups) bc we only said ‘yes’ as they were mentioned by interviewer to us but list of inspo for both Huntr/x & Saja Boys is endless. This has been clarified by us to press.”Maggie Kang:
“Honestly, the interviews are not enough to name everyone so they are running with what was only said, which I get but it’s only part of the story.”
Despite Kang’s explanation, many fans slammed the film and production team for “using Jennie and other idols for clout.”
“so they were using Jennie, Eunwoo, Jimin and other kpop idols for clout all these time to make sure the movie won’t be a flop, oh these insufferable people….” — Twitter user @JJRL_balletic
“we are so fucking tired of this bs happening every single time,it was YOUR team and people involved in the movie namedropping Jennie and BP and they still do,you even gave thanks to media who said the group was ‘blackpink-esque’ and didnt correct it back thenu pathetic truly” — Twitter user @fixingmess
“This is so unprofessional of you @maggiemkang , what about the other characters? Especially the boys? But you only wanted to specify Rumi cuz you want clout over that movie, while JENNIE is the one getting hate by different fandoms.” — Twitter user @mndublinkk
Others defended Kang, saying it’s normal for character design to have multiple inspirations.
“everyone saying her design was inspired by one individual has noooooo idea how character design works, im sure theres 10+ references for her at MINIMUM” — Twitter user @covergirlnayeon
“why are people acting like she denied jennie was an inspiration when she’s only saying its inspired by more than 1 person that’s totally valid” — Twitter user @likejenruby
KPop Demon Hunters remains a viral success on Netflix as the debate continues. Kang’s team maintains that inspiration sources are limitless and the Jennie connection is only part of the story. Fans are split, with some accusing the movie of name-dropping idols for attention and others calling out stan rivalries brewing over fictional characters.
