Blackpink’s Jennie says ‘Apartment 404’ shows her love for detective stories

Blackpink’s Jennie in a scene from “Apartment 404.”

It’s been quite a while since Blackpink’s Jennie made an appearance on a variety show, but she hoped that her casting in “Apartment 404” would let fans into her love for anything of the detective genre.

Jennie is among the cast members of the Korean variety show which centers around the residents on a quest for the cause of “extraordinary events” taking place at an apartment complex.

Also part of the show are TV personality host Yoo Jae-suk, “My Sassy Girl” star Cha Tae-hyun, comedian Yang Se-chan, “Moving” star Lee Jung-ha and “Alchemy of Souls” star Lee Jung-ha.

Blackpink’s Jennie in a scene from “Apartment 404.”

In an email interview with select media outlets including INQUIRER.net, Jennie said the opportunity of working with her castmates and her love for “detective stories” are some of the reasons why she chose to be part of the show.

“I have always enjoyed detective stories, and the opportunity to work with the cast and production team I really admire played a significant role in my decision,” she said. “Also, since it’s been a while since I appeared on a variety show, I thought it would be a special gift for my fans.”

Returning to variety shows was “nerve-wracking” for Jennie, but she’s grateful for the opportunity to “solve cases” and have fun with her fellow “Apartment 404” cast at the same time. “It’s been a long time since my last variety show recording, but the excitement was equally strong.”

“My castmates were very caring. And as we worked together to solve cases, a sense of teamwork developed, making it easier for us to bond quickly,” she continued. “While it’s a variety show, the fact that it’s based on true stories makes it engaging for viewers to immerse themselves in the cases, just like we did.”

Blackpink’s Jennie in a scene from “Apartment 404.”

During the interview, the “Solo” hitmaker said the show urged her to put her “unique detecting” skills to the test, and that it being based on “true stories” added to her excitement to “immerse” into its storyline.

“While it’s a variety show, the fact that it’s based on true stories makes it engaging for viewers to immerse themselves in the cases, just like we did. Additionally, each member has a distinctive personality,” she said.

The variety show is one of Jennie’s pursuits after opening her label Odd Atelier in December 2023. Despite this, she remains a member of Blackpink with her bandmates Jisoo, Rosé and Lisa.