Jennie Kim of the massively popular Korean girl band BLACKPINK completely stole the spotlight at the photocall for the upcoming HBO show The Idol at the Cannes Film Festival this Tuesday.
Kim, who co-stars in The Idol with resounding figures like Lily-Rose Depp, The Weeknd, Troye Sivan, and many others, was standing among her fellow cast members when the press present at the site started chanting her name. Although easily one of the most famous people at the festival on Tuesday, fans have theorized, based on the singer’s reaction to the calls, that she was not supposed to pose solo at the photocall — such honors are usually reserved for the stars of the show.
The Idol is Kim’s first-ever acting role, but her contribution to the show has reportedly been cut short significantly following changes in creative leadership. An exclusive article published by Rolling Stone earlier this year claimed the singer barely had “any air time and an inconsequential story arc.” Sources who spoke to the magazine in confidentiality said her job on set was “to sit there [and] look pretty.”
This was pretty disappointing for fans of the singer, who felt like BLACKPINK’s huge fanbase was being used to increase the show’s viewership and attention. Reports from those who got to see the first two episodes of The Idol on Monday evening at Cannes essentially confirm the rumors. One critic revealed Kim plays a dancer called Dyanne, but she’s “barely” in the episodes. She does get to sing for a few seconds, though.
Whether or not Jennie is given a proper chance by Sam Levinson and co., there’s no doubt she’s the star of the show at Cannes. The Idol comes out June 4 on HBO and Max.