BLACKPINK Jennie The Ruby Experience in Korea Receives Mixed Reviews
BLACKPINK Jennie held her debut solo concert in Korea, “The Ruby Experience,” at Inspire Arena in Incheon on March 15, 2025. This showcase-style performance, celebrating the release of her first solo album “Ruby,” followed shows in Los Angeles and New York. The event featured all 15 tracks from “Ruby” and attracted significant attention as Jennie’s first solo concert in her home country.
Concert Highlights and Initial Reception
The concert opened with “Intro: JANE with FKJ” and continued with pre-released hits like “Mantra,” “Love Hangover,” “Zen,” “ExtraL,” and the title track “Like JENNIE.” Jennie’s powerful performances and captivating media art created a spectacle that initially thrilled fans. However, as the excitement subsided, conflicting reviews emerged.
Praise for Production and Criticism of Duration
While some praised the concert’s unique stage production and media art that showcased Jennie’s charm, others expressed dissatisfaction with the concert’s duration, structure, and viewing environment. The main criticism centered on the concert’s short duration. Unlike typical concerts lasting over two hours, this showcase-style performance ran for only about 70 minutes of pure performance time.
Fan Interaction and Value for Money Concerns
Fans particularly noted the lack of interaction time with Jennie. Despite a 15-song setlist, the absence of fan communication time led to what some called an unprecedented “70-minute concert” in K-pop history. Given the high ticket prices – with the most expensive “Ruby” seats costing 220,000 won and the cheapest “A” seats at 143,000 won – many felt the performance didn’t offer good value for money.
Celebrity Attendance and Disruptions
Complaints also arose about the disruptive environment caused by invited celebrities. Just before the concert started, the arrival of celebrities like NewJeans, WINNER’s Kang Seung-yoon and Lee Seung-hoon, Kim Ji-won, Girls’ Day’s Hyeri, BLACKPINK’s Rosé, and Yoo Jae-suk caused a commotion in the audience, with people standing up to take photos.
Kfans Reaction after the Jennie The Ruby Experience
@love_lovely_lo
Final review: It was great to see K-pop star Jennie (and also Hyeri, NewJeans, Rosé, etc.). She performed so well that I shouted myself hoarse for every stage. However, the concert was too short, which negated these positive factors. The album itself is about 40 minutes, so I wondered how they’d fill 1.5 hours – maybe with talk, guests, special stages, and an encore.
But it really wasn’t worth the money. I feel uneasy all day after spending so much… The transportation costs were extra too. If it had been advertised as a showcase, I wouldn’t have gone or would have accepted it, but for a concert, one hour is… really… I think I’ll just watch singer concerts on YouTube from now on.
@notprevious
Even so, it was only a 70-minute performance, with 20 minutes wasted at the beginning and end for celebrities entering and exiting. And even during that time, the celebrities kept walking to the front… I don’t know what I actually saw.
@zzuyeon115
A concert at Inspire Arena for 220,000 won that only lasted 70 minutes? LOL K-pop, damn, no matter who it is, don’t set this kind of precedent.
@xy4Nv0lFG4gW0XQ
Some are defending it saying it was 90 minutes including the sound check… However, VIP tickets are usually around 190,000 won, which is already expensive, but 220,000 won (Jennie The Ruby Experience ticket price) is even more expensive, and only 70 minutes for the main concert is a bit… I’m afraid other idols might follow suit.
@flowerroad8788
Jennie was supposed to perform for 120 minutes but ended after 70 minutes – this should be criticized. Just like how HYBE raised ticket prices, I’m scared everyone will start doing 70-80 minute concerts. 70 minutes for 220,000 won is too much…
Blackpink Jennie’s concert was praised for its production but also criticized for the duration. How do you think about 220,000 won (approx. $180) for 70 mins?
Previous article about Jennie The Ruby Experience and her solo careers > BLACKPINK Jennie Tops Global Charts with Solo Album Ruby Amid Controversy, released on March 7
