Music industry circles have been buzzing since word got out that Jennie of BLACKPINK has brought on Jeremy Erlich, Spotify’s former global music head, as her new manager. The move signals some interesting developments in her solo career trajectory.
Erlich’s no stranger to the K-pop world – he’s the guy who helped in BLACKPINK’s deal with Interscope back when he was at Universal Music Group. Since leaving Spotify last year, he has been quietly working with Jennie as her manager.
He already helped land her some major looks like that Billboard Global Force award, the Spotify Korea listening party, and an interview with Billie Eilish. Netizens observed his active promotion of these achievements through his personal social media channels.
Lately, antis have been claiming that Jeremy Erlich is dating Jennie and is credited for her solo success. He often comments and shares her posts, and lately was tagged in the bikini picture shared by the “You & Me” singer. Jeremy was spotted with her on numerous occasions during her album “Ruby” promotions.
Dating rumors surrounding them intensified as she started promoting her album and dropped pre-release tracks. Antis accused the idol of “payola” – a music industry term for buying influence – suggesting her romantic involvement with Erlich (if true) could explain her recent career boosts.
He is not new to working with BLACKPINK, previously, he was frequently spotted with member Rosé. Jeremy Erlich and Rosé were seen at multiple public events, including Dua Lipa’s concert and LACMA Art + Film Gala in 2022. Plus, their viral video of entering the hotel together back in 2022 has resurfaced again.
Now that Jennie and Jeremy Erlich are being romantically linked, all the success Jennie has achieved as a solo artist is often attributed to him. The 29-year-old singer is receiving immense hate for her dating rumors with her manager. Well, this is nothing new, as her achievements are often overshadowed by the hate she gets from K-pop fans.
What’s really got people talking is Jennie’s choice to go with Columbia Records for her solo work while her BLACKPINK sisters each signed elsewhere – Rosé at Atlantic, Lisa with RCA, Jisoo at Warner. It’s an unusual spread that has fans speculating about the group’s long-term plans. Many fans believe that this upcoming world tour might be their last, as they will likely focus on solo endeavors in the future.
Meanwhile, BLACKPINK will make a June comeback before hitting the road for their world tour “Deadline” in July.
