Blackpink’s Jennie recently had the unique opportunity to interview Billie Eilish during an exclusive global event held at Grand Walkerhill Seoul’s Théatre des Lumières in Gwangjin District, eastern Seoul. The event, which took place on June 18, was a special listening session for Eilish’s latest album, “HIT ME HARD AND SOFT,” organized by Spotify.
Fans were thrilled to see Jennie and Billie Eilish together, as the two artists share a history of mutual admiration. Their connection dates back to their memorable Coachella moment in 2019, where Jennie affectionately referred to Eilish as her “crush” on Instagram. The reunion in Seoul was a nostalgic moment for fans, who quickly drew parallels between their 2019 Coachella hug and their recent embrace at the event.
The anticipation for the event was palpable, with hundreds of fans lining up outside the venue well before it began. The excitement reached a fever pitch when Eilish made a surprise appearance, a detail that had been kept under wraps until the last moment. The room erupted in applause and cheers as Eilish casually walked on stage, making it nearly impossible for the audience to hear her initial words.
“Hi everyone. Hello balcony. Hi guys,” Eilish greeted the crowd, eliciting another round of enthusiastic chants. She expressed her gratitude to the fans, saying, “Thank you for listening to the album a bunch. I really appreciate it. I love you so much. Thank you for being here.”
The interview session, moderated by Jennie, focused on questions submitted by fans prior to the event. The questions ranged from Eilish’s music to her personal tastes, and her answers were a mix of humor and sincerity. When asked about the reaction to her new album, Eilish said, “It’s been a trip. It’s really amazing. I did not think that it would do so well honestly. I couldn’t have asked for anything more.”
Eilish also addressed the meaning behind her new album, stating, “I’ve gotten this question before and I have no idea at all. The music came naturally, not out of purpose or intent. I think my message is whatever people get from the album.”
The chemistry between Jennie and Eilish was evident throughout the 30-minute interview. They complimented each other on their artistry and shared light-hearted banter. When Eilish asked Jennie about her favorite song from the new album, Jennie revealed that “Birds of a Feather” was her top pick. Eilish jokingly responded, “Your future solo album that you are working on right now,” referring to Jennie’s upcoming music projects.
The event was not just about the interview; it was an immersive experience that combined Eilish’s music with stunning visuals. The first song, “Skinny,” was accompanied by visuals that made the venue feel like it was sinking underwater, creating an oceanic depth that mirrored the album cover. Other tracks, like “Lunch” and “Wildflower,” had their own unique visual presentations, turning the listening session into a surrealistic fantasy.
The session concluded with the final track, “Blue,” leading to the appearance of Jennie and Eilish on stage. The two artists shared a warm hug, much to the delight of the audience. Eilish praised Jennie for her role as the interviewer, saying, “She was absolutely perfect. Thank you so much for coming today. I love you, Jennie.”
This event marked Eilish’s first visit to Korea in two years. She last performed in the country in 2022 during her world tour for her second album, “Happier than Ever.” Reflecting on her connection with Korean fans, Eilish said, “It’s funny, isn’t it? That art does that. It translates. One of my favorite things in the world is to speak and talk to someone, where neither of us speak the same language, but we bond over something, and I think music is one of those things.”
The listening session was a memorable experience for all attendees, blending music, art, and heartfelt interactions. Fans left the event with a deeper appreciation for both Jennie and Billie Eilish, eagerly anticipating their future projects.
