BLACKPINK’s Jennie has recently found herself at the center of heated online debate following allegations that she may have exaggerated the commercial success of her first solo album, Ruby. The controversy has sparked intense criticism across social media platforms, with some netizens going so far as to label her a “shameless liar.” The situation unfolded after the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) released its annual ranking of the world’s best-selling albums for 2025, based strictly on pure sales figures.

The IFPI list revealed a remarkable dominance by K-pop artists, who claimed thirteen of the top twenty spots. Major acts such as Stray Kids, SEVENTEEN, ENHYPEN, TOMORROW X TOGETHER, ZEROBASEONE, IVE, G-Dragon, NCT WISH, aespa, and BOYNEXTDOOR were all included in the ranking. Given the strong presence of K-pop in global markets and the significant sales power of established idols, the results were not entirely surprising. However, what truly caught the attention of fans and critics alike was the noticeable absence of Jennie’s name from the list.

This omission raised eyebrows because Ruby reportedly achieved extraordinary sales numbers upon its release. According to earlier reports, the album sold one million copies within its first week alone. With such an impressive debut, many expected Jennie to comfortably secure a place in the IFPI’s year-end ranking. In fact, the twentieth position on the list was occupied by IVE’s album IVE SECRET, which recorded 1.07 million sales. Considering that Jennie’s album was released in March, giving it ample time to accumulate additional sales beyond its first week, observers found it puzzling that her name did not appear anywhere in the top twenty.

As news of her absence spread, online communities quickly filled with speculation and criticism. Some netizens accused Jennie and her public relations team of inflating or misrepresenting the album’s achievements. Critics argued that if Ruby had truly sold over one million copies in its first week, it would be nearly impossible for it not to rank among the top twenty best-selling albums globally. The discrepancy between the reported first-week sales and the IFPI’s final rankings led some to question the credibility of the earlier figures.

However, not everyone agreed with these harsh accusations. Many fans stepped forward to defend Jennie, emphasizing that IFPI’s year-end lists are compiled based on specific methodologies and criteria that may differ from the metrics used in initial sales reports. They pointed out that various factors, such as the timing of data collection, regional sales tracking, and the distinction between shipments and confirmed consumer purchases, could all influence the final rankings.

In particular, some supporters highlighted the wording used in the initial report that announced Ruby’s first-week milestone. The outlet that first reported the album’s one million figure used the term “shifted” rather than “sold.” In the music industry, “shifted” can sometimes refer to albums being shipped to retailers rather than purchased directly by end consumers. This distinction is significant because IFPI’s rankings focus on pure sales, meaning albums that have been bought by customers rather than simply distributed to stores. If a portion of the reported one million copies represented shipments rather than confirmed purchases, this could explain the apparent inconsistency.

Additionally, fans argued that global sales tracking is complex and varies by territory. Some sales reported by local charts or distributors may not be fully reflected in IFPI’s data, depending on reporting standards and deadlines. It is also possible that some of Ruby’s sales occurred outside the specific tracking window used for the 2025 ranking. These technical nuances, supporters say, demonstrate that the situation may not be as straightforward as critics suggest.

Despite the ongoing debate, neither Jennie nor her label has issued an official statement addressing the controversy. The lack of clarification has only fueled further discussion online, with opinions remaining sharply divided. While some continue to question the authenticity of the album’s reported success, others urge caution against jumping to conclusions without complete information.

Ultimately, the controversy surrounding Ruby underscores the intense scrutiny faced by global K-pop stars, especially those as high-profile as Jennie. In an industry where commercial performance is closely watched and widely publicized, even minor discrepancies can quickly escalate into widespread speculation. Until an official explanation is provided, the debate is likely to persist, reflecting both the immense popularity of BLACKPINK’s Jennie and the equally intense pressures that accompany her success.