BLACKPINK’s Jennie has announced a major new career move — a song titled “Someone to Hold” for the new Netflix film “STEPS,” set for release on November 20. The track is featured in the film’s trailer, but instead of pure celebration, the news triggered a heated wave of online criticism aimed at the idol.
Jennie (Credits: BLACKPINK)
Why the Backlash?
The criticism largely centered on the song’s credited writer and producer, Justin Tranter. A segment of netizens posted claims about Tranter’s political positions — alleging he signed a public letter supporting Israel and opposed calls for an Eurovision boycott — and accused Jennie of continuing to work with controversial collaborators.
The posts spread quickly across X, with some users reviving earlier controversies around the idol’s brand deals. Others took aim at her more personally, criticizing her vocals and delivery rather than engaging with the collaboration question.
Not Everyone Agrees
As with most K-pop flashpoints, the reaction wasn’t one-sided. Fans pushed back against the claims, arguing that working with a songwriter is standard industry practice and that blaming Jennie for a collaborator’s alleged personal views is unfair. Others simply expressed excitement for the Netflix placement, calling “Someone to Hold” a major milestone in her solo career.
For now, neither Jennie nor her agency has addressed the controversy. With “STEPS” hitting Netflix on November 20, the track is set to reach a global audience — whether the discourse around it helps or hurts remains to be seen.
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Source: Koreaboo — read the full story there.
