Did Jennie From BLACKPINK Reference EXO’s Kai And G-Dragon During Her 2025 MMA Performance?

BLACKPINK Jennie is facing controversy after her performance at the 2025 Melon Music Awards on December 20.

Jennie surprised fans by attending and performing at the event, a rare move for her. She walked the red carpet looking gorgeous and took home the “Record Of The Year” award.

She performed three songs: “Zen,” “Seoul City,” and “Like Jennie.”

The controversy began with a viral moment during her performance. Jennie sang the line:

“No, I’m not thinking about no exes, know they miss me,”

and gave a smirk that many interpreted as a jab at her ex-boyfriends EXO’s Kai and G-Dragon.

Kai and Jennie dated in 2019 but broke up after Dispatch revealed their relationship. Similarly, Dispatch reported Jennie and G-Dragon as a couple in 2021, though YG Entertainment never confirmed that.

Fans quickly pointed out the moment.

“no im not thinking about no exes know they miss me” the smirk jennie
— like luna (@jnksprincess)

Many assumed the smirk was directly aimed at Kai and G-Dragon, who were reportedly at the awards show.

“kai in the crowd”
— m (@jnkfilter)

“When Jennie starts singing ‘No I’m not thinking ‘bout no exes, know they miss me’ with Kai in the crowd”
— #48 (@ningvcci)

“g dragon and kai in the crowd when jennie sings ‘no im not thinking bout no exes, know they miss me’”
— َ (@lalisasproperty)

However, netizens checked evidence and confirmed that Kai had already left after EXO’s performance. G-Dragon was also not in the audience during Jennie’s performance.

So technically, this was not a direct callout to her exes, just coincidental timing with the lyrics.

BLACKPINK’s official Twitter also congratulated Jennie on the big win:

“Congratulations JENNIE for winning ‘Record of the Year (Daesang)’ at the 2025 MelOn Music Awards “

Congratulations JENNIE for winning “Record of The Year (Daesang)” at the 2025 MelOn Music Awards pic.twitter.com/RsGo3o0RDX

— blackpink (@blckpinkpic) December 20, 2025