Yu Jae-seok, left, and Jennie in ‘Apartment404.’ Photo courtesy of Prime Video 

MANILA — It has been about six years since Blackpink member Jennie appeared in a variety show, which is why the K-pop superstar could not help but feel equally nervous and excited over her return to the genre.

“It was nerve-wracking as it had been a long time since my last variety show recording, but the excitement was equally strong,” said Jennie, recalling her first day of filming for the new reality series “Apartment404.”

“[But] the [other cast] members were very caring. As we worked together to solve cases, a sense of teamwork developed, making it easier for us to bond quickly,” she said of her castmates in a Q&A shared by Prime Video.

Premiering last Feb. 23 on the streaming platform, “Apartment404” is set in an apartment building where six residents “trace the truth behind extraordinary events” — all based on true stories — that occur in their residences.

'Apartment404' with Yu Jae-seok, Blackpink's Jennie to stream on Prime

The other cast members are popular TV personality Yu Jae-seok, comedian Yang Se-chan, Cha Tae-hyun of the hit romantic-comedy film “My Sassy Girl,” Oh Na-ra from the drama “Sky Castle,” and rising actor Lee Jung-ha of the superhero series “Moving.”

Various factors led Jennie to take on the project, including the show’s format involving mystery cases.

“I have always enjoyed detective stories, and the opportunity to work with the cast and production team I really admire played a significant role in my decision,” the “You & Me” singer said.

“Since it’s also been a while since I appeared on a variety show, I thought it would be a special gift for my fans,” said Jennie, who launched in December her own management company for individual projects outside of Blackpink.

Blackpink's Jennie establishes own company for solo activities

Oh Na-ra, Yang Se-chan, Jennie and Yu Jae-seok in ‘Apartment404.’ Photo courtesy of Prime Video 

The show also marks Jennie’s reunion with Yu Jae-seok, whom she previously worked with in her last variety show “Village Survival, the Eight.”

“I have fond memories of the enjoyable filming during ‘Village Survival, the Eight,’ so I missed it a lot. Although I was nervous about filming after a long break, everyone took good care of me, making the shooting a joyful experience,” she said.

Cast chemistry

For Oh Na-ra, viewers will enjoy the cast members’ chemistry as each possesses a different personality. 

“From Yu Jae-suk's playful banter with Cha Tae-hyun who has him all figured out, to the unpredictable duo [of] Oh Na-ra and Yang Se-chan, and the epitome of cuteness and dorkiness [by] Jennie and Lee Jung-ha, you’ll be entertained by the members’ chemistry,” she said.

Lee Jung-ha, meanwhile, believes audiences will be pleased by the “various entertaining elements [that] are blended together.”

“There’s comedy, deduction, drama, and, finally, the great chemistry among the members. I hope viewers find it enjoyable with the diverse mix of fun factors,” Lee said.

Yu Jae-seok, Lee Jung-ha, Oh Na-ra, Jennie, Cha Tae-hyun and Yang Se-chan in ‘Apartment404.’ Photo courtesy of Prime Video 

Filming was “incredibly fun” for Oh. “It's so enjoyable that you eagerly look forward to the next shoot. Seeing the members genuinely having a good time, I think the viewers will also find it entertaining,” the actress said.

Lee shared he was initially intimidated on the set, “but my seniors took good care of me, helping me forget those thoughts and enjoy the experience.”

“As I gradually solved the problems, it felt thrilling and it was enjoyable,” he said. 

For more news and features on K-pop, K-drama, and K-stars, visit the Hallyu Corner microsite.

RELATED VIDEO