NewJeans, an acclaimed K-pop girl group under HYBE, has recently made headlines due to a controversy surrounding their agency, ADOR. After members expressed their thoughts during a YouTube live session, numerous K-pop idols displayed their support. Since their debut in 2022, this 5th generation K-pop group has broken records, topped Korean music charts, and become ambassadors for prestigious global luxury brands.
The members of NewJeans include Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, and Hyein. Their music seamlessly combines retro R&B elements with unforgettable lyrics that captivate fans.
From Hanni’s second-degree black belt to Danielle’s Vietnamese heritage: More insights about each NewJeans member
1) Minji
Minji, the prominent face of NewJeans, is the first member of the group. She began her idol journey in 2019 by participating in HYBE’s Plus Global Audition #The Girl. She made a guest appearance in BTS’ “Permission to Dance”music video in 2021, but officially debuted with her bandmates on July 22, 2022.
Born Kim Minji on May 7, 2004, in Yeongwol-gun, Gangwon-do, South Korea, she is the middle child with an older brother and a younger sister. In her elementary school years, she studied English and spent several months in Canada.
Minji is proficient in Korean, Japanese, and English. She intends to pursue language studies at university. According to Allkpop, she was a classmate of Bae and Sullyoon from NMIXX and majored in Broadcasting at Hanlim Multi Art School. An avid reader of mystery novels, she also played tennis at school.
This NewJeans member not only excels in rapping but also exhibits strong songwriting skills, showcased in the track “Ditto.”Additionally, she has the distinction of being the first Korean idol to serve as a brand ambassador for Chanel in three categories: Beauty, Fashion, and Watches.
2) Hanni
Hanni, whose birth name is Phạm Ngọc Hân, was born on October 6, 2004, in Melbourne, Australia. Her Vietnamese grandparents migrated to Australia long ago.
Fluent in English and Korean, Hanni faces some challenges with Vietnamese. As a child, she was a huge fan of One Direction, which ignited her passion for pop music.
During her high school years in Australia, Hanni was part of a K-pop group named AEMINA. She holds a second-degree black belt in Taekwondo and has intentions to study filmography, medicine, and science at university.
Hanni’s journey took her to Korea for HYBE’s Plus Global Audition, where she was the sole member to pass all three rounds. Prior to officially debuting with ADOR, she appeared in BTS’ “Permission to Dance”alongside Minji, earning the nickname “Cherry”from fans who didn’t yet know her name. Her official debut was revealed on July 21, 2022. She is known for her contributions as a writer, producer, and composer, particularly on “Hype Boy.”In 2022, she was named the brand ambassador for Gucci.
3) Danielle
Danielle was born on April 11, 2005, in New South Wales, Australia. Her birth name is Danielle June Marsh. Her father, Andrew Marsh, is Australian of Caucasian descent, while her mother, Mo Ji-won, has Korean roots.
She has an older sister, Olivia Marsh, who is five years her senior. At four years old, Danielle moved to Korea to begin her education at Munsan Elementary School, where she engaged in ballet and acting. After three years, she returned to Australia and enrolled at Valentine Public School.
This Australian-Korean member of NewJeans is fluent in both English and Korean. As a child, Danielle worked as a model under her Korean name, Mo Jihye, featuring in projects like Rainbow Kindergarten and Jesse’s Play Kitchen.
In 2020, she successfully auditioned for Source Music, performing Daniel Caesar’s “Best Part.”By the end of 2021, she transferred to ADOR and debuted in August 2022. In 2023, Danielle lent her voice to the Korean version of “The Little Mermaid”and is currently a global ambassador for Celine.
4) Haerin
Haerin, a member of NewJeans, was born on May 15, 2006, named Kim Haerin, with the English name Venessa Kang. She hails from Dongjak Gu, Seoul, and has a younger sister.
Fluent in Korean, Japanese, and English, Haerin previously attended Seoul Boramae Elementary School and later transferred to Gwiin Elementary School in Pyeongchon.
Before her debut, she trained at Won Love Dance Studio. Haerin aced the Source Music audition in 2020, and made her debut with ADOR in July 2022 alongside the mini album “NewJeans.”In 2023, she became the global brand ambassador for Dior.
5) Hyein
The youngest member of NewJeans, Hyein, was born on April 21, 2008, in Incheon, South Korea, with the birth name Lee Hye-in. She began her education at Inseong Elementary School before attending Munhak Elementary School and Korea International Christian School, though she left the latter due to her training.
On July 22, 2022, Hyein was introduced to the audience by ADOR and made her debut in August with the NewJeans EP. Before joining the group, she was part of the U.SSO Girl under the stage name U.jeong, and made appearances on Pocket TV’s show “Play With Me Club.”
Hyein proudly represents Louis Vuitton as their brand ambassador.
All NewJeans members have garnered a vast and dedicated fan base known as “bunnies.”Currently, the group is on a hiatus, but until their much-anticipated comeback, fans can enjoy their popular tracks like “Hype Boy,””Ditto,””Bubble Gum,”and more.
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