Hanni NewJeans: The Untold Story of K-pop's Vietnamese-Australian Star

Hanni NewJeans broke barriers in the K-pop industry when she debuted as the first Australian-Vietnamese idol under HYBE on July 22, 2022. Born Hanni Pham on October 6, 2004, in Melbourne to Vietnamese parents, her journey from a dance crew member to a global K-pop sensation represents a significant milestone for multicultural representation in Korean entertainment.

Since joining NewJeans, Hanni has contributed significantly to the group's record-breaking success, with their debut album selling over 440,000 copies in just three days. Additionally, she showcased her musical talents through songwriting credits on hit tracks like "Hype Boy" and "OMG." Beyond her musical achievements, Hanni has established herself in the fashion world, becoming a global ambassador for prestigious brands including Gucci and Armani Beauty. Notably, despite her fluency in English and Korean, she has openly discussed struggling with Vietnamese, speaking it with a foreign accent—a reflection of her unique cultural identity that resonates with many third-culture individuals.

Early Life and Cultural Roots

Behind every K-pop idol is a unique story, and the cultural tapestry of Hanni's background adds rich dimensions to her journey. The NewJeans member's multicultural upbringing shaped her perspective long before she stepped onto the global stage.

Hanni's Vietnamese heritage and family background

Born as Phạm Ngọc Hân, Hanni carries her Vietnamese heritage through her full name. Her father hails from Vietnam's capital city of Hanoi, while her mother comes from Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon). This north-south parental connection gives Hanni roots across Vietnam's two major cultural centers.

Hanni's family story involves migration and new beginnings. Her parents and grandparents left Vietnam for Australia sometime before her birth, establishing themselves in Melbourne where they would later raise their family. The Vietnamese diaspora experience forms an important part of Hanni's background, though this aspect of her identity has occasionally sparked controversy among some Vietnamese netizens.

Within her family circle, Hanni isn't an only child. She has a younger sister named Jasmine who was born in 2007, also in Melbourne. Furthermore, Hanni was raised in the Catholic faith, which represents another dimension of her cultural identity beyond her Vietnamese heritage.

Growing up in Melbourne, Australia

Hanni's formative years unfolded in Melbourne, Victoria, where she was born on October 6, 2004. As a Libra, she spent her childhood immersed in Australian culture while maintaining connections to her Vietnamese roots. Melbourne, known for its cultural diversity, provided an environment where Hanni could develop her talents and interests.

Her Australian upbringing proved significant for her future K-pop career. Until Hanni's debut, there was only one other Vietnamese K-pop idol in the industry—Hanbin of boy band Tempest, who debuted in March 2022. This makes Hanni's presence in the K-pop landscape particularly noteworthy, as she represents an intersection of identities rarely seen in the industry.

Growing up in Australia established her foundational English skills and shaped her worldview before she would eventually relocate to South Korea to pursue her dreams in K-pop.

Languages spoken and cultural identity

Hanni's linguistic abilities reflect her multicultural background. She speaks English with a distinctive Melbourne General Australian accent, marking her Australian upbringing. Throughout her training and career in Korea, she has also become proficient in Korean.

Interestingly, though she has Vietnamese heritage, Hanni has openly acknowledged that Vietnamese remains challenging for her. She speaks the language with a foreign accent and is not fully fluent. This language dynamic illustrates the complex nature of cultural identity for children of immigrants—while connected to her Vietnamese roots through her parents, her linguistic abilities reflect her Australian upbringing.

The complexity of Hanni's cultural identity makes her a distinctive figure in K-pop. As one of the few Vietnamese-descent idols in the industry, she represents an expanding cultural diversity within K-pop. Her unique position as an Australian-born performer of Vietnamese heritage who operates primarily in Korean entertainment showcases the increasingly global nature of K-pop.

In essence, Hanni's background exemplifies the experiences of many third-culture individuals—those who grow up with influences from their parents' culture, their birth country's culture, and eventually, their professional culture. This multilayered identity continues to shape her perspective as she navigates her rising career in the international spotlight.

Discovering K-pop and the First Steps

Hanni's path to K-pop stardom began long before she stepped onto Korean soil, with her passion for music and dance taking root in her hometown of Melbourne.

Joining Aemina Dance Crew

The year 2019 marked a pivotal moment in Hanni's journey as she joined Aemina Dance Crew, a Melbourne-based group specializing in K-pop dance covers. This experience served as her first serious foray into the world of K-pop performance. Alongside fellow Vietnamese-Australian friends, Hanni honed her dance skills by meticulously learning and performing choreographies from popular K-pop groups.

Through Aemina, she gained valuable performance experience and deepened her connection to K-pop culture. This dance crew became more than just a hobby—it provided a foundation for what would soon become her professional career. Her time with Aemina also demonstrated her early commitment to perfecting the precise movements and expressions that define K-pop performances.

Auditioning for HYBE's global program

In October 2019, Hanni took a life-changing step by participating in the PLUS GLOBAL AUDITION, a collaborative global talent search conducted by HYBE (then known as Big Hit) and Source Music under the leadership of Min Hee-Jin. This audition program toured 16 cities worldwide, seeking fresh talent for their upcoming projects.

When the audition came to Melbourne, Hanni seized the opportunity to showcase her talents. Her audition was uniquely personal—she performed Dodie Clark's "Would You Be So Kind" while accompanying herself on the ukulele. This charming performance clearly impressed the judges, as she successfully passed the audition.

Interestingly, Hanni's audition video was later featured in NewJeans' introduction clip, giving fans a glimpse of her early talent. According to company records, she was the only member of NewJeans who passed from these particular auditions, highlighting just how selective the process was.

Moving to Korea and adapting to a new life

After passing the audition, Hanni became a trainee in 2020. Her decision to pursue this opportunity meant relocating to Seoul—a tremendous leap for a teenager from Melbourne. Remarkably, she made this transition without knowing how to speak Korean, adding an additional challenge to her already demanding new life.

Throughout her training period, Hanni balanced her artistic development with education. Rather than abandoning her studies, she enrolled in online courses at her former high school in Australia. This arrangement allowed her to continue her education while dedicating herself to the rigorous training regimen required of K-pop trainees.

Initially, Hanni trained under Source Music, but was later transferred to ADOR, both subsidiaries of HYBE. Her training period lasted approximately two and a half years before her official debut with NewJeans. During this time, she had to adapt not only to a new language and culture but also to the intensely competitive environment of K-pop training.

The transition from an Australian teenager with a passion for K-pop to a trainee immersed in the heart of the Korean entertainment industry represented a profound personal transformation—one that would ultimately lead to her breakthrough as a member of one of K-pop's most successful new groups.

Training Years and Pre-Debut Appearances

Behind the polished debut of every K-pop idol lies years of intensive training, and Hanni's pre-debut journey reveals the dedication required to shine on the global stage.

Life as a trainee under Source Music and ADOR

After passing the Plus Global Audition in 2019, Hanni embarked on the challenging path of a K-pop trainee. Initially placed under Source Music, she later transferred to ADOR when both subsidiaries operated under HYBE's umbrella. Her training period lasted approximately two and a half years before her official debut with NewJeans.

The reality of trainee life contrasted sharply with the glamorous image of K-pop idols. Like many aspiring performers, Hanni entered a world where management agencies exercise considerable control over trainees' lives—from daily schedules to personal choices. Trainees typically sign restrictive contracts at young ages, often 12 or 13, submitting to a system that regulates their singing and dancing lessons, living arrangements, diets, and numerous other aspects of daily life.

Throughout this period, Hanni dedicated herself to improving various skills essential for K-pop idols, including dance, vocals, facial expressions, and language proficiency. This intensive training system, while demanding, is designed to transform promising talent into polished performers capable of meeting the industry's high standards.

Indeed, the statistics reveal the competitive nature of this process—typically, top entertainment companies train numerous aspiring idols but debut only about 10% of their trainees. Hanni's success in navigating this selective system speaks to both her talent and perseverance.

Cameo in BTS's 'Permission to Dance'

In July 2021, Hanni made a surprise appearance alongside fellow NewJeans member Minji in BTS's music video for "Permission to Dance." Both appeared as students in uniform, creating what many fans assumed was a strategic promotional cameo.

However, this appearance later became the center of controversy. In July 2024, ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin revealed she had not given consent for Hanni and Minji to appear in the BTS video. In an email to HYBE CEO Park Ji Won, Min expressed her dissatisfaction, stating: "By the way, along with other things including how you featured the trainees for the girl group in BTS' music video without prior agreement, I have begun to feel that there have been continued impolite actions."

Nevertheless, the cameo provided eagle-eyed fans with their first glimpse of Hanni before her official debut. Many viewers noted her "idol visuals" even then, though few could have predicted she would soon debut in one of K-pop's most successful new groups.

Balancing school and training

Throughout her training period, Hanni faced the challenge of balancing her education with the demands of preparing for her K-pop career. The training process is notoriously intensive, requiring long hours of practice while still maintaining academic progress.

For many trainees, this balancing act means sacrificing aspects of normal teenage life. The extensive training regimen encompasses multiple disciplines—dance, vocal training, facial expression management, language studies, and more—all conducted in an enclosed environment designed to develop well-rounded performers.

Hanni's situation was further complicated by her international background. As an Australian student training in Korea, she needed to navigate educational requirements across different systems. Moreover, this period also demanded cultural and linguistic adaptation as she integrated into the Korean entertainment industry.

Despite these challenges, Hanni successfully completed her training and prepared for what would become a groundbreaking debut with NewJeans in 2022, demonstrating the remarkable resilience required to transition from trainee to idol.

Debut with NewJeans and Breakthrough

July 2022 marked a pivotal moment in K-pop history when ADOR unveiled their first girl group through an unconventional debut strategy that would subsequently change the industry landscape.

Surprise debut with 'Attention'

On July 22, 2022, ADOR released "Attention," NewJeans' debut single, as a complete surprise without any prior information regarding the group's lineup. This bold approach deviated from standard K-pop debut practices, which typically involve extended promotional periods introducing members before music releases. The choreography video accompanied the release on the same day, followed by the announcement of the group's self-titled extended play containing four tracks.

Hanni, alongside her four groupmates, entered the industry through this innovative debut. The strategy emphasized music quality before idol personalities—a refreshing perspective in the visual-heavy K-pop industry. This approach proved successful as "Attention" became their first number-one song on South Korea's Circle Digital Chart. Even more impressively, NewJeans became the first Korean artist to enter the US Spotify charts with their debut song, with "Attention" landing at position 183.

Role in the group and early recognition

From the onset, Hanni carved out a distinctive identity within NewJeans. She specifically caught viewers' attention as "the girl with the braids" in the "Attention" music video, making her visually memorable among first-time viewers. Her position as the first fully Vietnamese member of a major K-pop company added historical significance to her debut.

Critics and fans alike praised Hanni for her dreamy voice, dancing abilities, and dynamic stage presence. Her facial expressions during performances earned particular recognition, adding depth to the group's visual performances. Within an astonishingly short period, NewJeans achieved extraordinary success—breaking streaming records, dominating charts worldwide, and collecting prestigious awards including "Best New Group," "Artist of the Year," and "Song of the Year".

NewJeans' impact continued when they became only the third K-pop girl group to reach number one on music shows across all three major Korean television networks (KBS, SBS, MBC) with their debut song. This accomplishment highlighted not just their commercial appeal but likewise their ability to win over industry insiders.

Songwriting credits: 'Hype Boy' and 'OMG'

The day after "Attention" premiered, ADOR released "Hype Boy" as the group's second single. Unlike many rookie idols who primarily perform songs written by others, Hanni immediately demonstrated her creative talents by contributing to the lyrics of "Hype Boy". The song was accompanied by four music videos showing different members' perspectives, with Hanni featured in her own individual video.

Music critics noted the significance of Hanni's songwriting contribution, with NME's Rhian Daly highlighting how her input helped introduce a genuine female perspective to the lyrics, moving away from the "male gaze" that had historically dominated K-pop girl group music. This creative involvement established NewJeans as a group with artistic credibility beyond their performance skills.

Hanni's songwriting abilities extended to their subsequent release "OMG," for which she also received official writing credits. By early 2023, four of NewJeans' five members had secured songwriting credits, with Hanni being one of the first to do so. Impressively, she, alongside Minji and Danielle, officially secured individual identifier numbers from the Korean Music Copyright Association (KOMCA).

Through her contributions to chart-dominating hits like "Hype Boy" and "OMG," Hanni helped establish NewJeans as a group of authentic artist-performers rather than merely performers, cementing their reputation as one of K-pop's most promising new acts.

Public Image and Visual Identity

In the ever-evolving world of K-pop aesthetics, Hanni's visual presentation has become a signature element of her identity, captivating audiences with both subtle details and bold transformations.

Hanni's short hair and visual transformation

A pivotal moment in Hanni's visual evolution came with NewJeans' double single "Bubble Gum" and "How Sweet," where she debuted a chic choppy bob haircut that instantly captured attention. Fans and netizens swooned over this refreshing look, quickly establishing it as the newest trend to emulate. What appeared to be a bold style choice actually came with a surprising backstory—the short hair was a wig that was decided upon spontaneously during a photoshoot.

"I sat down to get ready for the album cover. The hair artist suddenly pulled my hair back!" Hanni revealed about the unexpected transformation. The wig's deliberately imperfect appearance, resembling hair "cut with kitchen scissors," added to its casual charm. Although temporary, this visual change showcased Hanni's adaptability and willingness to experiment with her image.

Stage presence and viral moments

Beyond static visuals, Hanni's dynamic stage presence has repeatedly propelled her into viral territory. Her performances during NewJeans' recent comebacks garnered special attention for her exceptional dancing abilities, with Korean netizens creating multiple viral posts celebrating her talents. Professional dancers have even analyzed her techniques, praising her isolation movements and body control.

What truly distinguishes Hanni's performances is her expressiveness. She incorporates subtle facial expressions like the "stanky face" during "How Sweet" performances, adding personality to choreography. As one fan observed: "Hanni has an amazing fluidity that makes her seem weightless". Remarkably, she maintains consistent energy regardless of camera focus, staying fully immersed in performances at all times.

How fans perceive her image

The public perception of Hanni reflects a multifaceted appreciation for both her aesthetic appeal and performance skills. Fans commonly describe her as having "the cutest smile in all kpop" and being "the most animated" member. Her ability to attract new fans through her visual appeal has earned her the nickname "stan attractor".

Following the "How Sweet" promotion period, one fan commented: "She caught my eye so much during this comeback. I didn't understand why but it's definitely the dancing!". This sentiment echoes across fan communities as they recognize her technical skills alongside her charisma.

At once approachable yet distinctive, Hanni's visual identity continues evolving while maintaining the authentic charm that first endeared her to fans worldwide.

Fashion and Brand Endorsements

Beyond her musical talents, Hanni's impact in the fashion industry has established her as a coveted brand ambassador for luxury houses worldwide. Her striking visuals, combined with her authentic personality, have made her an ideal representative for prestigious global brands.

Becoming a Gucci global ambassador

In October 2022, shortly after NewJeans' debut, Hanni secured her first major fashion partnership as a global brand ambassador for Gucci. This milestone positioned her among an elite group of international stars representing the Italian luxury house.

Her collaboration with Gucci quickly yielded high-profile campaigns, primarily the Gucci Horsebit 1955 campaign alongside actresses Julia Garner and Halle Bailey. Throughout this partnership, Hanni showcased the brand's iconic Horsebit 1955 bag and Horsebit 1953 loafers against Seoul's most recognizable landmarks. In fact, Hanni made history as one of the first female stars to wear the Horsebit 1953 loafer in a Gucci campaign.

Reflecting on her experience, Hanni shared: "It has been an absolute dream working with Gucci as their global ambassador. Participating in campaigns and events, seeing all that goes on behind the scenes, has not only taught me so much about the endless passion fashion house brands have for their work, but also has increased my admiration for the beauty of these brands".

Partnerships with Armani Beauty and UGG

Alongside her Gucci relationship, Hanni expanded her portfolio by becoming a global ambassador for Armani Beauty from February 2023 to February 2024. Subsequently, in March 2024, she transitioned to represent Gucci Beauty, which announced her as their newest global ambassador.

Currently, Hanni also serves as the global face of UGG, fronting their Spring/Summer 2025 campaign featuring the new GoldenRise sandal. The campaign, rooted in themes of "joy, renewal, vibrancy, and warmth," explores what UGG calls "Big Spring Energy". Her excitement about this partnership was evident when she stated: "UGG is a brand that I have grown up with and that exists very fondly in a lot of my younger memories, so to have been given the opportunity to work with them, let alone become their Global Ambassador is such a surreal moment for me".

Magazine covers and fashion campaigns

Hanni's fashion credentials extend to numerous prestigious magazine appearances. She graced the cover of W Korea's 2024 Vol. 2 Issue, photographed by legendary creative director Hiroshi Fujiwara. For this photoshoot, she wore pieces from Gucci's Spring Summer 2024 Collection designed by Sabato De Sarno.

Additionally, she appeared in a special edition of Dazed magazine alongside Gucci and was featured in Vogue Australia, where her fellow NewJeans member Haerin remarked on the experience: "It was surreal at first, as it was hard to imagine myself being an ambassador of a brand I've always loved".

Speaking Out: Challenges in the Industry

Taking a stand against industry practices, Hanni became one of the few K-pop idols to publicly address workplace harassment when she testified before South Korean lawmakers in October 2023.

Testimony at the Korean National Assembly

In a tearful testimony to the Labor Committee of South Korea's National Assembly, Hanni alleged that entertainment agency HYBE had deliberately undermined NewJeans. The Vietnamese-Australian idol recounted specific incidents, including one where a manager instructed another group to "ignore her" after she greeted them in HYBE's hallway. "I don't understand why she would say something like that in the work environment," she stated during her testimony.

Hanni also claimed senior HYBE executives routinely snubbed her greetings. "Since my debut, we ran into a person in a high-up position many times, but they never greeted me when I greeted them," she explained. After multiple such experiences, she concluded: "I came to the realization that this wasn't just a feeling. I was honestly convinced that the company hated us".

Discussion on labor rights for idols

Hanni's testimony sparked broader conversations about labor protections in the K-pop industry. Consequently, fans filed a petition about workplace bullying with the government. Yet, South Korea's labor ministry rejected these claims, ruling that given the content and nature of her management contract, she is not considered a worker under the country's Labor Standards Act.

Currently, no specific laws in South Korea provide protections for the working rights of celebrities or artists. As one expert noted, this situation is "utterly unfair and yet unsurprising". The work of K-pop idols is "emotionally and physically exhausting" with "incredibly long hours, often seven days a week for months in a row".

Support from the Australian Embassy

Throughout her ordeal, Hanni expressed gratitude toward her fans and Korea, saying: "I'm grateful to Korea for allowing me to do what I love". Nonetheless, her situation as a foreign national in the Korean entertainment industry raised additional concerns, especially regarding her visa status as an Australian-Vietnamese dual citizen.

Life Beyond the Stage

When the spotlight dims, Hanni Pham reveals a multifaceted personality filled with creative pursuits and simple pleasures that ground her whirlwind existence as a global K-pop sensation.

Hobbies, pets, and personal interests

Beyond her professional commitments, Hanni cherishes quiet moments with her two beloved dogs, Milly and Mia. She finds joy in surprisingly ordinary activities, often spending her free time cleaning and organizing things. Primarily a film enthusiast, she typically watches at least one movie weekly, alongside her habit of enjoying YouTube vlogs.

Her affection for the outdoors manifests in nightly walks, which she appreciates for "the cool atmosphere and temperature." Hanni has a unique hobby of photographing clouds—whether they appear "strange, pretty, or cute"—capturing fleeting moments between her busy schedule. Certainly unusual for her generation, she finds folding clothes "therapeutic," jokingly acknowledging this makes her sound "like a grandma."

Food-wise, Hanni's love for bread is legendary, once playfully introducing herself as "a person that loves bread sold on airplanes." She enjoys Hawaiian pizza and mint chocolate, demonstrating her openness to controversial flavor combinations.

Musical instruments and creative outlets

Musically gifted, Hanni plays three instruments—guitar, ukulele, and piano. Her ukulele journey began in elementary school music class, subsequently developing into a serious skill. Presently, she considers her guitar essential, claiming she "cannot live without it."

Had she not pursued idol life, Hanni expressed interest in studying natural sciences, medicine, filmography, or screenwriting—revealing her intellectual curiosities alongside artistic talents. Her fascination with creative storytelling appears in her music preferences too, as she appreciates hip-hop artists who "rap about their lives under really chill beats."

Fun facts that fans love

Hanni possesses the remarkable ability to fall asleep quickly anywhere, "even while sitting." Her favorite Christmas carol, "Silent Night," holds special significance as it reminds her of childhood Christmas parties. Grey and mint rank as her favorite colors, alongside her unique affinity for the number 73.

Alongside being competitive, Hanni maintains friendships across agencies, notably with Huh Yunjin from LE SSERAFIM, whom she trained with during her Source Music days.