NewJeans Members Profile 2025: The Untold Stories Behind K-pop's Rising Stars

The members of NewJeans have achieved what few K-pop groups accomplish in their entire careers—all in less than three years since their 2022 debut. Despite being newcomers to the industry, they broke the Guinness World Record for the fastest K-pop act to reach one billion streams on Spotify and sold an astounding 4.39 million album copies in 2023 alone.

This phenomenal rise is certainly no accident. Since their debut on August 1, 2022, the newjeans members have captivated global audiences with their refreshing girl-next-door image and 90s-inspired sound. Each member brings unique qualities to the group—there is no official newjeans leader, which highlights their collaborative approach. Fans interested in the newjeans members' ages will discover a young but remarkably talented lineup, whose diverse backgrounds (including Vietnamese-Australian and Korean-Australian heritage) have contributed to their international appeal.

Meet NewJeans: The Group That Redefined K-pop

In July 2022, a new girl group quietly entered the K-pop scene without the typical pre-debut hype or promotional teasers. Instead, they dropped their first music video "Attention" on July 22, 2022, immediately capturing the industry's curiosity. This unconventional debut strategy was just the first hint that the members of NewJeans would be doing things differently.

Debut date and agency background

NewJeans was formed under ADOR (All Doors One Room), a subsidiary label of entertainment powerhouse HYBE, which also manages global superstars BTS. The group officially debuted on August 1, 2022, with their self-titled mini album "New Jeans" after releasing their first single "Attention". Their innovative approach to debut earned them the nickname "monster rookies" as they quickly topped multiple domestic and international charts.

Behind NewJeans stands creative visionary Min Hee-jin, CEO and head producer of ADOR. Previously responsible for the branding of enduring K-pop acts like SHINee, EXO, and Girls' Generation, Min's industry expertise helped shape the group's distinctive identity. HYBE had announced the launch of ADOR as an independent label in November 2021, with plans to debut a new girl group primarily produced by Min Hee-jin.

The five newjeans members—Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, and Hyein—have accomplished remarkable milestones in their short career. Furthermore, they broke the Guinness World Record for "Fastest K-pop act to reach 1 billion streams on Spotify" and were named the eighth best-selling artist worldwide in 2023 by IFPI.

Meaning behind the name 'NewJeans'

The name "NewJeans" carries a clever double meaning that reflects the group's artistic philosophy:

First, it references jeans as a timeless fashion item. Each generation has its emblematic new style of jeans, and similarly, the group aims to establish themselves as a timeless fixture in pop culture.

As Min Hee-jin explained, "Pop music, like clothing, is a part of culture that is inseparable from our everyday lives". This philosophy underscores the group's mission to create music that becomes an essential part of listeners' daily experiences.

Fandom name and social media presence

NewJeans fans are officially called "Bunnies," a name revealed on October 29, 2022—marking the 100th day since their debut. The name references the bunny imagery used on the artwork for their debut EP. Notably, Korean fans sometimes use "Tokki" (토끼), the Korean word for rabbit, as an alternative.

The group maintains strong connections with their fans through various social media platforms. Initially, their official accounts were managed under ADOR. However, on December 14, 2023, the newjeans members launched their own independent Instagram account "jeanzforfree," which gained one million followers within hours—becoming the fastest Instagram account to reach that milestone in K-pop history.

Unlike many K-pop groups with a designated newjeans leader, NewJeans operates without official positions, emphasizing their collaborative approach. This unconventional structure is part of what makes their newjeans profile distinctive in the industry, alongside their fresh musical style and authentic image.

Minji: The Quiet Leader of the Pack

Born on May 7, 2004, in Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, Kim Minji serves as the unofficial backbone of one of K-pop's most refreshing girl groups. As the eldest among the members of NewJeans, Minji brings a quiet strength that resonates throughout their performances and group dynamics.

Early life and training journey

Originally from northeastern South Korea, Minji attended Mancheon Elementary School before transferring to Gangwon Junior High School. During her early education, she developed an interest in music and initially studied guitar at a music school. Moreover, she spent time in Canada as a homestay transfer student, where she honed her English skills and gained international perspective.

Minji's path to stardom began unexpectedly when her music teacher recommended she audition for Source Music. After successfully passing the audition during her middle school years, she transferred to Sinsa Middle School in Seoul to fully commit to trainee life. According to former classmates, her arrival caused quite a stir due to her striking beauty and pleasant personality.

Her pre-debut journey spanned approximately four years, beginning as a Source Music trainee in 2017 until the company was acquired by HYBE Corporation in 2019. Subsequently, she joined ADOR, where she would eventually debut with NewJeans. Prior to her official introduction, Minji gained recognition as "The Girl" – the face of HYBE's 2019 Plus Global Auditions. In 2021, she made a cameo appearance alongside future groupmate Hanni in BTS's "Permission to Dance" music video, foreshadowing her eventual debut.

Role in the group and personality

Although NewJeans operates without an official newjeans leader, Minji naturally fulfills this role through her actions and demeanor. Her fellow members affectionately refer to her as the "Organizing King of NewJeans," highlighting her meticulous attention to detail and planning abilities. Her exceptional communication skills make her the natural choice for hosting duties and facilitating group activities.

Behind Minji's reserved exterior lies a deeply attentive and considerate person. As the eldest in the group, she demonstrates leadership through subtle guidance rather than assertive control. Her teammates emphasize how she expresses care through her actions – often reminding them to eat properly and looking after their wellbeing.

In an interview with Billboard, Minji expressed genuine affection for her groupmates, stating, "All five of us are friends and they're all precious to me." This sentiment reflects the authentic bond among the newjeans members, which contributes significantly to their cohesive performance style.

Interesting facts and hobbies

Beyond her musical talents, Minji possesses a rich inner world filled with diverse interests. She particularly enjoys reading mystery novels and decorating her diary – activities that reflect her thoughtful nature. On days off, she prefers waking up late, having a leisurely lunch, and taking purposeless walks to clear her mind.

Minji's preferences reveal her multifaceted personality:

Favorite seasons: Early summer and winter nights
Favorite colors: Various shades of blue, alongside black and red
Favorite foods: Chocolate, ice cream (especially in sandwich form), and her mother's cooking
Dislikes: Mint chocolate, Hawaiian pizza, hot and sour foods, carbonated drinks

As a middle child between an older brother (born 2003) and younger sister (born 2011), Minji developed the balanced perspective that serves her well in group dynamics. Her disciplined approach to life extends to personal habits – she maintains a meticulous routine even before bedtime.

Musically, Minji has already begun establishing herself as more than just a performer. Her contribution to the lyrics of NewJeans' hit song "Ditto" showcases her creative abilities and hints at the potential for more songwriting in her future.

Hanni: The Multilingual Star with Global Roots

Hanni Pham stands out among the members of NewJeans as the group's multilingual Vietnamese-Australian star. Born on October 6, 2004, in Melbourne, Australia, she brings international flair and diverse cultural influences to the rapidly rising K-pop group.

Vietnamese-Australian heritage

With roots deeply connected to Vietnam, Hanni's cultural background adds unique diversity to the newjeans members profile. Both her parents are Vietnamese—her father hailing from Hanoi and her mother from Ho Chi Minh City. They migrated to Australia before Hanni's birth, establishing the foundation for her multicultural upbringing.

Despite her Vietnamese heritage, Hanni speaks the language with a foreign accent and admits she's not fully fluent. "Speaking Vietnamese is hard," she once confessed. She is most comfortable communicating in English with her distinctive Melbourne accent, followed by Korean, which she learned during her training period. This linguistic journey reflects her bridged identity between Eastern and Western cultures.

Hanni's path to K-pop stardom began in her hometown, where she performed as part of Aemina Dance Crew, specializing in covering K-pop choreography. In October 2019, she passed the Plus Global Auditions, becoming a trainee in 2020. Interestingly, she was the only member who passed from these auditions, marking the beginning of her journey toward becoming one of the newjeans members.

Musical talents and songwriting

Beyond her captivating stage presence, Hanni possesses impressive musical abilities. She plays multiple instruments with notable skill—the ukulele, guitar, and piano. For her global audition, she performed "Would You Be So Kind?" by Dodie Clark on ukulele, showcasing her musical versatility.

Her contributions extend beyond performing. Hanni participated in writing lyrics for two of NewJeans' biggest hits: "Hype Boy" and "OMG." This songwriting talent demonstrates her creative depth and artistic involvement in the group's music. In fact, her ambitions in music production continue to grow.

In early 2024, Hanni revealed she had begun creating her own beats, specifically working on a UK garage beat remake. "I am remaking the beat from one of my favourite songs, which is in the UK garage genre," she shared during a live stream. This development hints at future self-produced music from the newjeans members, with Hanni at the forefront of this creative expansion.

Unique traits and fan-favorite moments

At just 20 years old in 2025, Hanni has already established herself as a fashion icon. Shortly after debut—less than three months—she became Gucci's global ambassador. Subsequently, she added prestigious partnerships with:

Armani Beauty (January 2023)
UGG Australia (March 2024)
Chaumet (featured on Elle's D Edition cover)

Her charming point, as she describes it, is her short hair, while fans often call her "Pham," her favorite nickname. Additionally, her habit of holding in her laugh—resulting in a distinctive sound—has become endearing to followers.

Hanni's competitive nature stands out among the newjeans members, though Minji apparently surpasses her in win rates for both athletic and luck-based games. Food-wise, she loves bread and considers herself the member who "can eat anything well."

If her life had taken a different turn, Hanni might have pursued science and medicine or filmography at university. She attributes her K-pop journey partly to her mother's influence—her mom was a big fan of boy bands in the 2000s, particularly the Backstreet Boys.

First introduced to K-pop in 2013 through a reaction channel featuring Girls' Generation's "I Got A Boy," Hanni developed a passion that would eventually lead her to become part of what many consider K-pop's next generation. As the newjeans profile continues to rise globally, Hanni's multicultural background and diverse talents remain central to the group's appeal.

Danielle: From Child Model to K-pop Icon

With a charming Australian accent and remarkable artistic talents, Danielle Marsh completes the diverse international profile of the members of NewJeans. Her journey from childhood stardom to K-pop sensation showcases a rare blend of multicultural influence and natural performance ability.

Australian-Korean background

Danielle June Marsh, known in Korea as Mo Ji-hye (모지혜), was born on April 11, 2005, in Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia. Her multicultural heritage stems from her Australian father, Andrew Marsh, and South Korean mother, Mo Ji-won. Interestingly, Danielle's connection to both countries began early in life when her family relocated to Paju, South Korea, when she was just four years old.

After spending approximately three years in South Korea, Danielle returned to Australia at age seven to continue her primary education. This bicultural upbringing gifted her with dual citizenship and the foundation for her future international appeal. First, she developed strong connections to both her Australian and Korean identities—a background that later became instrumental in her role among the newjeans members.

Acting and modeling experience

Long before joining NewJeans, Danielle had already tasted fame as a child model and television personality in South Korea. Between 2010-2012, she worked professionally under her Korean name, even maintaining an official fan café and Twitter account during this period.

Her television debut came in 2011 when she appeared on tvN's "Rainbow Kindergarten" and SBS's "My Heart's Crayon." Following these appearances, she featured on "Shinhwa Broadcasting" and "Jesse's Play Kitchen" in 2012, establishing herself as a recognizable child performer before returning to Australia.

Nearly a decade later, Danielle returned to South Korea, becoming a K-pop trainee in 2020. Her journey culminated on July 22, 2022, when she debuted as one of the newjeans members, even co-writing the group's debut single "Attention."

Beyond her group activities, Danielle expanded her acting credentials in 2023 by voicing Ariel in the Korean dub of Disney's live-action "The Little Mermaid." Her performance earned significant praise after the film's first screening, highlighting her versatility beyond the newjeans profile.

Artistic hobbies and brand endorsements

Outside her professional commitments, Danielle nurtures several artistic passions. Her hobbies include drawing, painting, swimming, and conversing with fellow newjeans members. Nicknamed the "golden hand" within the group, she demonstrates exceptional skills in drawing, makeup application, and cooking.

Since debut, Danielle has rapidly accumulated prestigious brand partnerships:

January 2023: Became a global ambassador for Burberry
March 2023: Selected as global brand ambassador for Yves Saint Laurent Beauty
March 2024: Appointed as Celine's global brand ambassador
December 2024: Named an Omega ambassador

For her Omega partnership, the luxury watch brand's President and CEO Raynald Aeschlimann specifically cited her "energy, brightness, positivity, and confident sense of style" as qualities that aligned with their brand values.

Danielle's meteoric rise in fashion and beauty spheres complements her musical career, solidifying her as a multifaceted star whose influence extends well beyond the newjeans members profile. At just 20 years old in 2025, she stands alongside her teammates as proof that NewJeans' unconventional approach—operating without a traditional newjeans leader—continues to yield extraordinary results.

Haerin: The Mysterious Music Lover

Nicknamed the "Voice Fairy" among the members of NewJeans, Kang Haerin brings a compelling vocal tone and mysterious aura to the group. Born on May 15, 2006, in Seoul, South Korea, the soft-spoken member has quickly become known for her thoughtful demeanor and musical sensibilities.

Education and language skills

Haerin's educational journey began at Seoul Boramae Elementary School before she transferred to Gwiin Elementary School in Anyang, Gyeonggi-do. During elementary school, she participated in the broadcasting club, foreshadowing her future in entertainment. Afterwards, she attended Pyeongchan Middle School where classmates remember her as "a quiet and beautiful student."

Remarkably, Haerin left formal education during her second year of middle school in 2020 to pursue her training. Nevertheless, she later obtained equivalent qualifications by passing both middle school and high school graduation exams. This educational path reflects her determination to balance academic achievement with her artistic pursuits.

Concerning language abilities, Haerin speaks both Korean and English competently. Consequently, she has begun studying Japanese, often incorporating Japanese phrases into her everyday conversations. Interestingly, fellow newjeans members Danielle and Hanni have influenced her speech patterns, as she now occasionally mixes English words into her Korean sentences.

Personality and interests

Described as having "the most mysterious charm" among the newjeans profile, Haerin embodies a quiet thoughtfulness that complements the group's dynamic. When asked to describe herself in one word, she chose "water" – explaining that water has no fixed shape or color and can change freely.

Her introspective nature shows in interviews where she carefully considers questions before answering. Minji has characterized her as "a quiet person who does her job quietly." Obviously, this initial shyness gradually evolved after debut as she became more comfortable during group appearances.

Haerin's interests include:

Listening to music (especially while walking)
Reading books
Collecting GIFs and photos

Undoubtedly, music remains her primary passion. Her first concert experience was attending a BTS performance, and she has named 2NE1 as her favorite K-pop artist. Furthermore, she has a unique bedtime ritual of spraying aromatic perfume, finding comfort in the refreshing scent.

Her role in shaping the group's sound

Before joining ADOR, Haerin studied Pansori, a traditional Korean performing art that contributed to her distinctive vocal quality. This background undoubtedly influenced her approach to modern pop music, giving her performances a unique emotional depth.

As a vocalist in NewJeans, she brings both technical skill and interpretive sensitivity. Haerin took a significant step in shaping the group's identity by participating as a lyricist for their song "New Jeans" on their second EP "Get Up" released in July 2023. Her favorite part of the newjeans members' repertoire is the verse: "New hair, new tee, NewJeans, you and me."

Equally important is her broader musical perspective. When asked to describe the newjeans sound, she characterized it as "songs that you won't get tired of listening to" – an apt summary of the group's enduring appeal despite having no designated newjeans leader.

Hyein: The Youngest with the Brightest Future

Despite being the youngest among the members of NewJeans, Lee Hyein brings a wealth of pre-debut experience that belies her age. Born on April 21, 2008, in Munhak-dong, Incheon, this bright-eyed performer has already developed an impressive résumé and deep connection with fans at just 17 years old in 2025.

Early debut and past group experience

Remarkably, Hyein boasts the most extensive pre-debut career among all newjeans members. In July 2017, she debuted under the stage name Yu-jeong with the children's group U.SSO Girl, alongside BABYMONSTER's Rora. Her cheerful disposition earned her the nickname "Smiling Angel Yu-jeong" before she departed the group in 2018.

Subsequently, from January 2019 to May 2021, Hyein appeared regularly on the kids' YouTube channel PocketTV as part of the co-ed group Play With Me Club. Throughout this period, she showcased her versatility in singing, dancing, hosting, and acting. First thing to remember, she also participated on EBS's children's show "Live Talk! Talk! Boni Hani" as a member of SIXDANCE.

In January 2021, Hyein joined Source Music as a trainee, dedicating 18 months to honing her skills before becoming the final member added to the newjeans lineup. During her audition, she performed BLACKPINK's "Lovesick Girls," despite being extremely nervous.

Love for photography and sports

Beyond her performing talents, Hyein nurtures several creative passions. She particularly enjoys:

Photography, especially capturing scenic views and sky photos
Taking leisurely walks
Watching films, with a special fondness for Harry Potter (owning over 15 books in both English and Korean)

In essence, Hyein played soccer during elementary school and maintains an active lifestyle. Yet her artistic side remains equally prominent—she often shares her photographs with siblings and bandmates.

Her emotional depth and fan connection

Presently, Hyein is known for her deeply emotional nature—her nickname "faucet" stems from her tendency to cry easily. This sensitivity creates a unique bond with fans, as demonstrated during a particularly moving awards acceptance speech where she became tearful while expressing gratitude for the opportunity to perform.

In addition to her emotional transparency, Hyein maintains a warm connection with the group's fandom (Bunnies) through thoughtful social media messages. Accordingly, when she took a hiatus in April 2024 due to a microfracture in her foot, fans showed overwhelming support until her return in June.

This combination of youthful energy and emotional maturity makes Hyein a standout among the newjeans members ages spectrum, with many industry observers believing her brightest days still lie ahead.

What Makes NewJeans Unique as a Group

NewJeans breaks the traditional K-pop mold through their distinctive approach to group dynamics, creative process, and visual presentation. The brainchild of creative visionary Min Hee-jin, the group was formed to "break the tacit formula of K-pop" with a refreshing aesthetic and sound that appeals to a broader audience.

No official leader or positions

Unlike most K-pop groups that operate with designated roles and hierarchies, the members of NewJeans function without an official leader or positions. This egalitarian structure was intentionally designed by Min Hee-jin, who wanted to create a group free from conventional formulas. Indeed, while Minji often handles leadership responsibilities as the oldest member, the group has confirmed there are no official positions during their Phoning live sessions. This approach allows each member to contribute equally, fostering a natural, collaborative environment that strengthens their group chemistry.

Collaborative songwriting and production

The newjeans members actively participate in the creative process, with several contributing to songwriting:

Danielle co-wrote "Attention," "Super Shy," "Cool with You," and "ASAP"
Hanni co-wrote "Hype Boy" and "OMG"
Minji co-wrote "Ditto"
Haerin co-wrote "NewJeans"

Beyond lyrics, their recording process is equally unconventional. Min Hee-jin chose to record without guide vocals, allowing the members to develop their own singing styles. She deliberately avoided "high-pitched parts, awkward raps that suddenly appear, and singing methods that feel uniform", giving the newjeans profile its distinctive sound.

Visual identity and fashion influence

The group's aesthetic represents a significant departure from typical K-pop visuals. In contrast to the "heavy makeup and flamboyant fashion" that dominates the industry, the newjeans members appear in natural makeup with straight dark hair and casual clothing—primarily T-shirts, baggy jeans, and sneakers. This Y2K-inspired style has made them "a symbol" of the Y2K fashion revival in South Korea.

Yet their visual approach extends beyond fashion—their music videos feature unique cinematography with members often smiling and looking at each other while dancing, creating a genuine connection that resonates with audiences. This authenticity has fostered deeper relationships with fans, contributing to their record-breaking success.

NewJeans in 2025: Hiatus, NJZ, and What’s Next

The year 2025 marks a turbulent chapter in the otherwise meteoric rise of the members of NewJeans. Their rapid ascent in the K-pop industry took an unexpected turn as behind-the-scenes conflicts reshaped their public identity and career trajectory.

The ADOR-HYBE conflict explained

A power struggle erupted between ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin and parent company HYBE in early 2024. Min, the creative visionary behind the newjeans profile, accused HYBE of attempting a hostile takeover of ADOR and allegedly copying NewJeans' concept for another group. HYBE, meanwhile, claimed Min had been planning to separate ADOR from the larger corporation—taking the valuable newjeans members with her.

This corporate dispute quickly became public as Min filed an injunction against HYBE's audit of ADOR, yet the court ultimately sided with HYBE. In spite of these tensions, the newjeans members initially maintained their professional commitments, though their activities gradually decreased throughout late 2024.

Rebranding to NJZ and legal battles

As the conflict intensified, Min introduced a temporary new name for the group—NJZ—allowing them to continue limited activities without using the contested "NewJeans" trademark. Currently, both sides claim ownership rights to the original name, with ongoing litigation expected to continue through 2026.

The newjeans members ages (ranging from 17 to 21 in 2025) became a point of concern as critics questioned whether these young performers understood the corporate battle affecting their careers. Therefore, parents of younger members like Hyein became more involved in discussions about the group's future.

Current status and future possibilities

At this point, the members of NewJeans find themselves in a complex professional limbo. They haven't released new music since late 2024, yet maintain connection with fans through carefully worded social media posts as NJZ. Without an official newjeans leader, they've presented a unified front throughout the crisis.

Unfortunately, industry analysts predict the dispute could result in three possible outcomes: reconciliation allowing a return to HYBE, a complete separation under Min's leadership with a new name, or the most concerning possibility—disbandment. Meanwhile, the members continue their individual brand endorsements while fans anxiously await resolution to this unprecedented situation in K-pop history.

FAQS

Curious fans often have questions that delve deeper into the world of members of NewJeans. Based on popular inquiries from Bunnies worldwide, here are answers to some frequently asked questions about this groundbreaking group.

Do NewJeans have official positions like other K-pop groups?

Officially, newjeans members don't have designated positions. Yet, dance experts and fans consistently highlight Hanni as the strongest dancer alongside Haerin. During choreography reactions to "Super Shy," professionals regularly praise Hanni's solo moments, particularly her wacking technique during the "You don't even know my name do ya" section.

How involved are parents in the members' careers?

For underage newjeans members, parental involvement remains crucial. Hyein's mother has been especially active, previously running an Instagram account for her daughter. Actually, all members' parents maintain appropriate oversight to ensure their daughters aren't exploited, given the newjeans members ages ranging from 17-21 in 2025.

What is BinkyBong?

BinkyBong is a special item associated with the NewJeans fandom. It represents one of several unique elements that connect Bunnies to the group, alongside their distinctive sound and aesthetic.

Why was an English B-side track controversial for Korean critics?

Despite many K-pop groups releasing English tracks, NewJeans faced unique criticism for their English B-sides. This relates to expectations around their newjeans profile as a group championing Korean cultural elements.

What happened with NewJeans' comeback in 2024?

Amid the ADOR-HYBE conflict, NewJeans confirmed their comeback in May 2024 with title track "How Sweet" and B-side "Bubble Gum." Furthermore, they announced their official Japanese debut with additional songs "Supernatural" and "Right Now," alongside plans for a Tokyo Dome fan meeting. Regardless of the controversy, the group's B-side "Bubble Gum" accumulated over 20 million views within just one week of release.

What animal does NewJeans favor?

Bunnies are undeniably the group's favorite animal, connecting to their fandom name and recurring imagery in their promotional materials.