Who Is Huening Bahiyyih? The Untold Story Behind Kep1er's Rising Star

Huening Bahiyyih captivated audiences when she secured second place in the Mnet survival show Girls Planet 999 with an impressive 923,567 points. This remarkable achievement earned her a coveted spot in the K-pop girl group Kep1er, where she has quickly risen to prominence in the competitive world of Korean pop music.

Since her official debut on January 3, 2022, with Kep1er's first mini-album "First Impact" and title track "WA DA DA", Bahiyyih has demonstrated her talent and appeal. In fact, Kep1er achieved their first music show win just 10 days after debut, showcasing their immediate impact on the K-pop scene. Additionally, her background as the daughter of Brazilian-American singer Nabil David Huening and his Korean ex-wife Jung Yeon-ju has contributed to her unique appeal and multicultural perspective in the industry.

Who is Huening Bahiyyih?

Beyond her remarkable achievements in the K-pop industry, Huening Bahiyyih possesses a unique personal profile that has contributed to her growing popularity. Her distinct background and characteristics have helped shape her identity as an artist in the competitive world of Korean entertainment.

Stage name, birth name, and Korean name

Huening Bahiyyih (휴닝바히에) serves as her professional stage name in the K-pop industry. Her full birth name is Bahiyyih Jaleh Huening (바히에 자레 휴닝), showcasing her multicultural heritage through this distinctive name. Furthermore, she also goes by a Korean name - Jung Bahiyyih (정바히에), which she uses in formal Korean contexts.

The spelling of her name varies slightly across different languages. In Chinese, her name is written as 休宁巴伊叶, while in Japanese, it appears as ヒュニン・バヒエ. These variations highlight her global appeal and the international reach of K-pop as a genre that transcends language barriers.

Birthday, zodiac, and MBTI

Born on July 27, 2004, Huening Bahiyyih is currently 21 years old (as of 2025). Her birth date places her under the zodiac sign Leo, which is often associated with traits like confidence, creativity, and natural leadership abilities. According to Chinese astrology, she was born in the Year of the Monkey.

Notably, Huening Bahiyyih was born in South Korea, specifically in Anam-dong, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul. This makes her the only one among the Huening siblings who was born in Korea, an interesting fact considering her mixed heritage and family background.

Regarding her personality profile, Huening Bahiyyih's MBTI (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator) is ESFJ, which stands for Extroverted, Sensing, Feeling, and Judging. People with this personality type are typically characterized as warm, sociable, and empathetic individuals who value harmony and connections with others. This personality type seems to align well with her public image and interactions with fans and fellow group members.

Height, nationality, and blood type

Huening Bahiyyih stands at approximately 166-167 cm tall (about 5'5"-5'6"), giving her a statuesque presence on stage that complements her performing abilities. Her blood type is A, a detail that holds cultural significance in South Korea where blood types are sometimes associated with personality traits.

Concerning her nationality, Huening Bahiyyih holds dual citizenship as Korean-American. This multicultural background stems from her mixed parentage—her father being Brazilian-American and her mother Korean—giving her a unique perspective and identity in the K-pop industry where such diverse backgrounds are becoming increasingly common but still relatively rare.

Her dual heritage has likely influenced her artistic sensibilities and contributed to her distinctive appeal as a performer. While many K-pop idols train for years before debuting, Huening Bahiyyih's journey to stardom through a competitive survival show showcases her natural talent and determination to succeed in the industry despite her young age.

As a member of Kep1er under IST Entertainment, she continues to develop her skills and build her reputation as one of the most promising young talents in contemporary K-pop.

Family and Ethnic Background

The Huening family stands out as one of the most prominent sibling trios in K-pop, with Huening Bahiyyih's multicultural background and family connections playing a significant role in shaping her identity and career trajectory.

Huening Bahiyyih parents and siblings

Born to a unique international partnership, Huening Bahiyyih is the youngest child of Nabil David Huening, a Brazilian-American singer and TV personality, and his Korean ex-wife Jung Yeon-ju. This multicultural union has produced three talented children who have all made their mark in the entertainment industry.

Huening Bahiyyih's older siblings have both pursued careers in music and modeling. Her older sister, Lea Navvab Huening, has established herself as a model and was formerly a member of the girl group VIVA. She is currently part of the upcoming girl group I.MET.U, continuing the family's musical legacy.

Perhaps most notably, Huening Bahiyyih's older brother is Huening Kai, a well-known member of the popular boy group TOMORROW X TOGETHER (TXT). Among the three siblings, Huening Bahiyyih holds the distinction of being the only one born in South Korea, specifically in Seoul, as confirmed by her uncle Vincent Huening and by Bahiyyih herself during a NAVER NOW G.O.D's Lunch Attack Radio appearance.

Her connection to Huening Kai (TXT)

The relationship between Huening Bahiyyih and her brother Huening Kai exemplifies a strong sibling bond within the competitive K-pop industry. During a joint interview with GQ Korea in November, Huening Bahiyyih mentioned it was her first time spending such an extended period with her brother for work since her October 2021 debut.

Huening Kai revealed that their bond grew stronger after he left home to become a K-pop trainee: "Living away from Bahiyyih made me realize how precious all the times we had together were. Since then, I've been trying to be a more caring older brother".

For her part, Huening Bahiyyih considers her brother a mentor in the industry: "He often gives me advice since we're in the same industry, and he only tells me good things. I always find comfort in everything he says to me". She has publicly stated that Huening Kai is "the coolest person, someone I'm most proud of and someone I respect the most".

The siblings maintain a playful relationship alongside their professional support. During separate live broadcasts, they teasingly chose their respective fandoms over each other when asked to pick between their sibling or fans. Moreover, they've collaborated on TikTok challenges featuring each other's songs, often joined by their older sister Lea.

Huening Bahiyyih ethnicity and cultural roots

Huening Bahiyyih's distinctive name reflects her rich ethnic heritage. Through her father, she is part Polish, British, and German, while her mother contributes her Korean ancestry. Her father, although ethnically German, was born in Brazil, creating a truly international background for the Huening siblings.

This multicultural upbringing has given Huening Bahiyyih linguistic versatility, as she can speak Mandarin, Korean, and English. Consequently, she brings a global perspective to Kep1er that enriches the group's appeal and allows her to connect with fans across different cultures.

The Huening siblings represent an emerging trend in K-pop - artists with mixed heritage who are helping to globalize the industry. Particularly, Huening Bahiyyih and her brother Huening Kai are often cited as prime examples of this evolution in Korean entertainment, bridging Eastern and Western cultural influences through their music and performances.

Early Life and Education

Huening Bahiyyih's formative years spanned multiple countries and cultures, shaping her into the versatile performer audiences recognize today. Her educational journey and early training laid the groundwork for her eventual success in the competitive K-pop industry.

Childhood in South Korea and China

Though Huening Bahiyyih was born in South Korea on July 27, 2004, her early childhood unfolded across multiple locations. Unlike her siblings, she holds the distinction of being the only Huening child born in South Korea, specifically in Anam-dong, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul.

Initially, Bahiyyih's family relocated to China where she spent several formative years. Throughout this period, she was immersed in Chinese culture and language, though she later admitted she cannot remember much Chinese from this time. Her sister Jeongia Jeong was reportedly fluent in Chinese, often speaking the language with her siblings.

Subsequently, in 2009, five-year-old Bahiyyih returned to South Korea with her family. This move would prove pivotal, as she settled into Korean education and began absorbing the culture that would later become central to her career. After returning to Korea, she gradually developed her Korean language skills to native proficiency, ultimately becoming more comfortable with Korean than any other language.

Schools attended and early interests

Upon returning to South Korea, Huening Bahiyyih embarked on her formal education journey. She attended Seoul Anam Elementary School, followed by Sungshin Girls' Middle School. Later, she enrolled at Lila Arts High School, where she majored in Visual Music Contents and Acting.

Remarkably, this educational path mirrored that of her siblings - both her brother Huening Kai and sister Lea also attended Lila Arts High School. Bahiyyih graduated from high school on February 8, 2023, marking an important milestone in her academic journey.

Even from a young age, Bahiyyih demonstrated artistic inclinations. She learned to play multiple instruments including piano, violin, drums, and flute. Additionally, she often sang alongside her siblings during their childhood years, hinting at the musical career that would later unfold.

Beyond music, Bahiyyih actively participated in her school's dance club. Evidence of her involvement remains visible on her middle school's Facebook page, which features photos from her dance club days. Prior to her K-pop debut, she gained some professional experience working as a fitting model for an online clothing shopping mall alongside her older sister, Lia.

Training at SMMA and Main Vocal Academy

In preparation for her K-pop career, Huening Bahiyyih sought comprehensive training at several prestigious academies. She attended Main Vocal Academy and SMMA Academy, both well-known for preparing aspiring K-pop idols. Additionally, she trained at Def Dance School, expanding her performance capabilities.

Her training regimen appeared systematic and thorough, as she simultaneously attended multiple academies located in Jamsil and Hongdae, Seoul. This multi-faceted approach helped her develop the diverse skill set necessary for K-pop stardom.

Interestingly, under the banner of SMMA Academy, Bahiyyih once auditioned for YG Entertainment, one of South Korea's leading entertainment companies. Though unsuccessful in this particular endeavor, her persistence eventually led to her breakthrough opportunity on Girls Planet 999.

The linguistic versatility she developed through her multicultural upbringing became evident during her training period. Fellow contestant Huang Xingqiao mentioned on Weibo that Bahiyyih spoke some Chinese and became close with C-group participants during Girls Planet 999, suggesting she retained or relearned basic conversational Chinese. This ability, coupled with her English skills from her American father, made her the only English-speaking member of Kep1er.

These formative educational and training experiences collectively prepared Huening Bahiyyih for the challenges and opportunities that awaited her in the K-pop industry, establishing a solid foundation for her eventual debut with Kep1er.

The Girls Planet 999 Journey

Huening Bahiyyih's path to stardom officially began in July 2021 when she was confirmed as a participant in Mnet's competitive survival show Girls Planet 999. This pivotal moment would ultimately change the trajectory of her career and establish her presence in the K-pop industry.

How she joined the show

On July 2, 2021, TenAsia revealed that Bahiyyih would be participating in Girls Planet 999, following in her siblings' footsteps in the entertainment industry. The announcement generated immediate interest due to her family connections. During her initial evaluation, the show's judges quickly identified her familiar surname, pointing out her relation to TXT's Huening Kai.

From the start, Mnet positioned Bahiyyih's connection to her famous brother as a key part of her story. During a video call segment on the show, Huening Kai made a brief appearance to support his sister. He had reportedly given her advice and encouragement regarding her participation in the competition.

Her performance and ranking

Throughout the competition, Huening Bahiyyih demonstrated steady improvement despite limited screen time. For her evaluation performance, she covered Apink's "Mr. Chu" but unfortunately did not become a TOP9 candidate at that stage. Her initial rank was K26, placing her relatively low among the Korean contestants.

As the show progressed, her rankings fluctuated:

Episode 5 - Individual Voting: K06
Episode 8 - Individual Voting: K08
Episode 11 - Individual Voting: P13 (K06)
Special Live Interim Results: P5 (K05)

Despite showing stable vocals and impressive stage presence—including a well-received improvised dance move—some fans felt the show's masters (mentors) weren't giving Bahiyyih the recognition she deserved. Camera work became a point of contention, with supporters noting differences in quality between her fancams and those of other contestants.

In the interim results revealed on October 18, Huening Bahiyyih rose to fifth place in the competition's Top 9, marking her first appearance in the debut candidate lineup. Yet on the finale aired live on October 22, 2021, she surprised many by finishing in second place with 923,567 points (525,465 votes), securing her position in the final group Kep1er.

Her motto and fan support

During the show, Huening Bahiyyih adopted the memorable motto: "Full of energy! A majestic Pokémon Charmander!", reflecting her bright personality and energetic performance style.

Her journey on Girls Planet 999 was marked by a passionate fanbase that grew steadily throughout the competition. Interestingly, her fancams consistently ranked among the most viewed, indicating strong viewer interest regardless of her official rankings or screen time.

Nevertheless, her participation sparked divided reactions. Some viewers expressed concern that her popularity stemmed primarily from her brother's fame. Yet many others were drawn to her genuine personality and improving performances, noting that "she seemed like a sweet and kind person". During her time on the show, Huening Bahiyyih gained recognition "not just for her talent, but for her good sportsmanship", winning over fans with her positive attitude and dedication.

Debut and Rise with Kep1er

After securing her position in Kep1er through Girls Planet 999, Huening Bahiyyih officially embarked on her professional K-pop journey as the group prepared for their highly anticipated debut.

Debut date and first album

First and foremost, Kep1er's debut underwent a slight adjustment from initial plans. While originally scheduled to launch in December 2021, the group officially debuted on January 3, 2022, under the co-management of WakeOne and Swing Entertainment. This momentous occasion featured the release of their first extended play (EP) titled "First Impact" with "WA DA DA" serving as the lead single.

The debut proved immensely successful as the album achieved remarkable commercial performance, selling approximately 400,000 copies and claiming the top position on South Korea's Gaon Album Chart. Both the EP and its lead single "WA DA DA" made international impact by charting on the Billboard Global 200 and World Digital Songs respectively. Huening Bahiyyih's journey with Kep1er got off to a flying start, as confirmed by The Korea Times which noted the group was "off to flying start with debut album 'First Impact'".

Her role in Kep1er

Throughout her time with Kep1er, Huening Bahiyyih has established herself as a vocalist within the group's dynamic. As one of nine members initially (now seven after some contract completions), she contributes to the group's performances with her stable vocals and stage presence that had been developing since her Girls Planet 999 days.

Alongside her Korean-American background, Huening Bahiyyih brings linguistic versatility to Kep1er, being the only English-speaking member of the group, which enhances their international appeal.

Notable performances and appearances

Shortly after debut, Kep1er achieved their first significant milestone when they won their first music program award on M Countdown with "WA DA DA" on January 13, 2022 - just ten days after their official launch.

Within their first year, the group participated in the second season of Mnet's reality competition show Queendom, which premiered in March 2022, providing Huening Bahiyyih valuable exposure and performance experience early in her career.

As evidence of her growing reputation, Huening Bahiyyih received specific praise for her professionalism during Kep1er's performance at the 2022 KBS Song Festival on December 16, where they performed their hit "WA DA DA". Despite having less than a year of experience as an official K-pop idol at that time, she "caught the crowd's attention for her excellent professionalism on stage" and "has been praised by many, including non-fans".

In addition to domestic activities, Kep1er expanded their reach internationally with concert tours in Japan, performing in Tokyo, Aichi, and Kobe, giving Huening Bahiyyih opportunities to connect with international audiences. The group has continued to release new music, including their fifth EP "Magic Hour" with lead single "Galileo" in September 2023.

Personality, Hobbies, and Talents

Beyond the stage lights and performances, Huening Bahiyyih's vibrant personality and diverse interests contribute significantly to her appeal as a K-pop idol. Her natural charm and unique abilities have endeared her to fans worldwide, revealing dimensions of her character that complement her professional talents.

MBTI and personality traits

As an ESFJ (Extraverted, Sensing, Feeling, Judging) personality type, Huening Bahiyyih embodies warmth, generosity, and a natural inclination toward caring for others. Indeed, she is characterized as extremely caring and sociable, with a natural tendency to be a peacemaker who helps others sort out their problems.

Her extroverted nature makes her an energetic presence within Kep1er, where she harmonizes well with the group's varied personality types. Remarkably, her teammate Hikaru shares the same ESFJ personality type, possibly contributing to their strong chemistry. Fellow members often note that her laughter sometimes sounds forced, as if lacking emotion – a quirky trait that fans find endearing.

Hobbies like journaling and shopping

In her downtime, Huening Bahiyyih gravitates toward creative and recreational activities. Bullet journaling ranks among her favorite pastimes, allowing her to express herself through decorative organization. At the same time, she enjoys shopping expeditions, reflecting her interest in fashion – something her groupmates have recognized, as they consider her to have the best fashion sense in Kep1er.

Interestingly, Huening Bahiyyih finds relief from stress through writing in her diary, suggesting that journaling serves both creative and therapeutic purposes in her life. She additionally enjoys scented candles, adding another dimension to her personal interests.

Unique talents and fun quirks

Huening Bahiyyih possesses an impressive repertoire of unusual talents that showcase her playful nature:

She can imitate SpongeBob SquarePants and balance a chopstick on her nose
She demonstrates the ability to sing while skipping rope and can whistle after eating three crackers
She makes duck sounds with surprising accuracy
She has the skill to create long continuous peels of fruits

Among her endearing quirks, Huening Bahiyyih falls asleep quickly, occasionally talks in her sleep, and has one distinctive dimple on her right cheek that she considers her charming point. She also maintains pet guppies, hinting at her nurturing nature.

Her motto during Girls Planet 999 – "Full of energy! A majestic Pokémon Charmander!" – perfectly encapsulates her spirited personality. In essence, Huening Bahiyyih approaches everything with enthusiasm, even activities she hasn't mastered, demonstrating an adventurous spirit that complements her professional drive.

Likes, Dislikes, and Daily Life

In her private life, Huening Bahiyyih reveals a personality defined by specific preferences and simple joys that offer fans glimpses into her authentic self beyond performances and public appearances.

Favorite foods and colors

When it comes to personal aesthetics, Huening Bahiyyih gravitates toward yellow and sky blue as her favorite colors. Regarding her culinary preferences, she particularly enjoys pasta, chicken, and fruits. As for sweet treats, mint chocolate ranks high on her list of favorites. Interestingly, she prefers ice cream over cake and has a soft spot for various types of chicken dishes, especially fried chicken with dipping sauce.

Things she loves and avoids

Beyond food preferences, Huening Bahiyyih appreciates natural and subtle scents such as white musk or soap. She also enjoys scented candles, creating comfortable atmospheres in her personal spaces. First of all, her favorite season is spring, especially with warm, windy, and clear weather conditions. As for fashion choices, she has a preference for wide pants. Yet her appreciation extends to animals as well—puppies hold a special place as her favorite creatures.

In contrast, there are several things Huening Bahiyyih actively avoids. Markedly, she dislikes eggplant, olives, and shiitake mushrooms, as well as avocado. Apart from food aversions, she has expressed distaste for bugs and the mundane task of tidying her bed. Most importantly, she strongly dislikes lack of enthusiasm and insufficient work ethic, reflecting her professional values.

Roommate stories and dorm life

In the Kep1er dormitory arrangement, Huening Bahiyyih shares living quarters with Yujin. Overall, this pairing creates an interesting dynamic given their different positions in the group—Yujin being one of the older members with prior experience in the industry. Their roommate relationship offers Bahiyyih valuable mentorship within their shared living space.

Apparently, Bahiyyih's preferences for texting on her phone and enjoying the sea show her balance of technological connection and appreciation for nature in her daily life. Just as she maintains her professional commitments, she similarly carves out time for shopping—an activity that allows her personal style to flourish.

Friendships, Role Models, and Aspirations

Beyond her musical talents and multicultural background, meaningful connections and aspirations shape Huening Bahiyyih's journey in the K-pop industry, offering fans glimpses into her personal relationships and future dreams.

Friendship with LE SSERAFIM's Eunchae

Contrary to popular belief, Huening Bahiyyih and LE SSERAFIM's Hong Eunchae didn't meet at a dance academy but rather at "a place similar to an academy". Their friendship began when Eunchae was practicing TXT's "CROWN," and the department head mentioned that Bahiyyih was Hueningkai's sister. First and foremost, their bond strengthened as they "went on auditions together," supporting each other through the challenging pre-debut period.

Their genuine connection became publicly visible on "Eunchae's Star Diary" where they playfully roasted each other. Interestingly, Bahiyyih baked cookies for Eunchae to share with her LE SSERAFIM members, demonstrating her thoughtfulness. The two idols now celebrate having "achieved their dreams together", representing a heartwarming friendship story within the competitive K-pop industry.

Her role models: Ariana Grande and Tori Kelly

Throughout her journey, Huening Bahiyyih has consistently named Ariana Grande as her primary role model. She has admired the American pop star "from a young age," specifically expressing appreciation for "how she is able to enjoy herself and put on such vocally impressive performances".

Aside from Grande, Bahiyyih also looks up to Tori Kelly, another vocalist known for exceptional technical ability. These influences likely contribute to her own vocal development and performance style within Kep1er.

Dreams for future fan meetings and shows

In the world of K-pop, fan engagement represents a crucial aspect of an idol's career. Huening Bahiyyih has explicitly expressed her wish "to engage in a fan meeting and a concert with fans", highlighting her desire for direct interaction with supporters.

Currently, she balances these aspirations with her Kep1er activities. Yet her diverse interests extend beyond performance – if she weren't pursuing singing, she "would open a cafe with Huening Kai because she likes to bake", suggesting potential entrepreneurial interests that connect to her close relationship with her brother.

FAQS

Curious fans frequently ask questions about Huening Bahiyyih's journey in K-pop, reflecting her growing popularity and the challenges she's faced along the way.

Is Huening Bahiyyih only popular because of her brother? Absolutely not. Throughout her time on Girls Planet 999, she demonstrated considerable talent and stage presence. Nevertheless, she has faced criticism suggesting her success stems solely from her relationship to TXT's Huening Kai, a narrative her dedicated fanbase strongly refutes.

How has Huening Bahiyyih handled online criticism? Her uncle has confirmed she's aware of malicious comments directed at her. Haters have often criticized her talent level or accused her of using her brother for fame. Yet she maintains professionalism, focusing on improving her skills instead of engaging with negativity.

What languages can Huening Bahiyyih speak? She speaks Korean and English fluently, plus has basic knowledge of Mandarin. Interestingly, she and her siblings spoke primarily Mandarin until moving to South Korea in 2009.

Did Huening Bahiyyih deserve her place in Kep1er? Certainly! She received 923,567 points in the final episode of Girls Planet 999, securing second place. Her ranking reflects genuine fan support based on her performances and personality.