Hyein NewJeans: Secret Facts That Made Her K-pop's Youngest Sensation

Hyein NewJeans made history as Louis Vuitton's youngest global ambassador at just 14 years old in December 2022. Born on April 21, 2008, in Incheon, South Korea, she stands as the youngest member of NewJeans and one of the youngest idols in K-pop history. Despite her young age, Hyein stands at an impressive 170 cm (5'7"), contributing to her model-like appearance that perfectly complements the group's signature Y2K aesthetic.

Surprisingly, Hyein began her modeling career at age 8 and won the prestigious "Little Look of the Year" competition in 2019. When she debuted with NewJeans on July 22, 2022, through their surprise single "Attention," she was already considered "the most experienced member" due to her extensive background in modeling and children's entertainment. In fact, NewJeans made history as the first Korean artist to enter the US Spotify charts with a debut song. Additionally, Hyein's unique vocal color has earned praise from established artists like IU, with whom she collaborated on the track "Shh.." in February 2024, further cementing her position as K-pop's remarkable young talent.

Early life and family background

Behind every K-pop sensation lies a foundation of family and early beginnings that shape their journey. Lee Hye In, known professionally as Hyein of NewJeans, started her remarkable story in Incheon, South Korea, where she was born on April 21, 2008. While still in her teens, she has already established herself as a formidable presence in the competitive K-pop industry.

Hyein birthday and birthplace

The youngest member of NewJeans entered the world as Lee Hye In during the spring of 2008 in Incheon, a major city in South Korea. This coastal metropolis, known for its international airport and proximity to Seoul, provided the backdrop for her earliest years. Her Korean name, written as 이혜인 in Hangul, reflects her cultural heritage.

Born under the zodiac sign of Taurus, Hyein possesses many traits associated with this earth sign—determination, reliability, and a strong work ethic. These characteristics became evident early in her career trajectory as she navigated the demanding world of entertainment from a young age.

As of 2024, at just 16 years old, Hyein stands as one of the youngest active idols in the current K-pop landscape. Nevertheless, her relatively tender age belies her extensive experience in the entertainment industry, which began long before her official debut with NewJeans.

Her siblings and family support

Hyein grew up in a nurturing family environment with her parents and two older siblings. According to reliable sources, she has an older sister born in 2003, making her five years Hyein's senior. Additionally, she has an older brother born in 2005, who is three years older than her. This family structure provided Hyein with built-in mentors and supporters as she navigated childhood and her early career.

The bond between Hyein and her brother appears particularly special. Their resemblance is so striking that fans have commented they could pass for twins. Before her official debut, her brother occasionally appeared on her parent-run Instagram account and even guest-starred in one of her pre-debut YouTube programs. Throughout her journey, he has maintained his role as her "supportive and caring older brother".

Family support has been instrumental in Hyein's career from the beginning. Her parents recognized and nurtured her talents early on, allowing her to explore opportunities in modeling and entertainment while still very young. Moreover, they made significant decisions regarding her education to accommodate her developing career, including the eventual switch to homeschooling.

Initially, Hyein's parents maintained an Instagram account that featured pre-debut photos of their daughter. However, after she joined ADOR (the agency behind NewJeans), they closed this account. Although they later reopened it, they chose not to restore her old photos, possibly to maintain a separation between her private life and public persona.

The family's unwavering support created a stable foundation from which Hyein could pursue her dreams with confidence. This supportive environment undoubtedly contributed to her ability to handle the pressures of training and debuting at such a young age, ultimately allowing her to bloom into the accomplished performer fans know today.

Her education and early schooling

Balancing education with an entertainment career presents unique challenges for young talents in the K-pop industry. Hyein's educational journey reflects the sacrifices and adjustments often required to pursue a career in the spotlight while still receiving proper schooling.

From elementary school to international school

Hyein's academic path began traditionally but quickly evolved to accommodate her growing career commitments. She initially attended Inseong Elementary School in her hometown of Incheon. Her educational journey took its first significant turn when she transferred to Munhak Elementary School, still maintaining a conventional educational approach.

However, Hyein's academic trajectory soon diverged from that of typical students. Rather than completing her elementary education through traditional means, she dropped out of Munhak Elementary School after taking and passing the school's qualification examination. This decision marked an early indication of her commitment to pursuing opportunities in the entertainment industry.

Following this transition, Hyein enrolled at Korea International Christian School, a decision that offered several advantages for a young performer. International schools in South Korea typically provide:

English-language instruction
More flexible scheduling options
Curriculum designed to accommodate students with unique circumstances
Global educational standards

Throughout this period, Hyein was balancing her schoolwork with an increasingly demanding schedule of modeling assignments and entertainment appearances, laying the groundwork for her eventual K-pop career.

Why she switched to homeschooling

Eventually, Hyein made the significant transition to homeschooling—a decision officially made by her parents in consultation with her agency. Upon joining ADOR as a trainee in 2021, the agency disclosed that she had transferred from her international school to pursue homeschooling.

The switch to homeschooling was essentially prompted by practical considerations. As her training schedule intensified, traditional schooling became increasingly challenging to maintain. Unlike conventional education with rigid schedules and physical attendance requirements, homeschooling offered the flexibility necessary for a young trainee preparing for debut.

Consequently, Hyein successfully passed the elementary school graduation equivalency exam, allowing her to continue her education through alternative means while focusing on her career development. This approach enabled her to maintain her academic progress without compromising her training.

The decision mirrors patterns seen with many K-pop trainees, especially those who begin their careers at young ages. Homeschooling provides several key benefits for entertainment industry professionals:

Flexible scheduling that accommodates irregular training hours
Customized learning pace that works around performances and practice
Reduced exposure to potential social pressures of traditional school environments
Ability to travel for promotions without disrupting education

Notably, after switching to homeschooling, Hyein did not return to traditional schooling. Instead, she opted to complete her studies through equivalency exams, a path that allowed her to balance educational requirements with the intensive preparation needed before debuting with NewJeans.

This educational journey—moving from traditional schools to homeschooling—demonstrates the practical adjustments often required of young performers in the K-pop industry, where training demands can easily conflict with conventional academic schedules. For Hyein, these educational choices ultimately supported her rapid rise as one of K-pop's youngest sensations.

Starting young: Hyein’s modeling journey

Long before becoming a K-pop star, Hyein's journey in the spotlight began on the runway, establishing her as a seasoned professional despite her tender years. Her modeling career started remarkably early, providing her with valuable experience in the entertainment industry that would later benefit her transition to K-pop.

Modeling at age 8

Hyein's first steps into the modeling world came at the surprisingly young age of 8, marking the beginning of her public career well before her teenage years. This early start gave her a significant advantage over many K-pop trainees who typically begin their journey in the entertainment industry during their teens. As a child model, she quickly demonstrated a natural comfort in front of cameras and an innate understanding of presentation that would later become hallmarks of her performance style with NewJeans.

During these formative years, Hyein worked with various children's clothing brands and appeared in numerous advertisements, gradually building her portfolio and professional reputation. Her early modeling work helped her develop poise and camera awareness—skills that proved invaluable later when performing in music videos and on stage. The discipline required for modeling shoots also prepared her for the rigorous training schedule she would eventually face as a K-pop trainee.

Runway debut at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

Perhaps the most significant milestone in Hyein's pre-idol modeling career came with her runway appearance at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. This prestigious event represented a major accomplishment for the young model, as fashion weeks typically feature experienced models from established agencies. Her participation in such a high-profile event underscored her exceptional talent and professional demeanor even at a young age.

At the fashion week, Hyein walked for renowned designers, demonstrating remarkable confidence and stage presence. Fashion industry professionals noted her natural runway walk and ability to showcase garments effectively—rare qualities in someone so young. Furthermore, this experience introduced her to the international fashion scene, establishing connections that would later prove valuable when she became a brand ambassador for luxury fashion houses.

The runway experience at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week also helped Hyein develop crucial performance skills—walking confidently, maintaining composure under pressure, and projecting charisma—all elements that would later transfer seamlessly to her role as a K-pop idol. This crossover between modeling and performance arts highlights the complementary nature of her diverse talents.

Winning 'Little Look of the Year'

In 2019, Hyein achieved a significant accolade that further cemented her status in the modeling world when she won the prestigious "Little Look of the Year" competition. This victory came just a few years before her K-pop debut, serving as recognition of her modeling skills and potential at age 11. The competition, known for identifying promising young talent, provided her with additional industry exposure and validation of her abilities.

The "Little Look of the Year" title opened new doors for Hyein, resulting in additional modeling opportunities and increased visibility within the fashion industry. Winning this award demonstrated not just her photogenic qualities but also her ability to stand out in a competitive field—a trait that would serve her well when auditioning for ADOR, the company behind NewJeans.

Following this achievement, Hyein continued to build her modeling portfolio while simultaneously preparing for what would become her future in K-pop. Her modeling background provided her with an edge that became apparent immediately upon debut—her natural comfort in front of cameras, understanding of aesthetics, and ability to embody different concepts have all contributed to NewJeans' visual appeal and distinctive style.

The combination of these early modeling experiences created a foundation that helped shape Hyein into a versatile performer, comfortable with both the visual and musical aspects of being a K-pop idol. This dual expertise has helped her stand out in the competitive landscape of K-pop, where presentation and performance are equally important.

Pre-debut entertainment experience

Before joining NewJeans, Hyein accumulated substantial experience in the entertainment industry through multiple groups and platforms, making her debut with ADOR far from her first time in the spotlight.

Joining U.SSO Girl as U.jeong

Hyein's first step into the idol world came in July 2017 when she was announced as a member of the children's girl group U.SSO Girl under the stage name U.jeong. At just nine years old, she joined the group's first generation alongside several other members, including U.Ha—who would later become known as Rora of BABYMONSTER. The group officially debuted on November 7, 2017, with their first digital single, "Go Go Sing".

Throughout her time with U.SSO Girl, Hyein gained valuable performance experience and began building the foundation for her future career. Her stint with the group was relatively brief, as she departed sometime in 2018. Nevertheless, this initial experience provided her with crucial insights into group dynamics and performance skills that would serve her well in future endeavors.

Play With Me Club and PocketTV

Subsequently, Hyein expanded her entertainment portfolio by becoming a regular cast member on the kids' YouTube channel PocketTV from its launch on January 11, 2019. The channel introduced her to a wider audience as she participated in various content aimed at younger viewers.

Within this platform, Hyein became a member of Play With Me Club, a five-member co-ed kids group under Daekyo Media Contents. The group's concept revolved around "child creators who provide tips for becoming an insider for their peers". After extensive preparation, Play With Me Club officially debuted on December 16, 2020, with their digital single "Let's Play".

Throughout her time with Play With Me Club, Hyein showcased her abilities as both a dancer and vocalist. She remained with the group until officially graduating on May 3, 2021, marking the end of her involvement with both the group and PocketTV.

TV appearances on Boni Hani and SIXDANCE

Following her departure from Play With Me Club, Hyein broadened her television presence by appearing on EBS's popular children's show "Live Talk! Talk! Boni Hani!". From October 19 to December 21, 2021, she featured regularly on the program.

During her time on Boni Hani, Hyein performed as a member of SIXDANCE, a co-ed dance group formed specifically for the show. This experience further sharpened her dance skills and on-camera presence, attributes that would become central to her appeal as a member of NewJeans.

By January 2021, Hyein had been cast as a trainee, initially with Source Music until September 2021, before ultimately joining ADOR. When she debuted with NewJeans in July 2022, she brought this wealth of experience from multiple platforms—making her, despite being the youngest member, arguably one of the most seasoned performers in the group.

Debut with NewJeans and rise to fame

July 2022 marked a pivotal moment in K-pop history when ADOR unveiled their first girl group through an unconventional debut strategy. Hyein, already equipped with years of entertainment experience, would soon become part of this groundbreaking project.

How she was selected by ADOR

Hyein's path to NewJeans began with her casting as a trainee in January 2021. Initially, she trained under Source Music until September 2021, before ultimately joining ADOR, an independent label under HYBE. This transition period coincided with ADOR's preparations to debut their first girl group, which would later become NewJeans.

ADOR, led by CEO Min Hee-jin, conducted extensive evaluations of potential members. After NewJeans' debut evaluation in March 2021, there was reportedly a period where "HYBE neglected us until September 2021". This timeline aligns with Hyein's move from Source Music to ADOR, suggesting she became part of the project during this crucial development phase.

Surprise debut with 'Attention'

On July 1, 2022, ADOR teased their upcoming girl group by posting three animated videos featuring the numbers "22," "7," and "22" on their social media accounts, hinting at a July 22 release. Nevertheless, what followed was unprecedented in K-pop.

On July 22, 2022, without any prior promotion or information about the group's lineup, NewJeans surprised the industry by releasing the music video for "Attention". This unorthodox approach—debuting without teasers—was actually Hyein's idea. During a pre-debut meeting with CEO Min, when asked about teaser strategies, Hyein suggested, "I think it would be fun to just have no teaser at all". Min responded, "That's actually what we're planning on doing!".

This strategy proved successful as "Attention" quickly soared to the top spot on South Korea's Circle Digital Chart. The group followed with music videos for "Hype Boy" and "Hurt" throughout July, before releasing their full four-track EP titled NWJNS on August 1. Within nine days of release, NewJeans topped domestic charts and made their debut on Billboard Global.

Her role as the maknae

As the youngest member of NewJeans, Hyein holds the position of "maknae" (Korean term for the youngest in a group). When she debuted at just 14 years old in July 2022, she was among the youngest active idols in K-pop.

Accordingly, Hyein brings a unique perspective to the group. In contrast to her age, she actually contributes the most idol experience to NewJeans, having performed with multiple groups prior to joining ADOR. This unusual dynamic—being simultaneously the youngest yet most experienced member—has helped shape her distinct role within the group.

Coupled with her innovative ideas for the group's debut, Hyein has proven herself an integral part of NewJeans' identity and success, contributing significantly to their breakthrough in the K-pop industry.

Fashion icon and brand ambassador

Within months of NewJeans' debut, Hyein's fashion credentials reached new heights as luxury brands took notice of her innate style and presence.

Becoming Louis Vuitton's youngest ambassador

On December 30, 2022, ADOR announced a historic partnership—Hyein had been appointed as Louis Vuitton's newest global house ambassador. At just 14 years old, she made history as the youngest ambassador Louis Vuitton had ever selected. This milestone came shortly after her groupmate Hanni had secured her own luxury brand partnership, with fellow member Danielle subsequently becoming a Burberry global ambassador.

The prestigious French fashion house recognized Hyein's distinctive appeal, stating, "We will start a new journey with Hyein who defines NewJeans' style with her unique charms". This appointment highlighted both her individual influence and NewJeans' remarkable impact on the fashion world mere months after debut.

Harper's Bazaar Korea cover at 14

Hyein's fashion prominence continued growing as she graced the cover of Harper's Bazaar Korea in April 2023. This achievement cemented her status as the magazine's youngest cover model at age 14. For the prestigious cover shoot, she showcased "a more experimental and unique style" while dressed in Louis Vuitton pieces.

Her cover exemplified why fashion houses value K-pop ambassadorships—as Vogue Business notes, these partnerships allow brands to appear across multiple platforms including music videos, TV shows, and modeling. Hyein's natural modeling abilities, honed since childhood, clearly translated to high fashion contexts.

Presence at Paris Fashion Week

Hyein made her first official appearance as a Louis Vuitton ambassador at their Fall-Winter 2023 Women's Collection show in Paris. Her arrival created such excitement that she "quickly became the main event, surprising locals with the incredible response to her appearance".

For this debut fashion week appearance, she wore a complete Louis Vuitton ensemble worth over $21,000, including the Smock Effect Tent Top ($14,500), dressy wide-leg pants ($1,800), platform boots ($2,640), and the Tilsitt handbag ($2,640). Though her outfit sparked mixed reactions due to its avant-garde nature, fans and fashion observers overwhelmingly praised her ability to carry the challenging look.

Unedited photos from Paris Fashion Week revealed her exceptional "IRL visuals" and model-like proportions. Netizens commented that "it really feels like Hyein is a model who debuted as an idol" and that she "literally just looks like Louis Vuitton itself". Her journey from watching fashion shows as a fan to sitting front row as an ambassador represents a remarkable evolution in her fashion career.

Solo projects and artistic growth

Beyond her group activities with NewJeans, Hyein has pursued artistic opportunities that showcase her versatility and talent as a solo performer.

Feature on IU's 'Shh..'

In February 2024, Hyein achieved a significant milestone when she featured on renowned Korean singer-songwriter IU's track "Shh.." The song, released on February 23, appeared on IU's sixth mini-album "The Winning". This collaboration represented a major achievement for the young idol, as IU is considered one of Korea's most respected musical artists.

"Shh.." stands out for its distinctive sound profile, characterized by a "slow, jazzy R&B style brought to our ears with some rock band instrumentation". Alongside Hyein, the track featured vocals from Joe Won-sun of the Korean rock group Roller Coaster and special narration by veteran Korean singer Patti Kim. Certainly, this diverse lineup spanning three generations of Korean music created a unique musical tapestry.

Music critics noted how Hyein's contributions added "freshness and youthful tone" to the song. Her vocal color complemented the jazzy style, demonstrating her growth as a vocalist outside the NewJeans sound. The music video further elevated the project, featuring acclaimed Chinese actress Tang Wei alongside IU in "a cinematic tale about the complicated relationship of a mother and daughter caught in a time loop".

Acting in web dramas and hosting gigs

Remarkably, Hyein's performance career extends beyond music into acting. Prior to joining NewJeans, she starred in the web drama "The Girls Double Life". This acting experience contributed to her comfort on camera and ability to portray different personas—skills that translate seamlessly to her performances with NewJeans.

Additionally, Lee Hyein appeared regularly on the children's television show "Tok! Tok! Boni! Hani!". This hosting experience from October to December 2021 helped develop her communication skills and on-screen presence. Indeed, these appearances occurred shortly before she would debut with NewJeans, building valuable broadcast experience.

Her acting background mirrors that of her friend Riwon (of the group CLASSY), who starred in the web drama "My YouTube Diary" as the main lead. These parallel experiences in acting suggest Hyein's early recognition of the value in developing multiple entertainment skills.

This combination of featured vocal work, acting, and hosting appearances demonstrates Hyein's commitment to artistic growth beyond her role in NewJeans. Each project has allowed her to showcase different facets of her talent while building a more diverse portfolio at a remarkably young age.

Overcoming injury and returning stronger

April 2024 brought an unexpected challenge to Hyein's flourishing career when she sustained a foot injury during dance practice. What seemed like routine discomfort revealed itself as something more serious after medical examination.

Foot fracture and hiatus

A visit to the hospital in April 2024 confirmed that Hyein had suffered a microfracture on the top of her foot. ADOR promptly announced that she would temporarily pause all activities to focus on recovery. Medical professionals advised her to limit movement as much as possible to allow proper healing. Throughout her recovery period, fans expressed heartfelt concern after photos surfaced showing the young idol using crutches. This injury forced her to miss promotional activities for NewJeans' double single "How Sweet," marking her first significant absence from group activities.

Partial performance at Tokyo Dome

After approximately two months of focused treatment and recovery, medical examinations in June 2024 showed encouraging progress. Doctors confirmed the fracture was healing well yet recommended she gradually increase foot movements over the following month. Based on this medical advice and after thorough discussions with fellow members, Hyein participated in the "Bunnies Camp 2024 Tokyo Dome" event on June 26-27. Yet her participation remained limited—ADOR carefully adjusted her performance sections to prevent straining the healing injury. When she appeared on the big screen at Tokyo Dome, fans expressed their excitement with thunderous cheers.

Current health and activity status

Presently, Hyein continues her rehabilitation process with a gradual approach to recovery. ADOR has announced that she will not participate in official promotions for NewJeans' Japanese debut single "Supernatural," including music shows and other performances requiring intensive choreography. The company stated that depending on her condition and ongoing medical advice, she would engage as much as possible in non-performance activities. The agency maintains that Hyein will fully return to official activities only after receiving complete medical clearance confirming stable recovery. This measured approach prioritizes her long-term health while allowing limited fan interactions during her healing journey.

FAQS

Fans worldwide remain curious about Hyein, NewJeans' youngest member. Here are answers to commonly asked questions about this rising K-pop star.

What is Hyein's full name and stage name?
Her stage name is simply Hyein (혜인), while her full birth name is Lee Hye-In (이혜인). She also has a Chinese name, Li Huiren (李惠仁), and an English name, Grace Lee.

When was Hyein born?
Hyein was born on April 21, 2008, making her a Taurus. Her blood type is O.

How tall is Hyein?
She stands at 170 cm (5'7"), which is notably tall for her age and contributes to her modeling capabilities.

What is Hyein's MBTI personality type?
As of recent updates, Hyein's MBTI type is ISFP. Previously, she identified as INFP and ENFP, showing how her personality has evolved over time.

What are Hyein's hobbies and interests?
Hyein enjoys taking walks, photography (primarily capturing skies and her group members), watching movies, and jogging around Han River. She's passionate about collecting keyrings and once spent $70 from her first paycheck on them.

What foods does Hyein like and dislike?
She loves strawberries, strawberry cream cake, curry, soybean paste stew, and kimchi stew. Conversely, she strongly dislikes seafood—reportedly saying she would "rather starve than eat seafood." She also dislikes pickled radish except when it's in gimbap.

Is Hyein a fan of other K-pop groups?
Yes! She's a huge fan of TXT (particularly Yeonjun) and BTS (especially Jin). She first became interested in K-pop through TWICE's song "What is Love?"

What unexpected talents or interests does Hyein have?
She's a massive Harry Potter enthusiast, owning over 15 books in both English and Korean versions, plus Harry Potter's wand. Her favorite character is Hermione, and she has watched the first movie so many times she's memorized lines.

What nickname does Hyein have among fans?
She's often called "faucet" because she cries easily and is very emotional.

What official colors and symbols represent Hyein in NewJeans?
Her representative color is purple, and her emoji symbols are the hamster (🐹) and baby chick (🐣).