Who is Minji NewJeans? Meet The Hidden Talent Behind The Group

Minji NewJeans made history as the first K-pop idol to become a triple Chanel ambassador at just 18 years old. Born Kim Minji on May 7, 2004, in Chuncheon, South Korea, she is currently 19 years old and stands at 169 cm (5'6.5"). Her journey to stardom began long before her debut with NewJeans, spanning a five-year training period filled with rigorous practice schedules and personal sacrifices.

When NewJeans burst onto the music scene on July 22, 2022, with their surprise single "Attention," the impact was immediate. The song garnered over one million views within 24 hours and debuted at number one on Billboard's South Korea Songs chart. Additionally, Minji contributed lyrics to the hit song "Ditto," which won Song of the Year at multiple prestigious award shows, including the MAMA Awards. Before her idol career, she participated in a homestay program in Canada during elementary school, which significantly improved her English skills. Surprisingly, Minji is one of only 1% of idols with the ESTJ personality type, known for being sensible, loyal, and organized – qualities that have helped her shine among NewJeans members.

Early life and family background

Kim Minji's roots trace back to the scenic city of Chuncheon in Gangwon Province, South Korea, where she was born on May 7, 2004. Unlike many K-pop idols who hail from Seoul or Busan, Minji grew up in this relatively smaller city known for its beautiful lakes and natural landscapes. Her upbringing in Chuncheon laid the foundation for the grounded personality fans have come to admulate in the NewJeans star.

Where Minji was born and raised

Originally from Mancheon-ri, a specific area within Dong-myeon in Chuncheon, Minji spent her formative years surrounded by the region's picturesque scenery. This quieter upbringing outside the hustle of major metropolitan areas offers insight into her composed demeanor despite her meteoric rise to fame. While growing up in Gangwon-do, she began developing her talents and interests that would eventually lead her to the entertainment industry.

As her passion for performing arts grew, Minji eventually relocated to Seoul, South Korea's capital and the center of the K-pop industry. This move marked a significant turning point in her journey, as it opened doors to training opportunities that would have been less accessible in her hometown. The transition from Chuncheon's more relaxed environment to Seoul's fast-paced atmosphere required adjustment, yet Minji navigated this change with remarkable adaptability—a quality that continues to serve her well in her career.

Her siblings and family environment

Within her family unit, Minji occupies the middle position among three siblings. She has an older brother born in 2003, making him just one year her senior, and a younger sister born in 2011, who is seven years younger than her. This middle-child position often shapes personality development in unique ways, potentially contributing to Minji's balanced and adaptable nature.

While Minji has maintained privacy regarding many aspects of her family life, she has occasionally shared glimpses into her relationship with her brother. In one noteworthy instance, she mentioned that her brother attends Kyung Hee University and planned to watch a festival there. "Actually, there's someone I know that attends this school. He said that he would be watching the festival this year, but I don't know if he is. Yes, he's my brother," Minji revealed during a public appearance, offering a rare personal insight.

Furthermore, reports suggest that Minji comes from a relatively affluent background, with her father reportedly working as a businessman. This family support likely provided advantages throughout her developmental years and early career path. Having a stable family environment can be particularly valuable for young entertainers navigating the demanding world of K-pop training and performance.

Throughout her pre-debut years, Minji's family seemingly provided the emotional foundation necessary for her to pursue her dreams. This support system proved crucial as she embarked on her training journey, first at Source Music sometime during her second year of middle school, and later at HYBE and ADOR before debuting with NewJeans.

The combination of her Chuncheon upbringing and supportive family environment helped shape the composed, talented artist who would eventually capture global attention as part of one of K-pop's most refreshing new groups.

Minji’s education and language journey

Education played a pivotal role in shaping Minji's journey to becoming a standout member of NewJeans. Her academic path combined traditional Korean schooling with international experience, giving her a unique edge in the competitive K-pop industry.

Schools she attended in Korea

Minji's formal education began in her hometown of Chuncheon, where she attended elementary school before her family's relocation to Seoul. After moving to the capital, she continued her studies at Seoul Chungdam Elementary School, establishing herself as both a diligent student and a budding performer.

For her secondary education, Minji enrolled at Chungdam Middle School, where she balanced academic responsibilities with her increasingly demanding training schedule. As her commitment to becoming an idol intensified, she transferred to Hanlim Multi Art School—an institution renowned for accommodating the unique needs of entertainment industry trainees and young performers.

At Hanlim, Minji majored in the Practical Dance Department, refining the technical skills that would ultimately help her secure a place in NewJeans. The school's specialized curriculum allowed her to develop her artistic abilities alongside traditional academic subjects, creating a foundation for her future success.

Learning English in Canada

One of the most formative experiences in Minji's early life occurred during elementary school when she participated in a homestay program in Canada. This immersive language experience became a turning point in her linguistic development, offering her authentic exposure to English in everyday contexts rather than merely through classroom instruction.

Throughout her time in Canada, Minji lived with a local family, attended school with native English speakers, and navigated daily life in an entirely English-speaking environment. This total immersion approach accelerated her language acquisition far beyond what traditional foreign language classes could provide.

The experience proved transformative, as Minji returned to Korea with significantly improved English proficiency. Her natural command of English grammar, pronunciation, and conversational fluency stood out among her peers, foreshadowing how this skill would later become an asset in her career.

How her language skills help her today

Minji's bilingual abilities have become a valuable asset since debuting with NewJeans. In an increasingly global K-pop industry, her comfort with English allows her to connect directly with international fans without relying heavily on translators. During interviews with foreign media outlets, she often takes the lead when English responses are required, helping to represent the group effectively.

Moreover, her language skills enhance NewJeans' songs themselves. The group frequently incorporates English lyrics in their hits, and Minji's natural pronunciation contributes to the authentic delivery that has helped their music resonate globally. Her comfort with the language also aided her in contributing lyrics to the worldwide hit "Ditto," showcasing her creative abilities beyond just performance.

Her bilingualism additionally opens doors for individual opportunities, including international brand partnerships and global ambassador roles. As NewJeans continues to expand their worldwide presence, Minji's language capabilities position her as a crucial bridge between Korean and English-speaking cultures.

The combination of her formal education at specialized arts schools and her international language experience has equipped Minji with both artistic training and practical communication skills—a powerful combination that continues to serve her well as NewJeans ascends to global prominence.

How Minji became a K-pop idol

Minji's path to K-pop stardom began with a chance encounter that would alter the course of her life forever. Unlike many aspiring idols who actively pursue the dream from an early age, Minji initially showed reluctance about entering the competitive entertainment industry.

Scouted at a music academy

Casting director Darren Won first spotted Minji outside a music academy in Chuncheon, Gangwon Province, when she was just 13 years old. "I invested a lot of time and effort to cast Minji, who was not so desperate about becoming a K-pop star at first," Won recalled in an interview. At that time, Won was urgently searching for potential idol trainees when the academy's director recommended two students—one of whom was Minji.

Although Minji harbored aspirations of becoming a singer, she hadn't specifically "set her sights" on making a debut as an idol. Nevertheless, Won immediately recognized her potential. "I clearly saw the potential in her as soon as I met her, so I kept persuading her and ended up bringing her to Source Music, a K-pop label that I worked for at the time," he explained.

Joining Source Music and early training

Subsequently, Minji joined Source Music as a trainee in 2017, beginning what would become a five-year journey before her official debut. Throughout middle school, she received numerous business cards from various entertainment agencies, including SM Entertainment. According to reports, SM Entertainment's CEO Lee Soo-man personally contacted Minji's parents, promising to make her the center of a new girl group, yet Minji declined this offer.

Her training period at Source Music was notably challenging. Minji's mother later described this time as "heartbreaking," revealing that practice rooms were infested with mold and cockroaches. Furthermore, the agency reportedly pressured Minji to discontinue her studies, suggesting she "should not enroll in high school" due to the difficulty of balancing academics and practice.

Notably, Minji refused to abandon her education. "Since there were no definite plans for her future at Source Music, Minji expressed her desire to continue attending school," her mother explained. Showing remarkable determination, Minji sought out a teacher herself, passed entrance exams, and eventually graduated from Hanlim Arts High School in February 2023.

Transition to HYBE and ADOR

A significant shift occurred in 2019 when HYBE Corporation (then Big Hit Entertainment) acquired Source Music. That same year, Minji participated in the Bighit audition in October and was selected. By 2020, she officially became a trainee under HYBE Labels.

Throughout this transition period, Minji gained pre-debut recognition as "The Girl," becoming the face of HYBE Corporation's 2019 Plus Global Auditions. In 2021, she appeared alongside future groupmate Hanni in BTS's "Permission to Dance" music video, further raising her profile.

The final step in Minji's pre-debut journey came when HYBE established ADOR (All Doors One Room) as a subsidiary company specifically for a new girl group led by CEO Min Hee Jin. After Min Hee Jin was initially hired to prepare a debut girl group for Source Music, she expressed a desire to launch the group under her own independent label, selecting trainees from Source Music—including Minji—for what would become NewJeans.

On July 21, 2022, ADOR released the music video for "Attention" performed by NewJeans through HYBE Labels' YouTube channel. The following day, Minji was officially revealed as the first member of the group on the company's Twitter page, marking the culmination of her long and challenging journey from reluctant music academy student to K-pop idol.

Pre-debut moments that shaped her career

Long before her official debut, Minji stood in the spotlight through several significant pre-debut appearances that helped establish her presence in the K-pop industry. These early moments of visibility created a foundation for her eventual rise to fame with NewJeans.

Being the face of Plus Global Audition

In 2019, Minji emerged as the recognizable face of HYBE's ambitious Plus Global Audition, a worldwide talent search conducted in collaboration with Source Music. Essentially, she became known as "#THE_GIRL" after appearing in promotional videos titled "PLUS GLOBAL AUDITION #THE_GIRL 1" and "PLUS GLOBAL AUDITION #THE_GIRL 2," both uploaded on September 3, 2019. This high-profile position gave her unprecedented visibility for a trainee, as the audition spanned 16 cities worldwide from October 5 to October 27, 2019.

Minji's selection as the promotional face for these auditions proved significant—not just for her personal journey, but for the future formation of NewJeans itself. In effect, while other trainees remained anonymous, Minji was already building name recognition and public awareness more than three years before her official debut.

Cameo in BTS's 'Permission to Dance'

On July 8, 2021, Minji made another noteworthy pre-debut appearance alongside future groupmate Hanni in BTS's music video for "Permission to Dance". The brief cameo featured both girls in school uniforms among a group of students, providing them invaluable exposure through association with K-pop's biggest global act.

Interestingly, this appearance later became the subject of controversy. In July 2024, ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin revealed she had not given consent for Minji and Hanni to appear in the BTS video. "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," Min Hee Jin wrote in an email to HYBE CEO Park Ji Won. This revelation contradicted the assumption that the cameo was a strategic promotional tactic.

Early public recognition

In fact, even before NewJeans' official introduction, Minji began experiencing the realities of idol recognition. Shortly after the release of their debut music video "Attention," Minji had her first encounter with public recognition while commuting to school. Riding the bus without any disguise, she noticed students whispering about her so loudly she could hear them through her headphones.

In contrast to Minji's relatively low-key first experience with fame, her groupmate Hanni's initial recognition occurred during Chuseok while shopping with family. A shy fan called Hanni's name, causing others to notice her as well—an experience Hanni described as "really surreal".

Most compelling evidence of NewJeans' immediate impact was how quickly these recognition incidents occurred. According to reports, their music video wasn't even available for a few days before members began being identified in public, indicating the group's powerful debut and Minji's distinctive presence had already captured public attention.

Debut with NewJeans and rise to fame

NewJeans revolutionized the K-pop debut formula when they burst onto the scene in 2022, breaking industry norms and setting new records with their distinctive approach to music and promotion.

Surprise debut with 'Attention'

On July 22, 2022, ADOR unveiled NewJeans through an unprecedented strategy—releasing the music video for "Attention" without any prior teasers or information about the group's lineup. This "no teaser at all" approach marked a complete departure from K-pop's traditional debut formula, which typically involves months of member introductions and promotional content. The following day, ADOR announced a four-track extended play titled New Jeans, set for release on August 1.

The gamble paid off spectacularly. "Attention" debuted at number one on Billboard's South Korea Songs chart and reached number two on the Circle Digital Chart. Internationally, the track peaked at number 54 on the Billboard Global 200 and charted across multiple countries including Argentina, New Zealand, Singapore, Taiwan, and Vietnam. Music critics praised the song, with IZM noting it "aims for a comfortable listening experience, but will never be boring".

Success of 'Hype Boy', 'Ditto', and 'OMG'

Following "Attention," NewJeans released "Hype Boy" as their second single. The song received widespread acclaim, with NME naming it the best K-pop release of 2022. Its impact was extraordinary—by January 2023, "Hype Boy" had surpassed BTS's "Butter" as the most-streamed song on Spotify in South Korea.

Their momentum continued with "Ditto" and "OMG," released in December 2022 and January 2023. "Ditto" became NewJeans's first entry on the Billboard Hot 100 and won Song of the Year at multiple prestigious award ceremonies including the MAMA Awards, Melon Music Awards, Golden Disc Awards, and Asia Artist Awards. Remarkably, within just 17 days of their debut, NewJeans had already broken records and attracted global attention.

Minji's role in the group

Throughout NewJeans' meteoric rise, Minji has served as the group's de facto leader. Despite NewJeans having no official leadership position, her steady presence and maturity naturally positioned her in this role. Fellow members and fans alike recognize her guiding influence within the quintet.

Beyond performance, Minji demonstrated her creative abilities by contributing as both a composer and lyricist for "Ditto". This achievement is particularly noteworthy as songwriting opportunities remain uncommon for rookie K-pop idols. In a revealing interview, Minji shared insights into her creative process: "When I heard 'Ditto,' it just popped into my head: this main image of a winter mountain that felt kind of cold, but warm at the same time... So I tried to put some objects inside the mountain, for example, like a tree house and a campfire".

By August 2022, barely a month after debut, NewJeans had set a new record for a debuting K-pop girl group by selling precisely 311,271 copies of their first EP in a week.

Minji’s creative side and songwriting

Beyond her captivating stage presence, Minji's artistic vision extends to songwriting, revealing a creative depth that distinguishes her among fourth-generation K-pop idols. Her contributions behind the scenes demonstrate a multifaceted talent that complements her performance abilities.

Writing lyrics for 'Ditto'

Among NewJeans' impressive catalog, "Ditto" stands out not only for its commercial success but also as a showcase for Minji's songwriting abilities. The winter-themed track, which became their first entry on the Billboard Hot 100, features lyrics partially penned by Minji herself. Her contribution to this award-winning song highlights a creative maturity unusual for rookie idols, especially considering she was only 18 years old when the song was released.

Minji's approach to lyric writing blends emotional depth with relatable storytelling. Through "Ditto," she helped craft a narrative that resonated with listeners worldwide, contributing to the song's unprecedented success across multiple charts and award shows. The track's emotional resonance stems partly from her ability to capture the bittersweet quality of youthful affection—a theme that runs through much of NewJeans' discography.

Her visual inspiration process

Uniquely, Minji's creative process begins with visual imagery rather than melody or words. When describing how she approached writing for "Ditto," she explained that visual scenes formed first in her mind: "When I heard 'Ditto,' it just popped into my head: this main image of a winter mountain that felt kind of cold, but warm at the same time."

From this initial winter mountain imagery, Minji built an entire emotional landscape, adding elements to complete the scene. "I tried to put some objects inside the mountain, for example, like a tree house and a campfire," she revealed, demonstrating how her songwriting process transforms visual concepts into lyrical expression. This synesthetic approach—where music evokes specific visual imagery—indicates an artistic sensibility that extends beyond conventional songwriting methods.

Musical style and experimentation

Musically, Minji gravitates toward thoughtful experimentation within NewJeans' signature sound. While the group maintains a consistent retro-inspired aesthetic, Minji has shown appreciation for diverse musical influences. Her contributions reflect a balanced approach—respecting the group's established identity while subtly incorporating fresh elements.

As NewJeans continues to evolve, Minji's creative input increasingly shapes their artistic direction. Her willingness to experiment within the framework of their distinctive sound helps maintain their commercial appeal while allowing for artistic growth. Undoubtedly, as she gains more experience in the industry, her creative contributions will likely expand beyond "Ditto" to influence more aspects of NewJeans' musical identity.

Public image, fashion, and endorsements

Beyond her musical talents, Minji has established herself as a fashion icon with prestigious brand partnerships and a growing media presence that extends her influence well beyond the music industry.

Becoming Chanel's triple ambassador

In February 2023, Chanel Korea announced Minji as their brand ambassador across three categories simultaneously—beauty, fashion, and watches and jewelry. This unprecedented appointment marked her as the first person ever to represent all three Chanel divisions at once. Her selection demonstrated extraordinary brand power, as she topped the Korean Business Research Institute's brand reputation rankings in January, with Blackpink's Jennie and fellow NewJeans member Hanni following behind.

Throughout 2023, Minji's partnership with Chanel flourished as she became the face of numerous campaigns, including their N°1 DE CHANEL skincare line. By early 2024, her status elevated further when she was named a Chanel House Ambassador at the global level. Alongside this achievement, every NewJeans member secured global ambassador roles with major luxury brands—Hanni with Gucci and Armani Beauty, Danielle with Burberry and YSL Beauty, Haerin with Dior Joaillerie, and Hyein with Louis Vuitton.

Magazine covers and media presence

Minji's influence in fashion media grew rapidly after her Chanel appointment. She made her solo magazine cover debut on Elle Korea's March 2023 issue, elegantly showcasing Chanel's signature tweed. Subsequently, she became the face of the Seoul Jazz Festival, appearing on W Korea's special edition covers for both the 15th anniversary in 2023 and the 2024 festival.

Clearly cementing her status as a fashion icon, Minji started 2025 as Elle Korea's January cover star. The publication highlighted her as a London "cool girl," showcasing a vibrant transformation that captivated readers and further established her presence in international fashion circles.

Participation in public campaigns

Minji's growing public influence extended into civic engagement when she partnered with South Korea's National Election Commission in March 2024. The Commission released a video campaign featuring her that encouraged younger generations to participate in the 22nd legislative election. This initiative, titled "April 10th, Our Story Told by Minji," was broadcast on television and various platforms beginning March 11.

The campaign held personal significance as Minji herself voted for the first time in her life during this election, modeling civic responsibility for her young fans while using her platform for meaningful public service.

Personality, habits, and daily life

Behind the camera and offstage, Minji reveals a personality as distinctive as her performance style. Her thoughtful approach to daily life offers fascinating glimpses into what makes her unique among NewJeans members.

Her MBTI and personality traits

Minji joins the rare 1% of K-pop idols who share the ESTJ personality type. After trying several combinations (previously testing as ENTJ and ISFJ), she settled on ESTJ as the classification that best represents her character. Known as "executives," ESTJs are typically sensible, loyal, strong-willed, and organized—qualities that make them effective leaders.

This personality type perfectly aligns with how Minji conducts herself. She possesses a surprisingly meticulous nature, approaching everything with seriousness and careful consideration. Consequently, her teammates often rely on her to progress and introduce content within the group, as her ability to speak clearly is considered her specialty. Despite her young age, Minji demonstrates remarkable thoughtfulness in her interactions, remaining cautious with her words and maintaining a measured approach to public communication.

Daily routines and hobbies

Minji's structured personality extends into her daily life through consistent routines. Even before bedtime, she follows regular patterns. On days off, she typically wakes up late, enjoys breakfast, and takes walks without any specific destination. These peaceful strolls balance her otherwise regimented schedule.

Her leisure activities reveal a contemplative side. Minji particularly enjoys reading, with a special fondness for mystery novels. Likewise, she finds joy in watching movies and decorating her diary—creative outlets that complement her professional artistry. Interestingly, she's developing an interest in baseball as a novice fan of the Doosan Bears, a team she supported since childhood.

Food preferences and quirks

Minji's culinary preferences include several unexpected choices. Remarkably, she enjoys eating ice cream during winter. When choosing ice cream formats, she prefers sandwich-style over bars or cones.

While she appreciates her mother's cooking above all else, Minji also enjoys simple staples like rice. Conversely, she avoids Hawaiian pizza, almond bonbons, and vegetables—particularly chives. Mint chocolate similarly fails to impress her palate. Though she generally dislikes spicy and salty foods, she makes an exception for tteokbokki. One of her more distinctive habits involves eating tomatoes for breakfast, demonstrating her unique approach to daily nourishment.