Haewon (Leader) NMIXX

Haewon stands out as a rising star and the inspiring leader of NMIXX, a girl group that's making waves in the industry. As a talented vocalist and dancer, Haewon has captured the hearts of fans worldwide with her impressive skills and charming personality. Her journey from a trainee at JYP Entertainment to becoming the nmixx leader showcases her dedication and hard work in the competitive realm of Korean pop music.

Haewon's impact on NMIXX's music and her role as the group's main vocalist have been crucial to their success since their debut with "AD MARE." This article delves into Haewon's musical journey, exploring her training days, her standout performances, and her behind-the-scenes persona. We'll also look at her growing popularity, her unique traits like being a "meme genius" and "joke bear," and how she's shaping the future of NMIXX as they continue to make their mark in the K-pop scene.

Haewon's Musical Journey

Early Passion for Singing

Haewon's journey in the world of music began at a young age. Born on January 22, 2002, in Seoul, she grew up in a middle-class family in the city's suburbs. During her early years, Haewon attended a small local primary school where she showed a keen interest in the performing arts. Initially, her dream was to become an actress, and she actively participated in school plays and acting-related activities.

Inspirations and Influences

At the age of 12, Haewon's musical path took an unexpected turn when a friend introduced her to a K-pop music video. This exposure sparked a newfound interest in singing and performing. Encouraged by her friends who recognized her vocal talent, Haewon started to seriously consider a career in music. She began to explore her vocal abilities, which had previously been appreciated in her school plays.

To develop her skills, Haewon took the initiative to teach herself singing techniques. She started uploading covers of popular Asian and Western artists' songs on social media platforms. These covers garnered positive feedback and attention, helping her gain a significant following and boosting her confidence in her vocal abilities.

Decision to Pursue K-pop

As Haewon's passion for singing grew, she made the pivotal decision to shift her career aspirations from acting to becoming a K-pop idol. In 2016, at the age of 14, she learned about trainee auditions at JYP Entertainment. Despite having no professional training in singing or dancing, Haewon's natural talent and determination shone through. She passed the 'JYP Girl Group Open Audition' held in 2017, an event that attracted around 10,000 applicants.

For her audition, Haewon chose to perform Beyoncé's "Halo," specifically the part starting with "Everywhere I'm lookin' now~". She selected this song to showcase her vocal power, high notes, and unique tone within a short time frame. This strategic choice paid off, impressing the judges and securing her a spot as a trainee at JYP Entertainment.

Haewon's journey as a trainee was marked by dedication and hard work. She quickly gained recognition among JYP fans for her impressive performances at trainee showcases. Even TWICE's Nayeon took notice of Haewon's talent, mentioning that a JYP employee had praised Haewon's singing and dancing abilities.

During her four-year training period, Haewon honed her skills in various areas. She not only improved her vocals but also developed her dancing abilities, even studying ballet. Her all-round talent and hard work paid off when she was selected as a top student in life evaluations, earning her a trip to an LA camp along with fellow trainee Lily.

Training Days at JYP Entertainment

Audition Process

Haewon's journey at JYP Entertainment began with a rigorous audition process. The company's open auditions attracted thousands of hopefuls, each vying for a chance to become a K-pop star. JYP's auditions evaluated potential trainees in various categories, including singing, dancing, and rapping. For the singing portion, candidates could choose from K-pop, pop, or any other genre to showcase their vocal abilities. Judges assessed their breathing, pitch, rhythm, pronunciation, and overall technique.

In the dance category, applicants could perform self-choreographed routines, cover dances, or showcase skills in hip-hop, b-boy, popping, or locking. The evaluation focused on flexibility, rhythmic sense, posture, dance steps, and stage presence. Haewon's natural talent shone through during her audition, impressing the judges and securing her a spot as a trainee in December 2018.

Rigorous Training Regimen

Once accepted, Haewon embarked on an intense training period that lasted four years. The rigorous schedule included long hours of practice, often resulting in reduced sleep. Trainees had to balance their training with academic studies, making time management crucial. Haewon's dedication during this period was evident, as she consistently worked on improving her vocals, dance skills, and stage presence.

The training regimen at JYP Entertainment was designed to prepare aspiring idols for the demands of the K-pop industry. It involved not only perfecting performance skills but also developing a strong mentality to handle the pressures of the industry. Trainees were encouraged to focus on areas where they lacked proficiency, understanding that their post-debut success would depend heavily on their pre-debut efforts.

Pre-debut Showcases

As part of their training, JYP Entertainment organized mini showcases to give trainees experience performing in front of an audience. These events also served as a way for the company to gauge public reaction to potential future idols. Haewon participated in several of these showcases, including the JYP Trainee Mini Showcase 2018 and 2019, where she performed alongside other trainees who would later become her NMIXX groupmates, such as Lily, Jinni, and Kyujin.

These showcases played a crucial role in Haewon's development as a performer. They provided her with valuable stage experience and helped her build confidence in her abilities. The positive reception from these performances contributed to the growing anticipation for her eventual debut.

Throughout her training period, Haewon's talent and hard work did not go unnoticed. She gained recognition among JYP fans and even caught the attention of established artists within the company. This period of intense preparation and growth laid the foundation for Haewon's future success as a member and leader of NMIXX.

NMIXX's Debut and Haewon's Role

Group Formation

NMIXX, a seven-member girl group under JYP Entertainment, was formed through a rigorous selection process. Haewon, who joined JYP through an audition in 2017, was among the chosen few. The audition, which attracted around 10,000 applicants, was so popular that the location and period had to be changed. Haewon's journey from trainee to debut spanned over four years, during which she honed her skills and prepared for her future role in the group.

Debut Preparations

As NMIXX's debut approached, anticipation built among K-pop fans. JYP Entertainment employed an innovative marketing strategy by releasing a "blind package" version of NMIXX's debut album before revealing any information about the group. This unique approach proved successful, with the package selling 61,000 copies in just 10 days. The group's official debut on February 22, 2022, with the single album "AD MARE" and title track "O.O," was met with mixed reactions from the public. Despite the initial controversy, NMIXX's debut album went on to sell over 200,000 copies, showcasing the group's potential and fan support.

Leadership Responsibilities

Haewon was chosen as the leader of NMIXX, a role that came with significant responsibilities. As the leader, she took charge of hosting and MCing in the group's variety shows and even served as a temporary class president in a NMIXX high school episode. Haewon's leadership qualities, including her assertiveness and ability to unite the members, likely contributed to her selection for this crucial role.

The position of leader brings its own set of challenges. Haewon has mentioned feeling pressure when difficult questions are directed at the group, often finding herself speaking before fully formulating an answer. This demonstrates her commitment to representing NMIXX and her willingness to take on the responsibilities that come with leadership.

Haewon's role extends beyond just being the leader. As the main vocalist of NMIXX, she captivates fans with her clear vocals and exceptional dance skills. Her ability to handle high notes and showcase impressive vocal techniques has earned her recognition within the industry. An industry professional even noted that Haewon's vocal skills and techniques stand out compared to the general level of JYP artists.

As NMIXX continues to make their mark in the K-pop industry, Haewon's role as both leader and main vocalist remains crucial to the group's success. Her journey from a talented trainee to the leader of a promising girl group serves as an inspiration to aspiring K-pop idols and showcases the dedication required to succeed in the competitive world of K-pop.

Vocal Prowess and Performance Skills

Unique Vocal Color

Haewon's vocal abilities have garnered significant attention within the K-pop industry. Her voice is characterized by a grounded, earthy quality that sets her apart from her fellow NMIXX members. Unlike the metallic, bright rock quality of Lily's voice, Haewon possesses a velvety, honey-like tone that adds depth and richness to NMIXX's performances. This unique vocal color allows her to complement her groupmates' voices beautifully, creating a harmonious blend that enhances their overall sound.

Haewon's technical skills are equally impressive. She demonstrates excellent control over her voice, seamlessly transitioning between different vocal techniques. Her ability to build dynamics in playful songs showcases her understanding of musical nuance. Notably, Haewon excels in her mix voice, which she uses strategically to create a resonant and mature sound. Her smart approach to mixing allows her to navigate challenging vocal passages without straining, a testament to her technical proficiency.

Dance Abilities

While Haewon is primarily known for her vocal talents, her dance skills are equally noteworthy. Despite having trained for only four years before debut, she has shown remarkable progress in her dancing abilities. Some fans even regard her as one of the best dancers in NMIXX, which speaks volumes about her dedication and natural talent.

Haewon's dance style is characterized by sharp, precise movements that contribute to her overall elegant stage presence. Her extensions are particularly noteworthy, adding a refined quality to her performances. This combination of sharpness and elegance allows her to seamlessly blend with the more intensely performing members while still maintaining her unique style.

Stage Charisma

Haewon's stage presence is a crucial aspect of her performance skills. She possesses a subtle yet powerful charisma that captivates audiences. Her approach to stage presence is marked by elegance and poise, which adds a multi-dimensional quality to NMIXX's performances. This is particularly important for a group known for crossing and mixing genres.

One of Haewon's strengths lies in her eye contact and movement on stage. She frequently uses side glances and subtle facial expressions, such as small spontaneous smiles, to engage with the audience. This nuanced approach to performance creates a sense of intimacy and connection with viewers, enhancing the overall impact of NMIXX's stage presence.

Haewon's ability to convey emotion through her performances is also noteworthy. Her storytelling skills allow her to embody different characters and emotions, showcasing a maturity beyond her years. This versatility in performance style, combined with her vocal prowess and dance abilities, makes Haewon a standout performer in the competitive world of K-pop.

Behind the Scenes: Haewon as a Person

Personality Traits

Haewon, the leader of NMIXX, embodies a unique blend of professionalism and creativity. Her MBTI personality type is ESTP, which aligns with her outgoing nature and practical approach to leadership. As a responsible and studious individual, Haewon consistently demonstrates reliability in various situations, earning the trust of her fellow members. Her leadership style is characterized by a balance of care and strictness, ensuring the group's success while maintaining a nurturing environment.

Despite her strong leadership qualities, Haewon desires to be recognized for her creative side as well. She has a passion for fashion and enjoys crafting things with her hands, often sharing her creations with other members. This artistic inclination adds depth to her personality, showcasing a multifaceted individual beyond her role as NMIXX's leader.

Interestingly, Haewon has some unique quirks. She has poor eyesight (-6 in both eyes with astigmatism) and often wears prescription glasses at the dorm. Her sleeping habits are particularly noteworthy, as she tends to pose like a cat or an arrow while asleep, leading her roommate Bae to jokingly comment on Haewon's "yoga while sleeping" talent.

Relationships with Members

Haewon's relationship with her fellow NMIXX members is reminiscent of a father figure playing with his children. She gets along well with everyone in the group, fostering an atmosphere of respect and trust. This dynamic is similar to the relationship between Yeji and the members of ITZY, where everyone trusts and gets along with their leader.

Among the members, Haewon's strongest friendship appears to be with Bae. The two complement each other well, with Bae good-naturedly allowing Haewon to take the dominant role in their friendship. This close bond contributes to the group's overall harmony and camaraderie.

While Haewon maintains friendly relationships with all members, including Lily, some observers note that Lily seems to keep a slight distance from the group. Despite being the oldest and consistently kind to everyone, Lily occasionally appears as an outsider. Similarly, Jinni, while not as close to the other members, shares a polite and sometimes affectionate relationship with Sullyoon.

Off-stage Interests

Outside of her role as NMIXX's leader and main vocalist, Haewon has diverse interests that shape her off-stage persona. She has a strong affinity for coffee, particularly enjoying Iced Americano. This caffeine habit likely helps her maintain her energy levels during long practice sessions and performances.

Haewon's love for music extends beyond K-pop. She enjoys listening to rock music, with "MIROH" by Stray Kids being one of her favorites. This eclectic taste in music showcases her openness to various genres and influences.

Despite her busy schedule, Haewon finds time for physical activities. She claims to have the best lower-body strength among the members and practices yoga. However, she also faces challenges, such as claustrophobia, which leads her to spend more time in the living room than in her bedroom.

Haewon's journey from a young girl dreaming of becoming a singer to the leader of NMIXX is a testament to her dedication and passion for music. Her multifaceted personality, strong relationships with her members, and diverse interests contribute to her role as an inspiring figure in the K-pop industry.

Haewon's Impact on NMIXX's Music

Contributions to Songs

Haewon's influence on NMIXX's music is evident in her vocal contributions and her ability to adapt to the group's diverse musical style. As the main vocalist, she brings a unique color to NMIXX's sound with her grounded, earthy tone. This quality complements the group's experimental approach to music, allowing them to seamlessly blend different genres and styles.

In the upbeat track "Run for Roses," penned by fellow JYP Entertainment artist Young K of Day6, Haewon's vocals shine through the country-influenced melodies. Her love for the "band sound" and strong guitar elements in the song showcases her versatility as a vocalist. This ability to adapt to various musical styles has been crucial in shaping NMIXX's distinctive sound.

Performance Direction

As the leader of NMIXX, Haewon plays a significant role in guiding the group's performance direction. Her strong dance skills, often compared to those of dance line members Jiwoo and Kyujin, contribute to the overall synchronization and power of NMIXX's choreographies. Haewon's ability to control strength and weakness in her movements, coupled with her natural fluidity, enhances the group's dynamic stage presence.

Haewon's leadership extends to the group's visual concepts as well. NMIXX's performances often feature a mix of styles, from head-to-toe jewel tones to dresses with their own faces printed on them. This bold approach to fashion aligns with their musical experimentation, creating a cohesive and impactful stage presence.

Group Synergy

Haewon's role as the leader has a significant impact on NMIXX's group synergy. Her ESTP personality type contributes to her outgoing nature and practical approach to leadership, fostering a supportive environment within the group. This leadership style has helped create a strong bond among the members, evident in their performances and off-stage interactions.

The synergy within NMIXX is particularly noticeable in their vocal harmonies. Haewon's unique vocal color blends well with other members, especially Lily, whose voice has a more metallic, bright rock quality. This vocal chemistry allows NMIXX to create rich, layered harmonies that set them apart in the K-pop landscape.

Despite her contributions, some fans have noted that Haewon's voice sometimes feels underutilized in official recordings. There's a desire among fans to hear more powerful parts that truly showcase her vocal abilities. This feedback highlights the potential for even greater impact from Haewon in NMIXX's future musical endeavors.

As NMIXX continues to evolve and experiment with their sound, Haewon's role as both a vocalist and leader will undoubtedly play a crucial part in shaping the group's musical direction and overall success in the competitive world of K-pop.

Rising Popularity and Recognition

Individual Fandom

Haewon's popularity within NMIXX has seen a significant rise since the group's debut. Initially, during their debut period with "O.O," Sullyoon dominated in terms of fancam views. However, during the comeback period for "Entwurf," Haewon's popularity surged, achieving noticeably higher average fancam views during "Dice" promotions. This shift in popularity demonstrates Haewon's growing appeal and recognition among fans.

The overall popularity ranking of NMIXX members, based on median fancam view percentages, places Haewon in second place, just behind Sullyoon. This ranking reflects Haewon's strong individual fandom and her ability to captivate audiences with her performances. As the leader and main vocalist of NMIXX, Haewon's rise in popularity is a testament to her skills and charisma on stage.

Variety Show Appearances

Haewon has been making waves not only as NMIXX's leader but also as a rising star in the world of variety shows. Known as the "4th generation ambitious idol," she has caught the attention of many, including JYP himself, with her comedic timing and vibrant personality. Haewon's variety show skills were showcased on MBC's 'Radio Star,' where she boldly declared, "I'm here to take over 'Radio Star' today," captivating the show's hosts.

Her popularity on YouTube has also been notable. After appearing as a guest on 'Work Idol' season 1, Haewon was selected as the host for season 2. This success has led to an influx of love calls from terrestrial TV programs, indicating her growing recognition in the entertainment industry.

Brand Endorsements

Haewon's rising popularity has not gone unnoticed by major brands. Along with her fellow NMIXX members, Haewon was appointed as a global ambassador for the Spanish luxury brand LOEWE in September 2022. This collaboration marks NMIXX's first major brand partnership since their debut, showcasing the group's growing influence in the fashion industry.

LOEWE's creative director Jonathan Anderson expressed excitement about welcoming NMIXX to the LOEWE family as their first brand ambassador group. This partnership aligns with LOEWE's inventive vision for the future and recognizes NMIXX's dynamic energy in the K-pop scene.

As Haewon continues to gain recognition both as an individual and as part of NMIXX, her influence in the K-pop industry and beyond is likely to grow. Her versatility as a performer, variety show personality, and brand ambassador demonstrates her potential for long-term success in the competitive world of K-pop.

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