And one of these girls is apparently chilling in Antarctica. Photo: ImaZins via Getty Images
Get up. All five members of NewJeans have reportedly decided to return to ADOR after the label won a legal dispute over their contracts on October 30. ADOR confirmed in a November 12 tweet that members Hyein and Haerin have expressed their desire to comply with a South Korean court’s recent ruling and come back to the company. So why aren’t fans panicking that the K-pop quintet is breaking up and becoming TwoJeans? About three hours after ADOR’s initial announcement, localoutlets reported that members Minji, Hanni, and Danielle said through lawyers that they are also planning to continue their careers with the HYBE-owned label. “One of our members is currently in Antarctica, which delayed communication,” they said in a statement translated by the Korea Herald, “and since ADOR has yet to respond, we decided to announce this separately. We will continue to meet fans with sincere music and performances.” Reuters reports that ADOR is “checking” whether the three members really intend to return.
NewJeans, the girl group that debuted in July 2022 and less than a year later became the fastest K-pop act to ever hit 1 billion streams on Spotify, announced last November that they were leaving their label, citing alleged mistreatment as well as dissatisfaction with the removal of Min Hee-jin as the CEO. They later attempted to rebrand as indie artists, but a court injunction in March put an end to their fresh start as NJZ. After losing the lawsuit over their contracts in October, the group’s legal team said they planned to appeal the decision, asserting that “the relationship of trust between NewJeans and ADOR has been completely destroyed, making normal activities impossible.” At the time, the label stated that it had already completed preparations for a group album and was waiting for the girls to come back. If the full group has truly changed their tune about making tunes with ADOR, then it sounds like new NewJeans music is on the way.
NewJeans, a South Korean girl group formed by ADOR, a subsidiary of HYBE Labels, has quickly become a favorite among fans globally since their debut. With a young and energetic sound, the group consists of five members whose ages span the teenage years, adding a fresh and approachable charm to their music.
Their youthfulness is a key factor in their artistic expression, shaping their dance routines, musical themes, and engagement with their audience. By focusing on the ages of the NewJeans members, fans and observers can gain a deeper appreciation of the group’s special role in the music world.
Key Takeaways
NewJeans debuted in 2022 with youthful energy, under ADOR and HYBE Labels.
Their ages (15-19) and fresh sound make them stand out in K-pop.
Minji (May 7, 2004): Eldest, singer-songwriter, $1.5M net worth.
Danielle (Apr 11, 2005): Korean-Australian, top popularity, vocalist-dancer.
Haerin (May 15, 2006): Second youngest, South Korean, vocalist-dancer.
Hyein (Apr 21, 2008): Youngest, South Korean, vocalist-dancer.
Overview
NewJeans is a South Korean girl group formed under ADOR, a subsidiary of HYBE Labels according to Variety. They made a noticeable entry into the K-pop scene with their debut single, “Attention,” released on July 22, 2022, followed by their self-titled EP, “NewJeans,” which was unveiled to the public on August 1, 2022.
NewJeans is composed of five members: Hanni, Minji, Danielle, Haerin, and Hyein. Each member brings a distinct flavor to the group, contributing to a diverse range of music and performance styles. The group quickly garnered attention for their fresh take on K-pop, channeling a unique and youthful vibe.
The name “NewJeans” symbolizes their ambition to set fresh trends in the music industry, akin to the timeless fashion staple of jeans. Their debut has been widely recognized for its originality and appeal across a broad audience, setting the tone for their subsequent artistic endeavors.
Member Roster
Hanni: Lead Vocalist
Minji: Main Dancer, Vocalist
Danielle: Lead Dancer, Vocalist
Haerin: Main Vocalist
Hyein: Maknae, Vocalist
The group has established a multi-faceted image, marked by their multinational lineup and multilingual capabilities, which have allowed them to connect with a global fanbase. With their early career marked by a series of successful releases, NewJeans continues to establish a footprint in the K-pop industry.
Individual Member Ages
NewJeans Member
Current Age
Date of Birth
Minji
19 years old
May 7, 2004
Hanni
19 years old
October 6, 2004
Danielle
18 years old
April 11, 2005
Haerin
17 years old
May 15, 2006
Hyein
15 years old
April 21, 2008
Min-ji’s Age
Kim Min-ji (Korean: 김민지) known by her stage name Minji, is the oldest member of the South Korean K-pop group NewJeans. Born on May 7, 2004, in Chuncheon, South Korea, she is currently 19 years old by international age and 21 by Korean age calculations. Before joining NewJeans, Minji trained at JYP Entertainment and now contributes to the band as both a singer and a songwriter.
Hanni’s Age
Pham Ngoc Han (Korean: 팜응옥한) – who performs under the stage name Hanni, is the Vietnamese-Australian K-pop idol and the second oldest member of NewJeans. Her birthday is October 6, 2004, and she was born in Melbourne, Australia. According to international age, she is 19 years old, but in Korea, she is considered 21 years old. Hanni plays a key role in NewJeans as the main dancer and vocalist.
Danielle’s Age
Mo Ji Hye(Korean: 모지혜) known as Danielle, is a Korean-Australian K-pop artist in NewJeans. Born on April 11, 2005, in Newcastle, Australia, she is 18 internationally and 20 in Korean age. Danielle serves as a vocalist and dancer for the group.
Haerin’s Age
Kang Haerin (Korean: 강해린) also known as Haerin, is the second youngest member of the South Korean K-pop group NewJeans. She was born on May 15, 2006, in Gimcheon-si, South Korea. According to international age, she is 17 years old, but in Korea, she is considered 19 years old. Haerin contributes to the band as both a vocalist and a dancer.
Hyein’s Age
Lee Hye-in (Korean: 이혜인) known as Hyein, is the youngest NewJeans member, born on April 21, 2008, in Incheon, South Korea. Internationally, she is 15 years old and 17 in Korean age. Hyein serves as a vocalist and dancer for the group.
How Koreans Calculate Age?
Let’s break it down with a straightforward example. Consider someone born in 1993 and the current year is 2019. In Korean age, the formula is as follows: Korean age = (2019 – 1993) + 1, which equals 27 years. In contrast, the Western system might show them as 26 years old until their birthday in 2019, after which they’d also be 27 years old.
For fans of Korean culture, let’s apply this to a well-known figure, Jungkook from BTS, born on September 1, 1997. By Western calculation, he turns 22 in 2019. However, in Korean age, he’s considered 23: he’s 22 + 1 after his birthday, but effectively 23 throughout the year.
Another example emphasizes the difference: a child born on December 31 is only a day old in the Western system but considered two years old in Korean age because they’re born as a 1-year-old and gain another year on January 1.
Age Distribution in NewJeans
The members of the K-pop girl group NewJeans exhibit a narrow age range, demonstrating the youthful spirit they bring to the music industry. The group comprises five members, each with a noteworthy talent that complements the team. The age ranking within NewJeans spans from the oldest, Minji, to the youngest, Hyein, all of whom were teenagers at the time of their debut.
Oldest Members:
Minji was born on May 07, 2004, making her 19 years old.
Hanni, sharing the same birth year, was born on October 06 and also stands at 19 years old.
Middle Range:
Danielle, slightly younger than her peers above, was born on July 11, 2004, and is therefore 19 years old as well.
Younger Members:
Haerin, whose birthday is on February 15, 2006, is 18 years old.
Hyein represents the youngest of the group, being born on April 21, 2008, and is 15 years old.
This close-knit age distribution is common in K-pop, and it often facilitates a cohesive group dynamic, with members sharing similar stages of personal growth and development. Each member of NewJeans brings their unique energy to the group, resonating with fans across various age demographics.
The group made a poignant entrance into the music scene with their debut single “Attention” on July 22, 2022, followed by their debut extended play, “New Jeans,” which was unveiled to the public on August 1, 2022.
Comparison with Peer Groups
Group
Debut Year
Approximate Average Age at Debut
NewJeans
2022
16.8 years
BLACKPINK
2016
19.75 years
Red Velvet
2014
20.4 years
TWICE
2015
18.9 years
Given the industry’s competitive nature, younger groups like NewJeans often get a head start in building a long-term fanbase, providing a wider window for group activities and evolution. To illustrate, members of NewJeans are between the ages of 16 and 18, which is a strong point highlighting their appeal to the increasingly younger demographic of K-pop fans.
Their positioning also showcases the strategic planning of ADOR and HYBE Labels, considering the longevity and developmental potential of NewJeans within the fiercely competitive K-pop sphere. Comparatively, the group’s age not only offers a fresh perspective within the industry but also hints at their sustained growth potential over the coming years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which NewJeans member has the highest net worth?
Minji tops the wealth chart among the NewJeans members, boasting an estimated net worth of $1.5 million as of 2023, according to a report by IBTimes.
Who ranks as the most favored NewJeans member?
Danielle leads in popularity within NewJeans, securing a brand value of 3,530,278 points, as highlighted in the Korean Business Research Institute’s June 2023 analysis.
Which NewJeans member is considered the least popular?
Hyein holds the position of the least popular member, with a brand value of 1,247,037 points, based on findings from the Korean Business Research Institute’s June 2023 report.
Final Words
NewJeans, emerging under ADOR and HYBE Labels, has made a significant impact since their 2022 debut with their youthful energy and innovative approach to K-pop.
With members aged between 15 and 19, their diverse talents and multinational backgrounds have quickly garnered a global fanbase, distinguishing them in a competitive industry.
Their fresh sound and dynamic performances promise a bright future, making NewJeans a group to watch.
Halle Bailey, Hanni, and Julia Garner starring in a Gucci campaign together was definitely a surprise on my 2023 fashion bingo card, but noteworthy nonetheless. For the relaunch of the Horsebit 1955, the Italian house tapped the unexpected trio of zeitgeisty stars (Bailey will play Ariel in Disney’s live-action remake of The Little Mermaid; Hanni, a Gucci global brand ambassador, plans to make her Lollapalooza debut with the K-pop girl group NewJeans; and Ozark’s Garner, who last mimicked Anna Delvey’s hilariously bizarre accent in Inventing Anna, is reportedly keeping her “fingers crossed” for the Madonna biopic) to model the iconic accessory.
An archival image of a leather Gucci bag from 1955 featuring the Horsebit hardware.
Courtesy Gucci
To the uninitiated, the new-and-improved Horsebit 1955 might bear a strong resemblance to the initial design from six decades ago, introduced two years after the hardware appeared in the brand’s collections. But the reimagined version as we know it today was, in fact, first presented at the Capitoline Museums during Gucci’s cruise 2020 show. Easily distinguishable by its archival equestrian emblem, the perpetually coveted, celebrity-loved bag still features the trademark double ring and bar, which drew inspiration from horseback riding—specifically, the snaffle on a horse’s bridle—a favorite hobby among Gucci customers from the get-go (because, the ’50s). Now, the Horsebit is featured on a plethora of prints and accessories from the house, including its famous loafers. Though the Horsebit 1955 honors Gucci codes, the latest iteration comes in a range of silhouettes (think: a dome-shaped top-handle), as well as sizes, colors, and materials for a “choose your own adventure” type of styling experience.
In a new campaign shot by Mert & Marcus, premiering exclusively on ELLE.com, Bailey, Hanni, and Garner, who’s also one of the faces of Gucci Guilty, team up for an intimate portrait series where they each pose with the Horsebit in their own unique way, bringing the past firmly into the present, as three women who are currently owning their respective fields. With that in mind, ahead of the campaign launch, we asked the trio: How do you find your personal style? Keep scrolling to find out why Bailey values comfort, Hanni loves to experiment, and Garner looks to her grandmother.
Hanni, Julia Garner, and Halle Bailey attend Gucci’s fall/winter 2023 show.
Jacopo M. Raule
Halle Bailey
Mert & Marcus
“I’ve always looked up to my big sister, Chloe, for style inspiration. To me, comfort is important, but I also want to feel a little sexy when I dress up. The key is to find pieces that feel genuine and reflect your personality.”
Hanni
Mert & Marcus
“At the moment, I love to experiment with different styles—it’s a great way to have fun expressing yourself. The most important thing is that I feel comfortable and confident in a look.”
Julia Garner
Mert & Marcus
“My grandmother is my style icon. Her generation dressed up, and I love that. I’ve found my style by leaning into the fun of clothing. I feel most confident in classics, but it always needs to have a little edge.”
Watch Halle Bailey, Hanni, and Julia Garner in Gucci’s new campaign video, below:
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Claire Stern is the Deputy Editor of ELLE.com. Previously, she served as Editor at Bergdorf Goodman. Her interests include fashion, food, travel, music, Peloton, and The Hills—not necessarily in that order. She used to have a Harriet the Spy notebook and isn’t ashamed to admit it.
