Minji

Minji, born Kim Min-ji, is the leader and a vocalist of NewJeans, one of the most groundbreaking K-pop groups to emerge in the 2020s. Born in Chuncheon, Gangwon Province, South Korea, Minji trained under ADOR, a subsidiary of HYBE Corporation led by creative director Min Hee-jin. Her natural leadership qualities, versatile talent, and approachable personality quickly made her the natural choice for group leader despite being one of the younger members in the K-pop industry at the time of debut.

NewJeans debuted in July 2022 with the single “Attention,” which became an instant sensation. The group’s fresh concept, which drew inspiration from Y2K aesthetics and rejected the heavily produced image typical of K-pop in favor of a more natural and relatable style, resonated powerfully with both Korean and international audiences. Follow-up hits including “Hype Boy,” “Ditto,” “OMG,” “Super Shy,” and “ETA” all became massive chart successes, establishing NewJeans as one of the fastest-rising acts in K-pop history.

As the leader of NewJeans, Minji has been praised for her composed demeanor, strong stage presence, and ability to connect with audiences. She is known for her charisma in both performances and variety show appearances, where her witty and warm personality has won over fans. She has secured endorsement deals with luxury brands including Chanel, where she serves as a brand ambassador, and has appeared on the covers of major fashion publications.

Despite the group’s well-publicized management disputes between ADOR and parent company HYBE in 2024, Minji and NewJeans have maintained their position as one of K-pop’s top acts. By 2026, at just 22 years old, Minji has already achieved a level of success and cultural influence that most artists take decades to build, and she continues to be a leading figure in the global K-pop phenomenon.