Even if you aren't familiar with the band by name, you've probably heard one of their upbeat songs while browsing social media. Unquestionably, this rising K-pop star has significantly impacted the entertainment landscape. NewJeans is quickly winning over K-pop fans worldwide with their nostalgic style from the early 2000s and young energy. Five outstanding individuals make up NewJeans, which was introduced through the subsidiary of Hybe Corp. called ADOR: Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, and Hyein.

NewJeans: The rising K-pop icons

The five-member band NewJeans has blown over listeners worldwide with their talent for producing distinctive, amusing songs. They have become the "it girls" of the K-pop industry owing to their attractiveness, ability, and immaculate taste in clothing and makeup artistry. They focus on themes of young friendship and light love stories, giving off a sweet nod to the 2000s while infusing their music with a cozy and upbeat atmosphere.

The Bunny Connection: NewJeans and their unique fandom

The passionate supporters of every K-pop group have a unique name, and NewJeans is no exception. In keeping with the image of bunnies, they fondly refer to their supporters as "bunnies" or "tokkis" in Korean. They created an adorable white U-shaped light stick in the form of a bunny to symbolize this connection. It matches their supporter group's title perfectly and adds a sweet element to their shows.

Luxury brands' beloved ambassadors

NewJeans has already attracted the interest of major luxury companies despite its 2022 debut. Since October 28, 2022, Hanni has proudly represented Gucci, while Hyein and Danielle were named as ambassadors for Louis Vuitton, Burberry, and YSL Beauty. Haerin, a recent worldwide ambassador for Dior, is the most recent addition to this roster of A-listers. These collaborations highlight NewJeans' quick ascent within the sector. Minji was also named as Chanel’s ambassador last February 2023.

Trainee to star: NewJeans' gradual ascent

Introducing trainees by featuring them in the music videos of established labelmates is a clever strategy often employed by K-pop companies. Hybe, the agency behind NewJeans, also adopted this approach. Minji and Hanni, for instance, had their breakthrough moments in BTS's "Permission to Dance" music video. This served as an ideal platform to introduce these rising stars and strengthened their ties with influential figures in the industry.

Minji's Wonderland: A unique contribution

NewJeans' winter track, which boasts Minji's lyrical contribution, is a true work of art that seamlessly melds the Baltimore club dance genre with the group's unique musical identity. This musical treasure encapsulates the exhilaration of experiencing the first winter, while also conveying the deep affection for their official fan club, known as the Bunnies, as beautifully conveyed through Minji's heartfelt lyrics.

Hyein's pre-debut journey: A star in the making

Before her official debut, Hyein's pre-debut endeavors were documented across multiple platforms, most notably her role in the drama series "The Girls Double Life," featured on Pocket TV's YouTube channel. This multifaceted entertainer graciously shared insights into her daily life, engaged in Q&A sessions, and provided an intimate look into her path toward becoming a K-pop sensation. These captivating glimpses into her world enthralled viewers, building anticipation for her eventual debut in May 2021.

Hanni: A trailblazer in K-pop

Hanni, the pioneering Vietnamese-Australian idol signed with HYBE, imported her impressive dance skills from her tenure with the Melbourne-based dance crew "Aemina Dance Crew." As the 6th Vietnamese trainee to debut in the K-pop scene, Hanni's journey stands as a remarkable testament to her unwavering commitment and unbridled ambition within the industry.

Danielle: From child star to K-pop idol

Danielle's captivating voice and striking appearance have captivated fans, and her natural charisma comes as no surprise, given her early experiences in the spotlight. As a child, she was a variety show star, gracing screens with her presence on programs such as "Rainbow Kindergarten" and "Shinhwa Broadcast" in 2011.

Haerin's viral charm: A star before debut

Haerin's star began to shine brightly even before her official debut, thanks to her graduation photos that swiftly went viral online. Her angelic and innocent visage earned her heaps of praise, laying the foundation for her journey as a rising K-pop idol.

Phoning connection

Maintaining a strong connection with idols can be a daunting task, but NewJeans has ingeniously overcome this challenge with their bespoke communication app, "Phoning." This innovative platform empowers the members to share heartfelt messages, pictures, and videos with their devoted fans, nurturing a profound sense of camaraderie and intimacy. As a result, fans are left feeling like they've forged a genuine friendship in the world of idols.

With their youthful, captivating look, nostalgic sound, and contemporary sound, NewJeans is unquestionably destined to become a star in the K-pop industry this year. With the arrival of NewJeans, HYBE's goals and K-pop's dominance of the American music market seem more clear-cut than ever. NewJeans are undeniably primed for a stratospheric climb thanks to their endearing charm, extraordinary ability, and a concept that resonates to the memories and sensitivities of the Gen Z audience. (Mondrein Mikolei Lizarte/OJT/University of Santo Tomas)