NewJeans Minji: From Trainee to Leader and Chanel’s Ambassador (2024 Updated)

Who is Minji?

Minji’s full name is Kim Minji (김민지), and her Chinese name is 金玟池, born on May 7th, 2004 in Gangwon, South Korea. She is a member of the girl group NewJeans under the HYBE Labels, holding positions as Rapper, Vocalist, and Dancer. Minji is also called “NewJeans’ official goddess” by Hyein.

Minji’s Background:

Minji used to be a trainee under JYP Entertainment and Source Music while she was in her second year of high school. In October 2019, she participated in the Bighit audition and was selected. By 2020, she officially became a trainee under the HYBE Labels company. Minji has also appeared in BTS’s “Permission to Dance” music video and on the poster of Plus Global Audition.

Here’s a summary of Minji NewJeans’ biography and profile:

• Real Name: Kim Minji (김민지)
• Stage Name: Minji (민지)
• Date of Birth: May 7th, 2004
• Zodiac Sign: Taurus
• Nationality: South Korean
• Hometown: Gangwon, South Korea
• Position: Leader, Vocalist, Dancer
• Height: 1m69
• Weight: –
• Blood Type: –
• Family: Parents

Minji’ Personal Life

Minji is an incredibly beautiful, charismatic, and elegant young woman, which has attracted a large number of adoring fans, especially male fans, since her debut with the NewJeans group. As a result, information about her personal life and dating relationships has been eagerly sought after by fans and the media alike. Currently, Minji remains single and has no intention of dating. She wants to focus more on developing her career with the group. Furthermore, she keeps details about her past and future relationships private and does not disclose them to the media. Minji has also never been involved in any dating rumors throughout her life.

Minji’s Career Journey and Famous Songs, MVs

Minji’s career journey began when she became a trainee at Source Music until her debut with the NewJeans group. Specifically:

Before Minji debuted with NewJeans:

Minji became a trainee at Source Music while she was in middle school through the Plus Global Audition project held in the fall of 2019. She was also the mysterious girl featured in two short promotional videos titled “#THE_GIRL” uploaded by HYBE Labels on their YouTube channel. Another story shared by Source Music staff revealed that Minji had been scouted by SM Entertainment multiple times in the past, but without success.

The CEO of the company, Lee Soo-man, personally contacted Minji’s parents to persuade her to join and promised to make Minji the center of the new girl group. However, Minji still decided to decline this offer. Until 2021, Minji appeared alongside Hanni in BTS’s “Permission to Dance” music video. After that, HYBE Labels also established a subsidiary company named ADOR specifically for the upcoming girl group led by CEO Min Hee Jin

Minji’s debut with the NewJeans group from 2022 to present:

On July 21st, 2022, ADOR released the music video for the song “Attention” performed by the NewJeans group through HYBE Labels’ YouTube channel. The next day, Minji was officially revealed as the first member of the group on the company’s Twitter page. This group, under the guidance of former SM Entertainment creative director known for unique concepts, Min Hee-Jin, made a highly impressive debut, bringing a breath of fresh air to the K-pop music scene. Additionally, the debut extended play of NewJeans, with each member’s distinct style, had a significant impact on the youth. Minji was praised for her innocent beauty reminiscent of first love and a blend of classic charm and gender fluidity. Therefore, she received a lot of praise from public forums in Korea.

Furthermore, Korean netizens have praised Minji for possessing the standard beauty of an actress and compared her features to two beauty icons from Japan and Hollywood. Her full lips resemble Ishihara Satomi’s and her perfect nose is similar to Olivia Hussey’s.

Topping Girl Group Member Brand Reputation Ranking

Minji ranked 1st place in the December 2023 Girl Group Member Brand Reputation Ranking. She consistently holds the highest ranking among the five members of NewJeans in this ranking.

Selected as Chanel’s ambassador at 18 

In February 2023, Minji received the prestigious title of Chanel Korea’s ambassador. Her role extends beyond one category, as she represents three distinct divisions of the luxury brand: beauty, fashion, and watches and jewelry. ADOR highlights that this marks a historic moment, as Chanel Korea has never before chosen a single ambassador to cover all three categories.

Controversies/ Scandals

Kalguksu Controversy

In January 2024, Minji wrote a letter to apologize for her “kalguksu controversy”. Minji admited that her tone and attitude during the live interaction session made viewers uncomfortable. She described trying to communicate naturally and comfortably, but the result was confusion and hurt within the Bunny community.

Minji also refered to a previous incident where she was unaware of kalguksu – a famous Korean dish. Her apology focused particularly on loudly expressing her thoughts about the taste and ingredients of the dish, not anticipating the misunderstanding and controversy it caused. She explains that she was merely talking to herself, but this led to widespread misunderstanding.

Minji concluded her apology with a promise to be more cautious and considerate in the future, pledging not to repeat similar mistakes. Despite the apology, online comments continue to debate the level of criticism towards her. Some support and defend Minji, while others continue to express opposing views.

Fun Facts about Minji

• Minji was born in Mancheon-ri, Dong-myeon, Chuncheon, Gangwon, South Korea.
• She also has an older brother and a younger sister.
• She is a former trainee of JYP Entertainment and Source Music.
• Minji joined Source Music around her second year of middle school.
• She was a representative face of the Plus Global Audition in 2019 and she was #THE_GIRL.
• Minji attended Mancheon Elementary School, Sinsa Middle School, and currently attends Hanlim Multi Art School.
• She is also a member of the diary writing club on the Phone – an app dedicated to the NewJeans group.
• Minji takes acting classes with Sullyoon, and they have performed together.
• Her nicknames are Teddy Bear and Minki.