NewJeans

Kim Min-ji was reportedly approached by SM Entertainment about joining what became aespa, but she chose to sign with ADOR — the HYBE sub-label led by producer Min Hee-jin — a decision that shaped K-pop history. Her natural charisma, warm vocal tone, and instinctive camera presence made her NewJeans' face from day one. She debuted at 18 and has since become one of the most photographed young women in Korean fashion.

Phạm Ngọc Hân was born in Melbourne to Vietnamese parents and grew up fluent in Vietnamese, English, and eventually Korean. She was discovered via her YouTube cover videos — her recordings went viral before she had any professional backing — and was recruited to ADOR by producers who found her online. She moved to Seoul as a teenager to train and debuted with NewJeans at 17.

Marsh Danielle was born in Brisbane to a Korean mother and an Australian father, growing up between two cultures. She joined ADOR after being scouted in Korea and debuted at 16. Her ease in front of cameras — particularly in the cinematic, narrative-driven music videos that define NewJeans' aesthetic — reflects both her mixed-heritage upbringing and a natural gift for visual storytelling.

Kang Hae-rin became a trainee at ADOR in her early teens. She is the group's most visually distinctive presence — often described as having a 'cat-like' cool — and her minimalist, understated performance style contrasts sharply with more expressive K-pop conventions. Fans and critics noted her rare ability to hold attention without appearing to try.

Lee Hye-in is the youngest NewJeans member, debuting at just 14 years old — one of the youngest debuts in fourth-generation K-pop. She was recruited directly from middle school and trained for a condensed period before debut. Despite her youth, she has modelled alongside her music career and her confident runway presence has drawn comparisons to professional models twice her age.