ArtistADOR
Kim Min-ji
Minji (민지), born Kim Min-ji (김민지) on May 7, 2004, in Chuncheon, Gangwon Province, is the de facto leader and vocalist of NewJeans. The middle of three children, she studied abroad in Canada during elementary school, building the bilingual fluency central to NewJeans' global identity.
Minji was a Source Music trainee beginning in 2017, continuing after HYBE acquired the label in 2019. Pre-debut, she appeared as "The Girl" in HYBE's 2019 Plus Global Auditions and made a cameo alongside Hanni in BTS's "Permission to Dance" music video in July 2021. She attended Hanlim Multi Art School, graduating in February 2023. Multiple agencies, including SM Entertainment, approached her during middle school.
NewJeans debuted on July 22, 2022, with the surprise-released "Attention." Minji co-wrote the lyrics to "Ditto" (2022), which became NewJeans' first Billboard Hot 100 entry and swept Song of the Year at the MAMA Awards, Melon Music Awards, Golden Disc Awards, and Asia Artist Awards in 2023. On February 13, 2023, Chanel Korea announced her as a brand ambassador. Her endorsement portfolio also includes Pocari Sweat and Olens.
In October 2024, the five members attempted activities under the name NJZ amid a dispute with ADOR and HYBE, but a March 2025 injunction restricted commercial use of that name. The Seoul court ruled in favor of ADOR on October 30, 2025, upholding contracts through April 2029. Danielle's contract was formally terminated in December 2025. By November 2025, Minji had met individually with ADOR leadership and signaled her willingness to resume group activities.
0 articles7 creditsDebut: July 22, 2022South Korean
Gallery
Kim Min-ji (Minji) in an Olens campaign, 2024 FW. CC BY 3.0 via OLensglobal/Wikimedia Commons.
Minji (Kim Min-ji) arriving at KBS Music Bank for NewJeans promotions, August 2022. CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons.
Fans Also Ask
What is Minji's role in NewJeans/NJZ?
Minji (Kim Min-ji, 김민지) is the de facto leader and lead vocalist of NewJeans -- rebranded as NJZ in February 2025 following the group's legal separation from ADOR. Born May 7, 2004, in Chuncheon, Gangwon Province, she is the oldest member and the group's primary public spokesperson. She debuted with the single 'Attention' on July 22, 2022.
When did Minji debut with NewJeans?
Minji debuted with NewJeans on July 22, 2022, with 'Attention,' followed by 'Hype Boy.' The group trained under ADOR, a HYBE subsidiary overseen by creative director Min Hee-jin. NewJeans became one of the fastest K-pop groups to sell out a U.S. arena tour, performing at Madison Square Garden in February 2024.
Is Minji a Chanel ambassador?
Yes. Minji was appointed Chanel Korea's brand ambassador in February 2023, then elevated to Global House Ambassador in January 2024 -- the first K-pop act to simultaneously represent all three main Chanel divisions: fashion, beauty, and watches. The appointment is widely regarded as one of the most significant luxury fashion endorsements for a K-pop artist of her generation.
Did Minji co-write any NewJeans songs?
Minji received a co-lyricist credit on 'Ditto' (December 2022), one of NewJeans' most acclaimed singles. 'Ditto' topped the Circle Digital Chart for multiple weeks and was named the best K-pop song of 2022 by several major outlets. The credit was confirmed in the physical release liner notes.
What is Minji's current status after the ADOR legal dispute?
Following NewJeans' November 2024 contract termination filing, a Seoul court ruled in ADOR's favor in October 2025, keeping the group's contracts valid through April 2029. Minji publicly expressed willingness to return to ADOR in November 2025, and direct negotiations between the two parties were reported in December 2025. As of early 2026, she continues activities under the NJZ name alongside Hanni while the situation is being resolved.
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