ArtistADOR
Minji
Minji (민지), born Kim Min-ji (김민지) on May 7, 2004, in Chuncheon, Gangwon Province, is the leader and rapper of NewJeans. A former Source Music trainee who transferred to ADOR in late 2021, Minji set the tone for the group from the start. She appeared in BTS's "Permission to Dance" music video alongside Hanni before NewJeans debuted in July 2022. She also appeared in J-Hope's "On the Street" music video in 2023.
Her rap delivery anchors the group's rhythmic identity across tracks like "Hype Boy" and "Super Shy." She co-wrote lyrics for "Ditto," 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.
Chanel signed Minji as a Korean brand ambassador in February 2023, the first time the house had designated a single ambassador across all three categories: fashion, watches, and beauty. She was elevated to Chanel Global House Ambassador in January 2024.
Through the ADOR/HYBE contract dispute that defined 2024 and 2025, Minji remained the group's constant. As of early 2026, she continues as an active member of the group, with four members maintaining their ADOR contracts while Danielle's contract was terminated in early 2026.
3 articles4 creditsDebut: July 22, 2022South Korean
Fans Also Ask
What is Minji's role in NewJeans?
Minji is the de facto leader, lead rapper, and vocalist of NewJeans (later NJZ). As the oldest member, she anchors the group's visual and sonic direction and represents the members in official communications.
When did Minji debut?
Minji debuted on July 22, 2022, as a founding member of NewJeans with the single Attention under ADOR. She previously appeared as a pre-debut cameo in BTS's Permission to Dance MV in 2021.
Is Minji a Chanel ambassador?
Yes. Minji became a global Chanel ambassador in 2024, representing the French fashion house at runway shows and in official campaigns. She is one of the youngest Korean artists to hold a major luxury fashion house ambassadorship.
What happened to NewJeans in 2025?
In late 2024, Minji and the other NewJeans members filed to terminate their exclusive contracts with ADOR. By 2025, the group rebranded as NJZ and continued activities independently while legal proceedings with HYBE and ADOR were ongoing.
Where is Minji from?
Minji (Kim Min-ji, 김민지) was born on May 7, 2004, in Chuncheon, Gangwon Province, South Korea. She trained at Source Music before transferring to ADOR in late 2021, where she became a founding member of NewJeans.
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