Minji – Bio, Career, Age, Achievements

Get to know Minji

Minji is a South Korean singer who is best known as the unofficial leader and eldest member of the K-pop girl group NewJeans, which debuted on July 22, 2022, under the record label ADOR, a subsidiary of Hybe. She co-wrote the lyrics for “Ditto,” which became the longest-running number-one song on the Circle Digital Chart and won Song of the Year at the MAMA Awards, Melon Music Awards, Golden Disc Awards, and Asia Artist Awards. NewJeans’ second EP Get Up topped the US Billboard 200, and IFPI named the group the eighth best-selling artist worldwide in 2023. Minji was featured in BTS’s music video for “Permission to Dance” before her debut.

Birth name: Kim Min-ji (김민지)

Career
Singer, songwriter, model

Birthday
May 7, 2004

Age

Zodiac Sign:
Taurus

Birthplace:
Chuncheon, Gangwon, South Korea

Nationality:
South Korean

HOW BIG IS Minji ON THE NET?

Minji is one of the most recognized faces of NewJeans and 4th generation K-pop. She has a massive following through NewJeans’ official social media accounts and is known for her clean, elegant visual style that contributes significantly to the group’s image. She has been featured in major fashion publications and has served as a special MC at events including KCON Japan.

HOW DID Minji become famous?

Minji was known as “The Girl” — the face of Hybe Corporation’s 2019 Plus Global Auditions. She was a Source Music trainee beginning in 2017 and made a cameo appearance in BTS’s music video for “Permission to Dance” in July 2021 alongside groupmate Hanni. She debuted with NewJeans on July 22, 2022, with the surprise release of “Attention,” and the group quickly rose to become one of the biggest K-pop acts in the world.

BEFORE THE FAME

Before becoming a K-pop idol, Minji was born in Chuncheon, South Korea. She is the middle of three children, with an older brother and a younger sister. During her elementary years, she learned English while studying abroad in Canada as a homestay transfer student. She received numerous business cards from various entertainment agencies during middle school, including SM Entertainment. She attended Hanlim Multi Art School and graduated in February 2023.

CLOSE WITH (ASSOCIATED)

Minji is a member of NewJeans alongside Hanni, Haerin, and Hyein. Danielle was a former member whose contract was terminated in December 2025. She appeared in BTS‘s music video for “Permission to Dance” alongside Hanni. The group was formerly produced by Min Hee-jin.

Personal Life and Relationship

Minji keeps her personal life private. She has an older brother who attends Kyung Hee University and a younger sister. She is known for her mature, leader-like personality and her fluency in English. As of 2026, discussions regarding her contract with ADOR are still ongoing following the NewJeans-Hybe dispute.