Haerin
A teenage singer with feline-like charisma who became the captivating center of the global pop phenomenon NewJeans.
Born 2006 (age 20)·South Korean singer·Birthday: May 15·Generation Z
Biography
Haerin stepped into the spotlight in 2022 not with a bang, but with the cool, understated confidence that would become her signature. As a member of NewJeans, she was part of a group that deliberately bypassed traditional K-pop hype, instead capturing attention with a throwback, Y2K-inspired sound that felt both fresh and nostalgic. Born Kang Haerin, her poised dancing and distinct, cat-like eyes made her an immediate visual standout, but it was her clear, stable vocal tone that anchored the group's harmonious blend. In an industry known for relentless promotion, NewJeans's strategy of surprise digital drops and minimalist aesthetics broke the mold, with Haerin embodying its effortless cool. Her rapid ascent from trainee to a face on global billboards speaks to a new generation of pop stardom, built on vibe and authenticity as much as talent.
Generation Z
1997–2012
Born into smartphones, social media, and school shootings. The most diverse generation in history. Pragmatic about money, fluid about identity, anxious about the climate. They do not remember a world before the internet.
Haerin was born in 2006, placing them squarely in the Generation Z. The events that shaped this generation — social media, climate anxiety, and a pandemic — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Haerin Was Born
The biggest hits of 2006
#1 Movie
Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest
Best Picture
The Departed
#1 TV Show
American Idol
Haerin's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
2006Born
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2011Started school
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2019Became a teenager
First image of a black hole; Hong Kong protests
Gas: $2.60/galHome: $224,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Old Town Road" — Lil Nas XBest Picture: Parasite
2022Could drive
Russia invades Ukraine; Queen Elizabeth II dies
Gas: $3.97/galHome: $348,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"As It Was" — Harry StylesBest Picture: Everything Everywhere All at Once
2024Could vote
AI reshapes industries; Paris Olympics
Gas: $3.31/galHome: $372,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Espresso" — Sabrina CarpenterBest Picture: Anora
2026Age 20 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Debuted as a main vocalist and dancer in NewJeans, whose first two singles 'Attention' and 'Hype Boy' achieved perfect all-kills on South Korean music charts.
- Performed as part of NewJeans at the 2023 Billboard Music Awards, where the group won Top Global K-Pop Song.
- Featured on the soundtrack for the video game 'League of Legends' with the NewJeans single 'Gods'.
- Became a global brand ambassador for luxury fashion house Dior in 2023.
Did You Know?
She is known for her love of cats and has been nicknamed 'Haerinyang' (a combination of her name and the Korean word for cat) by fans.
She stated in an interview that she trained for approximately two years before debuting.
Her favorite NewJeans song to perform is 'Hype Boy'.
She is left-handed.
“I want to express our music with my own unique color.”
