Haerin

Haerin is a South Korean singer and lyricist best known as a member of the K-pop group NewJeans. Born Kang Hae-rin on May 15, 2006, in Seoul, she is recognized for her cat-like visuals and calm stage presence. As of 2026, she continues to promote with NewJeans and expand her individual brand partnerships. She is considered one of the rising stars of the fourth generation of K-pop. Her representative emoji is a cat (🐱) and her representative color is green. She has contributed to writing lyrics for some NewJeans songs. She is the second youngest member of NewJeans. Her calm demeanor and soft vocals make her a distinctive presence in the group. She has been a global ambassador for Dior jewelry and a house ambassador for fashion and beauty since April 2023, making her the first K-pop artist to hold such a comprehensive role with the luxury brand. Her dedicated fanbase celebrates her thoughtful, low-key personality. [edit]

Haerin was born in Dongjak-gu, Seoul, South Korea, though some early profiles list Gimcheon, Gyeongsangbuk-do. She grew up in a private household in Seoul with her parents and younger sister. She attended school until her second year of middle school in 2020, after which she focused on training. She showed early interest in music, dance, and discovering new tracks. She was scouted by ADOR (a HYBE subsidiary) and became a trainee without prior entertainment experience. Pre-debut details remain limited due to her young age and the group's surprise-launch strategy, but she trained for roughly two years. Her calm demeanor and cat-like visuals were noted internally before the public reveal. She speaks both Korean and English. Her English name is Vanessa Kang. She made her public debut on July 22, 2022, with NewJeans' surprise release of their first single. [edit]

Haerin debuted as a member of NewJeans on July 22, 2022, with the surprise digital single "Attention," followed by the official group debut on August 1 with the EP New Jeans. She serves as lead vocalist; her distinctive soft tone and stage presence stood out in hits like "Attention," "Hype Boy," and later tracks. The group's minimalist, Y2K-inspired concept quickly gained massive domestic and international traction. In 2023, NewJeans achieved record-breaking commercial success, selling 4.39 million album copies in a single year and becoming the fastest K-pop act to reach 1 billion Spotify streams. Haerin contributed to hits like "Ditto," "OMG," and "Super Shy." Her biggest individual milestone came in April 2023, when Dior appointed her as global ambassador for jewelry and house ambassador for fashion and beauty — the first K-pop idol to hold both roles simultaneously. In 2024–2025, she continued world tours, brand campaigns, and group releases (Get Up, How Sweet, Supernatural). The group faced internal label turmoil in late 2025 when member Danielle's contract was terminated on December 29, 2025, reducing NewJeans to four members (Minji, Hanni, Haerin, Hyein). As of 2026, Haerin promotes as a core member of the restructured group and expands her Dior partnership. She is recognized as one of the defining visual and vocal presences of fourth-generation K-pop. [edit]

Haerin's public image is defined by an elegant, minimalist, and feline-inspired aesthetic. Known for her calm stage presence, soft vocals, and striking 'cat-like' visuals, she effortlessly translates into luxury fashion. Media often portrays her as the 'mysterious visual' and 'ethereal cat' of NewJeans. Fans, part of the collective Bunnies fandom, celebrate her with cat-themed rituals and green light sticks, appreciating her thoughtful, low-key personality. Her social media voice via group channels is youthful, playful, and minimalist, aligning with her signature calm and introspective demeanor.[edit]

Haerin does not currently hold a placement in the iFANN Global Top 1,000 or any Top-100 scope list. The evaluation indicates she is an unranked entity within the current published standings despite her high-profile activities. This status reflects a specific moment where the collective influence of NewJeans has not yet translated into an individual ranking for this member in the global hierarchy. Her fanbase, known as Bunnies, operates with significant organization and intensity. These supporters mobilize rapidly for streaming campaigns, chart pushes, and physical album purchases to bolster the group's record-breaking debuts. While individual projects dedicated solely to Haerin are less documented than those for the group, the fans frequently engage in collective efforts such as birthday billboards and subway advertisements featuring all members. Inside jokes regarding her unique visual identity often circulate among the community, referring to her as the visual center or noting her cat-like elegance due to her sharp features and calm demeanor. She interacts with fans primarily through official social media channels and variety content, where she is noted for her quiet but warm personality, often smiling shyly during fan signs. Recent developments in mid-2026 have shifted the narrative surrounding her career, with the group returning as a quartet after Danielle's departure, a change that has become a defining chapter in Haerin's recent history.[edit]

Haerin's nickname is Kitty Kang, and she selects the sun emoji ☀️ because "hae" in her name means "sun." Some profiles list her male English name as Stephen. Standing at 164.5 cm (5 ft 5 in), she possesses large, expressive cat-like eyes and elegant proportions suited for high-fashion campaigns. She does not maintain a personal Instagram or Twitter account; official updates come through NewJeans' channels and Dior's social media. A recurring piece of cultural mythology among K-pop enthusiasts involves her ability to maintain perfect synchronization and emotional expression even during complex choreography, leading to viral clips shared as proof of her genius. One notable verified incident occurred during early performances where her precise movements and cool stage presence were highlighted by media outlets, solidifying her reputation as a top-tier performer. In late 2025, a story emerged regarding the group's return to ADOR following a legal battle, which fans deeply cherished. By mid-2026, the group returned as a quartet without Danielle, an event marked by visuals celebrating their fourth anniversary that became a defining chapter in her recent history. Additionally, in June 2026, she ranked third among female idols in the Star Ranking Star Idol category with 9,273 votes, cementing her status as a top-tier solo star within the group context.[edit]

Haerin was raised in Seoul with her parents and a younger sister, born in 2009. She has described herself as quiet, curious, and introspective, often thinking carefully before speaking. She lives with her family when not on tour. She has a light-brown Pomeranian dog named Banggeul and is known for her love of cats. She enjoys listening to music, reading, wearing caps, and learning new things. Her MBTI is INTP; she is described as kind, mysterious, and unpredictable. No public information exists on romantic partners. [edit]

Haerin is a member of NewJeans, alongside Minji, Hanni, Danielle, and Hyein. She works under ADOR, a subsidiary of HYBE. She has collaborated with Dior as a global ambassador since 2023. [edit]

There are no publicly confirmed romantic relationships for Haerin. As a minor until May 2024 and a K-pop idol under strict management, she has not been linked to any partners through credible reports. Tabloid rumors are absent or unverified across multiple sources. As of 2026, she is reportedly single and focused on her career. [edit]

Per iFANN's editorial analysis, Haerin's net worth stands at $2 Million as of 2026 estimates. Her primary income derives from her activities with NewJeans, encompassing album sales, concert tours, streaming royalties, and merchandise. Her role as a Dior global ambassador adds significant endorsement income, described as substantial for a fourth-generation idol, though exact figures remain undisclosed. Additional brand deals and appearances contribute to this total. No major real estate, production companies, or investment portfolios are publicly detailed. Her net worth has grown steadily since her debut in 2022, driven by NewJeans' commercial success and her individual brand deals.[edit]