In the midst of ongoing legal turmoil and prolonged silence from NJZ (NewJeans), a surprising and heartwarming fan encounter with member Hanni has sent waves of emotion and relief throughout the fandom.
Months after her last public sighting, Hanni was quietly spotted by a fan during what appeared to be a personal vacation—marking the first update on her in several months.
Though simple and unassuming, this unexpected moment provided a powerful reminder of Hanni’s warmth, humility, and enduring bond with her supporters.
As one of the most beloved members of NJZ, Hanni has held a special place in the hearts of fans since the group’s explosive debut.
However, the ongoing dispute between ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin and parent company HYBE has cast a long shadow over the group’s activities in 2025.
The dispute, involving legal claims and management disputes, has severely limited NJZ’s promotional efforts and left fans in the dark regarding the members’ well-being and future.
With member appearances reduced to courtrooms and behind-closed-door meetings, fans have grown increasingly anxious.
Danielle and Minji were spotted attending court in August, but no public statements or activities followed.
For Hanni, the silence was even more prolonged—her last appearance having been in March, leaving her fans with nothing but worry and hope.
That is, until now.
In a quiet town far from the spotlight of Seoul or any K-pop hub, a fan stumbled upon Hanni enjoying time at a café with friends.
According to a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), the interaction was intimate and friendly.
NJZ (NewJeans) Hanni (Credit: YouTube)
The fan’s friend spoke to Hanni for about five minutes. They described her as kind, approachable, and surprisingly candid. Hanni even agreed to take a photo, requesting only that it be posted a day later—suggesting both humility and a wish for momentary privacy.
More notably, the fan revealed that Hanni had dyed her hair—a subtle but significant visual change that thrilled supporters.
Even without makeup, she reportedly looked radiant and healthy, with her natural beauty shining through.
“She was really kind, and even though she was completely barefaced, she was still so pretty,” the post read. “She was surprised that my friend noticed her dyed hair, lol.”
Though it was a brief encounter, the reaction from fans was anything but small.
The fandom exploded with emotion online, with many posting heartfelt reactions to what was essentially a cropped glimpse of Hanni’s eye from the shared image.
For fans who’ve waited months for reassurance, that tiny corner of her face was enough to trigger a wave of joy, relief, and renewed hope.
Some fans shared messages like:
“I’ve never been more happy to see the corner of someone’s eye.” “HANNI UPDATE” “726263663 years later and I’m still crying over her beauty”
This emotional outpouring reflects just how deeply NJZ’s supporters have felt the group’s absence.
Since their debut under the now-controversial ADOR label, NJZ (NewJeans) has built one of the most dedicated fandoms in K-pop.
Their image—defined by youthfulness, creativity, and emotional openness—has created a deeply personal connection between fans and idols.
As a result, the legal battle between their management companies has been more than just a business matter; it’s been a source of personal heartache for those who care deeply for these young artists.
Beyond the heartwarming fan encounter, Hanni’s appearance also served as a subtle but powerful message: the members are still here, still living their lives despite the chaos, and still willing to connect with fans in the quietest ways possible.
Her presence, even without an official schedule or promotional material, became a symbol of resilience.
Meanwhile, controversies around NJZ continue to surface. Allegations involving other members, including claims about Minji’s appearance and Soobin’s shocking trainee experience, have kept the group in the spotlight for the wrong reasons.
But it’s moments like this one—with Hanni casually sipping coffee in a quiet café and exchanging warm words with a stranger—that remind fans of why they fell in love with the group in the first place.
As the group’s future remains uncertain and legal proceedings continue, Hanni’s rare update is a much-needed breath of fresh air for a fandom that’s remained loyal through silence.
It may be months before NJZ returns to the stage—but in the meantime, the gentle reassurance of Hanni’s quiet smile is more than enough.
Fans now wait patiently—not just for legal resolutions, but for the day when updates like this one are once again the norm, not the exception.
Sarocha Chankimha, widely known by her nickname “Freen,” has become a household name in Thailand and is increasingly recognized throughout Asia. Born August 8, 1998, in Bangkok, Freen quickly built a multifaceted career as an actress, model, singer, and social media influencer.
Known for her starring roles in popular Thai dramas, major fashion campaigns, and award wins, she stands as one of the most promising young talents in the industry.
Freen’s rapid ascent in entertainment reflects a balance of talent, business savvy, and authenticity. She pursued a bachelor’s degree in Public Relations and Corporate Communication from Rangsit University, graduating with First Class Honours.
Her ability to connect with fans, bolstered by frequent activity on Instagram and Twitter, has fueled growth in brand partnerships and social media revenue.
Career Highlights and Cultural Influence
From Pageants to Acting Stardom
Freen’s first foray into the spotlight came as a finalist in the Miss Teen Thailand 2016 contest. The exposure opened doors for future roles in TV and modeling.
She debuted as an actress in 2021’s So Fit, and captured widespread attention as “Sam” in GAP: The Series (2022), a pioneering girls’ love (GL) drama. GAP made history as Thailand’s first mainstream GL series, granting Freen international recognition.
She has since headlined a steady stream of Thai dramas, including The Loyal Pin (2024), The Sign (2023), and upcoming sci-fi romance Uranus 2324 (2024). Through these roles, Freen demonstrated her range, portraying everything from romantic leads to comedic and dramatic characters.
Fashion Icon and Social Media Star
Freen leveraged her screen success into a vibrant modeling and branding career. She became a sought-after face for luxury labels, attending events such as Paris Fashion Week and representing global brands like Valentino.
Freen’s Instagram (@srchafreen) and other platforms showcase not just fashion campaigns, but behind-the-scenes content and personal insights that further engage her millions of followers.
Her approachable persona and sense of style attracted endorsements for everything from cosmetics to apparel, adding to her expanding commercial profile. The combination of drama roles, high-profile magazine covers, and brand ambassadorships positioned Freen at the forefront of Thai pop culture and social media influence.
Net Worth
Acting and Modeling Income
Freen’s main revenue stream comes from her acting work, with lead roles in major dramas consistently drawing lucrative contracts from production studios and television networks. Her portrayal of lead and supporting roles in series like GAP and The Loyal Pin solidified her earning potential.
Sarocha Chankimha (Credit: NBC)
As a model, Freen participates in high-paying photo shoots, brand collaborations, and advertising campaigns. Her affiliation with top Thai and global brands allows her to command premium rates for both media appearances and social posts.
Social Media and Brand Endorsements
A significant portion of Freen’s wealth is thanks to her influence as a digital star. As of 2025, she boasts millions of engaged followers. Monthly Instagram earnings alone are estimated between $40,000 and $51,000, while combined brand endorsements push annual social revenue well into six figures.
Brand deals range from lifestyle and beauty to tech and fashion, and Freen’s reputation for authenticity makes her a favorite for major campaigns. Her willingness to share her daily life, career journey, and fashion picks draws repeat business from both local and global companies.
Awards, Events, and Special Appearances
Freen’s growing popularity ensures regular invitations to awards galas, fan meetings, and promotional tours, both in Thailand and overseas. Attendance fees and special appearances, sometimes bundled with endorsements, contribute additional income streams.
Entrepreneurship and Personal Investments
While lesser detailed in public media, Freen has signaled interest in entrepreneurship and is likely to expand into business ventures common among Asian entertainment stars, such as branded merchandise and content venture investments. These moves could further increase her future net worth.
Impact and Future Prospects
Sarocha Chankimha’s rapid financial rise mirrors her influence in the regional entertainment industry. As GL dramas and diverse storytelling gain traction in Asia, Freen’s pioneering role positions her for continued success and greater international deals.
In addition to her work onscreen and in fashion, she is recognized for giving back to family and community, with statements about supporting loved ones and encouraging her fans to pursue education and independence.
Her journey, from helping support her divorced mother as a teen to becoming a top TV and fashion star, underscores a blend of hard work and strategic thinking.
Sarocha Chankimha, known as Freen, has achieved a net worth between $1.5 million and $5 million by 2025, making her one of Thailand’s most successful young celebrities. Her earnings stem from acting, modeling, global brand partnerships, and a robust social media presence.
As she continues to break new ground across TV, fashion, and international campaigns, her influence and fortune are expected to grow, defining her as a standout figure in modern Asian entertainment.
