Minji, born Kim Min-ji on May 7, 2004, in Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, South Korea, has journeyed from a rural upbringing to the global pop stage, becoming a symbol of K-pop ambition and artistry.
Her early childhood was spent in Chuncheon, but an innate interest in music and languages quickly marked her as a distinctive talent.
Minji attended Gangwon Middle School before transferring to Sinsa Middle School in Seoul, a pivotal move that would bolster her chances of becoming a singer. She completed her education at Hanlim Arts High School, an incubator for performers in the Korean music industry.
Her multidimensional personality was evident even as a child. Minji took part in a Canadian language camp during grade school, enriching her English and igniting a curiosity for multiculturalism.
Highly organized and direct, her MBTI type is ESTJ, a profile befitting her role as NewJeans’ leader and “organizing queen”. These traits were reinforced at home by the support of her family, who encouraged her musical dreams from an early age.
Musical Beginnings and NewJeans Formation
Minji’s affinity for music became serious at a practical music academy, where she learned guitar and further nurtured her vocal abilities. At this academy, mentors recognized her potential and urged her to audition for Source Music.
Her rendition of TWICE’s “SIGNAL” earned her a coveted trainee spot, after which she trained for around four years, a testament to her perseverance.
Her career took a dramatic turn when internal changes at Source Music led her to ADOR, HYBE’s innovative label. There, Minji became a key member of NewJeans, officially debuting on July 22, 2022, with the group’s self-titled EP.
Since her debut, Minji has stood as NewJeans’ main rapper, sub-vocalist, and, crucially, the group’s anchor amid the pressures of the K-pop industry.
Vocal Strength, Stage Presence, and Leadership
Minji’s influence in NewJeans is not just musical but also managerial. Her serene and distinct vocal timbre specializes in mid-to-low tones, but she navigates high notes and falsettos with technical finesse.
Minji’s style embraces simplicity and clarity; she avoids ostentatious vocal tricks in favor of steady, emotionally resonant delivery. Her calmer base becomes an anchor point for the group’s often energetic and forward-thinking sound.
As a dancer, Minji impresses with her clean lines, rhythmic precision, and athletic movements. Her long limbs and athletic build contribute to her powerful yet graceful performances, a balance rarely found in idols of her generation.
Kim Minji (Credit: CNN)
She pays close attention to detail, refining each gesture until it aligns with her perfectionist standards.
Minji’s “organizing queen” persona manifests in the way she leads her group. Teammates describe her as methodical, disciplined, yet deeply caring.
She often reminds fellow members to eat well and look after themselves. This blend of discipline and warmth has made Minji a reliable role model, both to her colleagues and to millions of young fans.
Timeless Visuals and Multilingual Talents
Minji’s natural beauty, highlighted by her distinctive nose bridge, subtle eyes, and velvet smile, adds to her widespread appeal. Her look has drawn comparison to actress Olivia Hussey for its classic feel and timeless appeal.
Minji’s visual impact is bolstered by her presence in fashion, where she was named a Chanel Korea ambassador in February 2023, just months after debuting in NewJeans. By January 2024, she became a global ambassador for the luxury brand, symbolizing her unprecedented success in both music and high fashion circles.
Minji’s trilingual abilities, fluent in Korean, English, and Japanese, have been vital in strengthening her connection with fans globally and enabling NewJeans to communicate across borders.
Her English, honed during her Canadian homestay, positions her as a key spokesperson and translator during international promotions and interviews.
Personal Life and Interests
Away from the spotlight, Minji is a lover of books and the arts. She frequently indulges in mystery novels and delights in journaling, often decorating her diary with care. She is especially fond of ice cream and home-cooked dishes courtesy of her mother, reflecting a preference for comfort and simplicity in her private life.
Favorite colors like blue, black, and red influence her style, and her choice of seasons, early summer and winter nights, highlights an appreciation for nature’s subtler joys.
Minji’s everyday habits, including reading and mindful reflection, contribute to her thoughtful persona and disciplined artistry.
Net Worth: Minji’s Financial Milestones
In 2025, Minji’s estimated net worth is approximately $12 million. This figure reflects a combination of group music revenue, lucrative brand endorsements, and independent business ventures. Below is a breakdown of the primary sources of her wealth:
- Music and Group Activities: As NewJeans’ leader and a key lyricist, Minji secures generous royalties from album sales, streaming, and touring profits. Songs like “Ditto,” for which she co-wrote lyrics, have topped music charts and won major awards, ensuring steady revenue streams.
- Fashion and Brand Endorsements: Minji’s association with Chanel quickly became one of the most high-profile endorsements among fourth-generation idols. Luxury brand deals are known to be multimillion-dollar arrangements, providing a substantial boost to her earnings.
- Personal Appearances and Media: Minji’s social media presence, with millions of followers, enhances her brand value, attracting partnerships and exclusive appearances in magazines and special media projects.
- Investments: While detailed accounts are private, it is common for idols at Minji’s level to partake in investment opportunities, further bolstering net worth.
Industry experts consistently recognize Minji as one of the youngest multi-millionaires among K-pop idols in 2025. Her income from music is rivaled only by the cachet and cash influx that comes with her powerful presence in fashion circles.
Year after year, brand reputation indices rank her near the top, highlighting her influence not just among fans but also in the broader commercial sector.
Shaping the Future of K-Pop
Minji’s journey stands as a model for aspiring idols: early passion, relentless training, a spirit of discipline, and openness to global culture are all cornerstones of her ascent.
Her story shows how creativity and responsibility can coexist, influencing both peers and younger fans while also pushing industry boundaries.
By balancing the rigors of performance with savvy financial decisions and close ties to international culture, Minji has set new standards for success in the modern Korean entertainment scene.
Her status as a K-pop icon, style ambassador, and financial powerhouse ensures that her influence will continue shaping the genre for years to come.
The story of Minji is one of aspiration realized: a blueprint for musical, stylistic, and financial achievement in the ever-connected world of contemporary pop. With her youth, talent, and drive, the trajectory of her career and wealth is poised only to rise higher in the years ahead.
Lee Dong-min, professionally known as Cha Eunwoo, was born on March 30, 1997, in Gunpo, South Korea. Starting his career as a member of the boy band ASTRO, Eunwoo quickly gained recognition for his visual appeal and vocal talents.
Debuting in 2016 under Fantagio Entertainment, he became one of the group’s main vocalists and visuals, capturing fans worldwide with his charm and strong performance skills.
Alongside his idol activities, Eunwoo pursued acting with noteworthy success. His acting debut was in 2014 with the film “My Brilliant Life.” He later gained prominence through popular dramas such as “Gangnam Beauty” (2018), “Rookie Historian Goo Hae-ryung” (2019), and “True Beauty” (2020-2021).
His continued roles in “Island,” “A Good Day to Be a Dog,” and “Wonderful World” have cemented his reputation as a versatile and dedicated actor. In 2024, Eunwoo also debuted as a solo singer with the EP “Entity,” adding another dimension to his career.
Cha Eunwoo’s Versatile Career
Cha Eunwoo is not only a singer and actor but has also expanded into television hosting and variety shows, increasing his visibility and popularity.
His role as a public figure spans music performances, drama shoots, and various endorsements. Known for his professionalism and hard work, Eunwoo consistently attains high acclaim from both fans and industry insiders.
Cha Eun-Woo (Credit: BBC)
His fanbase is massive and international, which translates into powerful influence and commercial appeal. Eunwoo’s multifaceted talents allow him to take diverse roles and projects, contributing significantly to his income.
This includes lucrative acting fees, which reportedly amount to about 100 million KRW per episode of major dramas. The success and popularity of shows like “True Beauty” showcased his earning potential through acting alone, estimated to have brought in approximately $4.82 million from this sector.
Net Worth Spotlight: Cha Eunwoo’s Wealth
As of 2025, Cha Eunwoo’s net worth is estimated at a striking $50 million, reflecting his multifaceted career and smart financial decisions. His main income sources include:
- Music and Group Activities: As a member of ASTRO, Eunwoo benefits from album sales, concerts, and merchandising. ASTRO’s consistent popularity ensures a steady base income.
- Acting Earnings: Acting has become a lucrative side career for Eunwoo, with reports indicating millions earned from drama appearances, including prime television slots and endorsements related to his dramas.
- Brand Endorsements: Eunwoo is one of South Korea’s most sought-after celebrity endorsers. High-profile brands in the fashion and beauty industries, like Dior Beauty, Burberry, Tommy Hilfiger, and Chaumet Paris, have contracted him. These deals often contribute tens of millions of Korean won annually.
- Social Media and Public Appearances: With millions of followers on Instagram and high online demand, Eunwoo commands premium fees for advertisements, appearances, and social collaborations.
- Investments in Real Estate: Eunwoo owns luxury properties in Seoul, including a famous penthouse in the affluent Cheongdam-dong area, bought for about 4.9 billion KRW ($4.17 million). This property, notably acquired in cash when he was 24, has appreciated significantly in value, adding to his wealth portfolio.
- He also owns a villa in Ville Polaris, Gangnam, which has increased in value by 1 billion KRW over three years, earning him the title of “investment genius” in the Korean media.
Cha Eunwoo’s Real Estate and Luxury Lifestyle
The penthouse in Cheongdam-dong exemplifies Eunwoo’s luxurious lifestyle and keen eye for investments. This penthouse, located in one of Seoul’s most prestigious districts, provides maximum privacy with only one unit per floor.
The spacious home includes four bedrooms and three bathrooms, featuring modern amenities fitting a celebrity of Eunwoo’s stature. The original owner was a Samsung chairman, underscoring the property’s exclusivity.
Eunwoo’s investment acumen is lauded because he executed a full cash purchase, highlighting his financial discipline. The property value’s rapid increase reflects his sound investment choices in a competitive real estate market.
Special media coverage has praised his balance of artistry and business savvy, making him an icon not just for entertainment but also for financial wisdom.
Endorsements and Public Image
Cha Eunwoo’s image as the “face genius” of Korean entertainment commands significant advertising power. His endorsements span international luxury brands and smaller exclusive collaborations. Celebrity endorsement fees in South Korea for actors and idols of his caliber often reach millions of dollars, with Eunwoo securing multiple concurrent deals.
His advertising appeal is amplified by his clean, refined image coupled with a strong work ethic. Eunwoo regularly appears on magazine covers, fashion events, and variety programs, maintaining a robust public presence that reinforces his marketability and financial strength.
Future Outlook and Career Trajectory
With his recent military enlistment application in May 2025, Eunwoo’s career enters a brief pause typical for South Korean male citizens, yet his accumulated wealth and status ensure longevity in the industry.
His planned projects post-service are highly anticipated, with prospects for more dramas, music releases, and brand partnerships.
Eunwoo’s strategic diversification of roles and investments positions him well for continued financial and creative success. Multiple income streams from music, acting, endorsements, and real estate provide a sustainable wealth foundation.
Cha Eunwoo’s story is one of remarkable talent, perseverance, and business acumen.
His network, spanning entertainment and luxury real estate, contributed to his astounding $50 million net worth, a figure embodying not only his success but also his intelligence in managing diverse income channels. This multi-dimensional approach secures his legacy as a defining star of the new Korean Wave generation.
