Kang Hae-rin entered the world on May 15, 2006, in Seoul. Her path led her straight to the heart of the K-pop scene. She debuted in the summer of 2022 as part of the girl group NewJeans under the label ADOR.
Fans know her simply as Haerin. She quickly stood out for her calm intensity on stage. Her distinct, cat-like features became a signature part of her appeal.
Her public image is tied to the color green and a cat emoji. These symbols reflect her quiet, observant personality. She carries an INTP MBTI type, suggesting a thoughtful, analytical mind.
This look at her journey starts from her beginnings in South Korea. It follows her through training and her rapid rise. We focus on the facts of her career and the qualities that define her presence in music.
Early Life, Education, and Background
Her story begins in the urban heart of Dongjak-gu, Seoul, before shifting to the suburban streets of Pyeongchon, Anyang. These locations framed her formative years in South Korea.
A close-knit family provided her foundation. She grew up with her parents and a younger sister, born three years after her.
Childhood and Family Influences
This environment nurtured the quiet, observant character fans would later recognize. Her family unit remained a steady influence throughout her early journey.
Schooling and Early Dance Experiences
Her educational path moved from Seoul Boramae Elementary to Kwiin Elementary School. She later enrolled at Pyeongchon Middle School.
In a decisive move, she left middle school as a second-year junior. She chose to focus entirely on her trainee life. She later earned a GED certificate for both middle and high school levels by 2023.
Dance training started in 2018 at Won Love Dance Studio in Pyeongchon. There, she honed the technical skills that built her stage confidence.
Her striking appearance and warm personality drew attention. Scouts often approached her near her school before she officially became a trainee. This street casting in late 2019 led to her first agency.
She officially joined Source Music in early 2020. For her audition, she reportedly sang a song by BOL4, a choice that revealed her musical taste and sincerity.
Career Milestones and Achievements
The summer of 2022 marked a seismic shift in K-pop, arriving not with a roar but with a whisper from ADOR. Cryptic teasers on July 1st hinted at something new, building quiet anticipation for a July 22nd reveal. This unconventional approach set the stage for a debut that would feel both fresh and immediate.
The group, NewJeans, appeared fully formed with the surprise release of “Attention.” There was no slow build-up or member introduction. The song and its video landed with stunning impact, introducing the artist as a key member of this highly anticipated group.
Debut with NewJeans and Musical Breakthroughs
Commercial success was instant. The debut album shattered records, selling over 440,000 copies in just three days of pre-orders. This set a new benchmark for a K-pop girl group’s first release.
Their competitive strength became undeniable. NewJeans quickly became the third girl group ever to top music shows on all three major Korean broadcasters with a debut song. The hit “Ditto” later achieved a historic 655 Perfect-All-Kills in 2023, showcasing the powerful appeal of all the members.
Their global reach accelerated rapidly. In 2024, they held a fanmeeting at Tokyo Dome, becoming the fastest K-pop act to perform there after debut.
Major Contributions and Songwriting Credits
Her role within the group evolved significantly. On the 2023 EP ‘Get Up,’ she received her first songwriting credit for contributing lyrics to the track “New Jeans.”
This milestone marked a shift from performer to creative contributor. It demonstrated a deeper investment in the group’s artistic direction.
Her skills expanded beyond the recording studio. In June 2024, she debuted as a special MC for a major concert, showcasing confidence in live hosting and public speaking.
The Journey of Hae-rin Kang: Public Image, Endorsements, and Unique Traits
Her distinctive visual appeal went viral immediately after debut, establishing a unique identity in the crowded K-pop landscape. The Times of India recognized her as “a beacon of talent and style,” highlighting how this young artist stood at the forefront of a group redefining standards.
Establishing a Global Persona
In April 2023, she achieved a historic milestone with Dior. The luxury brand named her their global ambassador for jewelry and house ambassador for beauty and fashion. She became the first K-pop artist to hold all three ambassador titles simultaneously.
Her fashion presence grew through major events worldwide. She attended Dior’s boutique opening in Pangyo, Paris Fashion Week, and the Brooklyn Museum Fall Fashion Show. In May 2024, she starred in the Denim Oblique Jacquard campaign directed by Maria Grazia Chiuri.
Endorsement Highlights and Media Appearances
Magazine covers demonstrated her crossover appeal beyond music. She graced Vogue Hong Kong, W Korea, and Harper’s Bazaar Korea. These appearances solidified her status in the beauty and fashion industries.
Her media presence reflected a sophisticated style that resonated with international audiences. The Hong Kong edition of Vogue particularly highlighted her global influence.
Fun Personal Facts and Signature Style
Among her many nicknames, Kitty Kang remains her favorite. She embraces the cat comparison despite collecting frog dolls and wearing green clothing. Her personal style includes a love for bright colors and flowery scents.
She enjoys discovering new music and has a talent for finding unique tracks. Her first concert experience was a BTS show, showing her early connection to the industry. These personal facts reveal an artist with diverse interests beyond performance.
Her calm personality and thoughtful nature complement her public image. She prefers straight hair with bangs and values color in everything around her. These details create a complete picture of the artist behind the fame.
Final Reflections on a Rising Icon
From trainee to global ambassador, the journey spans just a few transformative years. Her evolving MBTI types—from INTJ to ISTP to INTP—reflect the personal growth required when navigating fame at a young age.
Multilingual abilities in English, Korean, and Japanese demonstrate her global mindset. This adaptability served her well as the second youngest member of NewJeans. The group’s departure from ADOR in 2024 marked another chapter in their story.
Collective achievements define these years: multiple Daesang awards, record Spotify streams, and historic partnerships. Her songwriting credit on “New Jeans” showed artistic maturation beyond performance.
Born on May 15, 2006, in South Korea, her path from school to stardom illustrates talent meeting opportunity. The impact reaches from Seoul to Hong Kong, connecting with people through music and fashion.
Three years since debut have transformed a quiet girl into a creative force. The future holds more chapters for this member of a group that reshaped K-pop expectations.
