Welcome everyone! 

It's time to understand Korean and Korean culture through the names of our favorite stars.

In today's content, we're going to meet the top girl group NewJeans! NewJeans is soaring high, with their song OMG surpassing 700 million streams on Spotify.

Let's get started!

🖐 Important Korean Name Culture 🖐

Every Korean name is unique and has its own special story. Even if names look and sound the same, they can have completely different meanings.

MINJI / 김민지 / Kim Min-ji

The name Min-ji is quite common in Korea. However, Korean names can have various meanings even with the same characters, depending on the intention behind the naming. So what does NewJeans Min-ji's name mean?

The Min(민) in Min-ji can mean precious, beautiful, source of wisdom, foundation of success, excellent leader, and ruling with fairness. The Ji(지) means fertile land, well-established foundation, and unwavering integrity.

Thus, Min-ji signifies a person with a steadfast and profound character, who leads wisely in any situation. 

This name also suggests that she will wisely grow with NewJeans despite the challenges of idol life. Go, Kim Min-ji!

DANIELLE / 모지혜 / Mo Ji-hye

The name Ji-hye is also a common name used by many Korean women.It is so common that there are often at least one or two classmates with this name in school. Although the name Ji-hye can have various meanings with the same characters, interestingly enough, it holds a special meaning.

Why is that?

In Korean dictionaries, Ji-hye (지혜) is defined as a noun meaning ★ the mental ability to quickly grasp the principles of things and handle them accurately★. In English dictionaries, it is translated as Wisdom. Therefore, the name Ji-hye generally carries the meaning of wisdom.

So if you remember the name Ji-hye from NewJeans, you've learned a Korean vocabulary word! 😀

The Ji (지) in Ji-hye means knowledge, common sense, and understanding. The Hye (혜) means wisdom. Thus, Ji-hye means a wise person with common sense and the ability to see the world wisely. The meaning of this name is reflected in the comments fans make about Danielle, noting her wisdom, ability to consider others, and pleasant speech, which perfectly matches the meaning of her name.

HAERIN / 강해린 / Kang Hae-rin

The name Hae-rin immediately gives an impression of beauty, clarity, and transparency. It is one of the most representative names for women, used by over 97% of females currently.

The Hae(해) in Hae-rin means to harmonize, match, align, achieve, and blend. The Rin(린) means clear, transparent, and shimmering like waves.

Thus, the name Hae-rin signifies a person who actively and sincerely pursues their goals with a clear and upright character, leading to a successful life.

If your name sounds similar to Hae-rin or shares the same aspirations, why not consider using her name as a model for your Korean name?

HYEIN / 이혜인 / Lee Hye-in

The name Hye-in evokes warmth and nostalgia from the moment you hear it. Fans from different countries have shared that when they first heard the name Hye-in, they felt both beauty and warmth, and resonated deeply with the sentiment the name conveys.

Unlike the Hye(혜) in Daniel's name, the Hye(혜) in Hye-in means a generous heart that shares and gives to others. The In(인) means a kind, wise, and virtuous person.

Thus, Hye-in represents someone with a kind heart who is willing to share with others rather than keeping everything for herself. 

Recently, Hye-in has been seen on TV taking care of the staff and sharing with them, reminding us of her name's meaning. In short, she is like an angel.

HANNI / 옥흔 / Ock-heun

While Hanni has a Korean name derived from Chinese characters (Hanja), Ock-heun is not a common Korean name. However, understanding the meaning behind its Hanja reveals interesting insights. Let's explore this further. 😀

The name Ock-heun (옥흔) may sound unfamiliar and rarely used, but its meaning is exceptionally positive.

Ock(옥) symbolizes jade, which historically could only be owned by someone in the highest position, representing a person of great honor, wealth, and prosperity. Heun(흔) means joy and happiness. Therefore, the name signifies a person who enjoys a life of honor, wealth, and joy.

In Korea, this name has another layer of meaning. To be in the highest position means to fulfill a great role as a leader. It means a person who will grow into a shining leader through words and deeds befitting a leader. This makes Hanni's future even more exciting!

That's all for today's episode about NewJeans! If you're curious about the names of other idols, leave a comment and we'll prepare it for you. :)

당신의 한국 이름은 무엇인가요?

What is your Korean name?