Exploring the NewJeans phenomenon: from Hype Boy to Super Shy and How Sweet, and tracing the girl group’s rise to fame

Exploring the NewJeans phenomenon: from Hype Boy to Super Shy and How Sweet, and tracing the girl group’s rise to fame

It often feels surreal that a bunch of teenagers could take over the K-pop industry as quickly as they made their debut. NewJeans had their own sound from the start and came in like a breath of fresh air. Considering that fans had been used to hyperpop for a while, it was indeed a bold move to introduce something a little more gentle.

While the girl crush concept dominated the scene with groups like BLACKPINK and aespa as examples, NewJeans truly introduced a new generation of pop music and further evolved the K-pop genre.

Without further ado, let’s discuss the girl group’s success story

DEBUT

NewJeans consists of Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin and Hyein and made its grand entrance into the K-pop world on July 22, 2022 under the leadership of ADOR, a subsidiary of HYBE Corporation.

Their debut single, Attention, introduced a new sound to K-pop, combining catchy melodies with a unique blend of pop and hip-hop elements. The accompanying music video showcased their vibrant energy and distinctive style, garnering millions of views within days of its release.

From the beginning, it was clear that NewJeans were more than just another girl group. Their fresh and recognizable image, coupled with their undeniable talent, set them apart from the competition. Their debut mini-album, self-titled NewJeans, topped the charts in South Korea and made waves internationally, cementing their status as a force to be reckoned with. The single from the album quickly became a chart-topping hit, establishing NewJeans as a rising force in the K-pop industry and setting the stage for their future successes.

Breakthrough Success: The Rise to Global Fame

After their debut, NewJeans continued to build momentum with a string of hit singles. Cookie and OMG became anthems, resonating with fans of all ages. Their catchy hooks, impressive choreography and charismatic performances captivated audiences at music shows and live stages around the world.

However, the success they received from Ditto was incomprehensible. From topping the charts in their home country to quickly achieving international success, the group quickly became the representative group of K-pop.

One of the group’s major breakthroughs came with the release of their second EP, Get Up. The singles ETA, Super Shy and Cool With You quickly became cultural phenomena. However, the music video for Super Shy, which featured a nostalgic and whimsical concept, went viral and led to dance challenges and covers from fans and celebrities. The song topped the charts for weeks and cemented NewJeans’ reputation as a trendsetter in the industry.

Japanese debut

In June 2024, NewJeans expanded their horizons with their official Japanese debut with a single album titled Supernatural. It consists of four songs: the title track, Supernatural, and the B-side, Right Now, along with instrumental versions of both songs. Furthermore, the group also held their first ever Japanese fan meeting, Bunnys Camp 2024, at Tokyo Dome, which turned out to be a phenomenal success. Due to the demands of fans, they even had to add more seats for locals. In addition, the show also featured special guest appearances from YOASOBI and Rina Sawayama.

Collaborations

In 2023, NewJeans expanded their musical horizons through several notable collaborations. They first joined forces with Coca-Cola for the release of Zero in April, followed by Be Who You Are (Real Magic) in May, featuring Jon Batiste, JID, and Camilo. A remix of Zero featuring JID came out in June.

The group also contributed “Beautiful Restriction” to the soundtrack of the K-drama A Time Called You and Our Night Is More Beautiful Than Your Day for My Demon. In October, NewJeans partnered with Riot Games to release “Gods” as the theme song for the 2023 League of Legends World Championship. They closed out the year with their first remix album, NJWMX, which features remixes of their songs by South Korean producers 250 and FRNK.

Additionally, NewJeans announced their partnership with KRAFTON in 2024 for the popular game PUBG: PlayerUnknown’s BattleGround. It is welcomed by fans as the members’ characters will be available in-game for the public to play. Moreover, there are also fun new skins available, which further increases the excitement among fans.

The impact of NewJeans on the K-pop industry and beyond cannot be overstated. They have inspired a new generation of idols and artists, setting new standards for success and innovation. It’s hard to push boundaries while trying to find a place in the industry, but the group made it look effortless.

In conclusion, NewJeans’ meteoric rise from their debut to their current status as global superstars has been a journey that serves as an inspiration to aspiring artists and a reminder of the power of music to transcend boundaries and bring people together. Happy NewJeans Day to all the fans who have been a part of this incredible journey. Here’s to many more years of success, innovation, and unforgettable music from the group.