Hanni: The Global Rise of NewJeans' Vietnamese-Australian Star
In the fast-paced world of K-pop, few artists have made as immediate an impact as Hanni. Born Hanni Pham, this versatile performer has quickly ascended from a dance crew member in Australia to a global fashion icon and a pivotal member of the chart-topping group NewJeans. Known for her distinct vocals and effortless style, Hanni represents a new era of multiculturalism within the South Korean music industry.
Key Facts
- Full Name: Hanni Pham (Vietnamese name: Phạm Ngọc Hân)
- Birth Date: October 6, 2004
- Origin: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Group: NewJeans (under ADOR)
- Debut Date: July 22, 2022
- Notable Credits: Co-writer for "Hype Boy" and "OMG"
Early Life and Roots
Hanni was born in Melbourne, Australia, to Vietnamese parents. Her heritage is a blend of both major Vietnamese cities, with her father hailing from Hanoi and her mother from Ho Chi Minh City. This multicultural background provided the foundation for her international appeal before she ever stepped foot in a recording studio in Seoul.
The Journey to Stardom
Pre-debut Activities (2019–2021)
Hanni's passion for performance began in her hometown, where she joined the Aemina Dance Crew in 2019. The crew specialized in K-pop choreography covers, allowing Hanni to hone her skills in the genre. Her talent eventually led her to move to Seoul to begin her trainee period, a challenging transition as she did not speak the Korean language at the time.
Before her official group debut, Hanni gained early visibility through a cameo appearance in BTS's July 2021 music video for "Permission to Dance," appearing alongside her future groupmate, Minji.
Debut with NewJeans
The world was introduced to NewJeans in a highly unconventional way. On July 1, 2022, the label ADOR released three animated videos featuring the numbers "22", "7", and "22". This cryptic marketing culminated on July 22, 2022, with the surprise release of the single "Attention." Unlike traditional K-pop launches, there was no prior promotion or public reveal of the group's lineup.
Hanni quickly established herself not just as a performer but as a creative contributor. She is credited with writing lyrics for two of the group's major hits: "Hype Boy" and "OMG."
Advocacy and Legal Challenges
Beyond music, Hanni has used her platform to address systemic issues within the entertainment industry. On October 15, 2024, she testified before the Labour Committee of South Korea's National Assembly. During her testimony, she detailed experiences of being ostracized by another group's manager and described instances of undermining, which she suggested may have stemmed from conflicts between senior executives at Hybe Corporation.
Hanni's testimony was part of a larger debate on whether contracted entertainers should be granted labor rights. While she expressed gratitude for the support of the Australian Embassy, the government agency eventually dismissed the case, ruling that K-pop members are not classified as workers and therefore are not entitled to standard labor rights. Following a period of dispute, it was announced on December 29, 2025, that an agreement had been reached for Hanni to return to ADOR.
Fashion and Global Endorsements
Hanni's influence extends far beyond the music charts, making her one of the most sought-after faces in luxury fashion. Her partnership with Gucci began in October 2022, eventually evolving from a brand ambassador to the sole model for a global campaign led by creative director Sabato de Sarno. She also serves as a global ambassador for Gucci Beauty.
Her portfolio of endorsements includes several other prestigious brands:
- Armani Beauty: Global ambassador since February 2023, featuring in campaigns for Power Fabric+ Foundation and Lip Maestro Satin lipstick.
- UGG: Named a global ambassador in March 2024.
- Chaumet: Collaborated on covers for Elle's D Edition and Marie Claire Korea.
Additionally, Hanni has graced the covers of high-fashion publications including W Korea (shot by Hiroshi Fujiwara) and Elle.
Career Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Primary Role | Singer / Vocalist |
| Agency | ADOR |
| Key Songwriting Credits | "Hype Boy", "OMG" |
| Major Brand Partnerships | Gucci, Armani Beauty, UGG |
| Active Years | 2022–present |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Hanni from?
Hanni was born in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, to parents of Vietnamese descent.
When did Hanni debut in K-pop?
Hanni officially debuted as a member of the group NewJeans on July 22, 2022, with the song "Attention."
Has Hanni written any songs?
Yes, Hanni has songwriting credits for the NewJeans tracks "Hype Boy" and "OMG."
What luxury brands is Hanni associated with?
Hanni is a global ambassador for Gucci, Gucci Beauty, Armani Beauty, and UGG.
Why did Hanni testify in the South Korean National Assembly?
She testified regarding workplace bullying and the treatment of artists to help the Labour Committee determine if labor rights should be extended to contracted entertainers.