On July 25, 2024, a significant event stirred the K-pop community when Dispatch released a training video of NewJeans’ pre-debut team, known as the “N-Team.” This group initially had seven members, including the five who eventually debuted as NewJeans. The video showcased these trainees dancing to “Attention,” but some trainees’ faces were censored. This left fans curious and eager to identify the rest of the group.
Who Are The Trainees In The N-Team?
On the same day, a netizen uploaded a photo featuring eight girls, including the five current NewJeans members. This lineup was said to be the closest to the final N-Team before the debut members were chosen. Here’s a breakdown of the identified trainees from the photo:
- Haerin (First from the left)
- Danielle (Second from the left)
- Hyein (Third from the left)
- The fourth girl’s face is mostly obscured, leading fans to speculate if she is Youngseo, formerly from ILLIT.
- Ryu Hanbi (Fifth from the left): A former child actress and member of ADOR. Popular belief is that she was initially set to be the youngest member (maknae) of the group but was replaced when Hyein joined.
- Gong Yubin (Sixth from the left): Now a member of tripleS.
- Minji (Seventh from the left)
- Hanni (Eighth from the left)
This identification has given fans a clearer picture of the training process and the journey these young artists went through before the final selection.
What Happened To The Trainees Who Didn’t Debut With NewJeans?
While Haerin, Danielle, Hyein, Minji, and Hanni have found success with NewJeans, the other trainees have taken different paths:
- Ryu Hanbi: Known for her acting career, Hanbi was part of ADOR but left before NewJeans’ debut. The recent photo confirms that she trained alongside the debut members, indicating how close she was to being part of the final lineup.
- Gong Yubin: After her time with the N-Team, Yubin joined tripleS, another K-pop group, and has been building her career there.
- Youngseo: The fourth girl in the photo remains a mystery for many fans. With her face mostly obscured, it’s unclear what her current endeavors are. Fans are eagerly waiting for updates on her career.
Why Are Fans Excited About This Revelation?
The release of the uncensored photos and identification of the trainees has stirred excitement and curiosity among fans for several reasons:
- Nostalgia and Insight: Fans of NewJeans get a nostalgic look back at the early days of their favorite group. It also provides insight into the rigorous training and selection process in the K-pop industry.
- Support and Hope: Many fans continue to support the trainees who didn’t debut with NewJeans, hoping for their success in other ventures.
- Speculation and Discussion: The revelation has sparked numerous discussions and speculations among fans about the dynamics and decisions behind the final lineup of NewJeans.
How Did The Training Video And Photo Impact Fans?
The training video from Dispatch and the uncensored photo have had a significant impact on the NewJeans fan community:
- Increased Engagement: Fans have been actively engaging in discussions, trying to piece together the journey of each trainee.
- Emotional Connection: The revelation has deepened the emotional connection fans have with NewJeans, understanding the hard work and dedication that went into forming the group.
- Broader Recognition: The trainees who didn’t debut with NewJeans are receiving broader recognition and support from the fanbase.
What’s Next For The Trainees And NewJeans?
As NewJeans continues to rise in popularity, the spotlight also shines on the other trainees from the N-Team. Here’s what the future might hold:
- New Opportunities: The non-debuted trainees might find new opportunities in other entertainment ventures, leveraging their training and exposure.
- Continued Support: Fans are likely to continue supporting these trainees, following their careers closely.
- Group Dynamics: The dynamics within NewJeans and their relationship with former trainees will remain a topic of interest.
The release of these photos and videos provides a fascinating glimpse into the early stages of NewJeans and the K-pop industry’s meticulous trainee process. It also highlights the dedication and resilience of young artists pursuing their dreams in a highly competitive field. Fans eagerly await more updates on the careers of all involved, celebrating their achievements and supporting their future endeavors.