Surprising Things You Never Knew About Jinni (Former NMIXX Member)

From debuting with NMIXX to leaving the group just 10 months later, Jinni's unexpected career shift shocked K-pop fans worldwide.

The former NMIXX member, born Choi Yun-Jin in 2004, has since transformed her path in remarkable ways. After signing with ATOC in April 2023, she rebranded herself as Jini and launched a successful solo career. Her debut EP "An Iron Hand in a Velvet Glove" peaked at number 9 on the Circle Album Chart, selling over 61,000 copies - proving there's much more to this artist than meets the eye.

Behind these headline-making moments lies a fascinating story filled with surprising details about her journey, personality, and talents that many fans have yet to discover. From her early JYP Entertainment audition in 2016 to her current status as a rising solo artist, here are lesser-known facts about the dancer-turned-soloist that showcase who she really is.

Her Unexpected Path to JYP Entertainment

Jinni's path to becoming a K-pop idol began in elementary school when a friend's influence led her to join a local dance academy. Initially attending classes in fourth or fifth grade, she discovered her passion for performing while learning alongside her classmates.

Jinni's Predebut Dance Academy Days

The dance academy played a crucial role in shaping her early artistic development. During her time there, she formed lasting friendships, including a connection with ablume's Saena, who attended the same academy in Busan. The structured training environment helped her develop fundamental dance skills that would later prove invaluable.

The Lucky Audition Story

A pivotal moment occurred when JYP Entertainment representatives visited her academy for an open audition. Seizing the opportunity, Jinni performed Apink's "No, No, No" and showcased her jazz dance skills. Her natural charisma and talent caught the attention of the scouts, leading to her signing with JYP Entertainment in 2016.

Early Training Period Challenges

Following her successful audition, Jinni embarked on an intensive seven-year training journey. Her dedication was evident as she made the significant decision to forgo university entrance exams to focus entirely on her training. During this period, she achieved notable milestones, including appearing in 2PM's Nichkhun's music video for "Lucky Charm" in 2019. Furthermore, her hard work culminated in her selection, alongside Jiwoo and Kyujin, as one of the first three members revealed for NMIXX through a dance performance video in August 2021.

The Hidden Meaning Behind Her Stage Names

The evolution of stage names marks significant chapters in Choi Yun-jin's artistic journey. Born in 2004, she first stepped into the spotlight under the moniker 'Jinni'.

Origin of 'Jinni'

The stage name 'Jinni' (지니) became her identity specifically during her time with NMIXX, where she debuted on February 22, 2022. This name accompanied her throughout her group activities, notably appearing in their single album "Ad Mare" and the lead single "O.O".

Transformation to 'Jini'

After departing from NMIXX in December 2022, a notable transformation occurred in her professional identity. Upon signing with ATOC (formerly UAP) in April 2023, she modified her stage name to 'Jini'. This change became official with the launch of her new agency's social media presence.

Personal Connection to Her Names

The transition from 'Jinni' to 'Jini' represents more than a simple spelling modification. Specifically, this change symbolizes her evolution as an artist and marks the beginning of a new chapter in her career. The revised spelling maintains the connection to her birth name Yun-jin while establishing a distinct solo identity. Moreover, this transformation coincided with her preparations for a solo debut, which materialized in October 2023 with her EP "An Iron Hand in a Velvet Glove".

A Surprising Family Connection to K-pop

Musical talent often runs in families, and the story behind Jinni's artistic journey begins with a unique family connection to performing arts. Her early exposure to dance and music shaped her future path in unexpected ways.

Her Cousin's Dance Academy Influence

The presence of a dance academy in her family circle played a significant role in Jinni's artistic development. Her cousin's involvement with the academy particularly influenced her decision to pursue dance training. This connection led her to form meaningful relationships, particularly with fellow dancer Saena, who attended the same academy in Busan.

Family Support System

Unlike some K-pop idols who faced strong opposition from their families, Jinni received crucial support for her artistic pursuits. Research indicates that children who receive family backing in their musical endeavors show enhanced cognitive development and improved social skills. This support system proved instrumental in her decision to join JYP Entertainment as a trainee in 2016.

Early Musical Exposure

Scientific studies reveal that children exposed to music from an early age develop better cognitive skills, especially in areas related to language and speech development. In Jinni's case, this early exposure manifested through:

Enhanced motor skills through dance movements
Improved emotional intelligence through musical expression
Strengthened memory capabilities
Advanced language development through musical patterns

The impact of this early musical exposure became evident in her performances, particularly in her appearance in 2PM's Nichkhun's music video for "Lucky Charm" in 2019. Additionally, research shows that children who engage regularly in musical activities often display higher levels of empathy and emotional understanding.

Her Secret Trainee Period Rituals

Life as a JYP Entertainment trainee demanded extraordinary dedication and discipline from Jinni. Her daily routine reflected the rigorous standards expected of future K-pop stars.

Daily Practice Schedule

The structured training day began at 5:30 AM with health check-ins and morning preparations. Subsequently, trainees engaged in solo dance rehearsals before attending regular classes until afternoon. A typical day included vocal training, dance practice, and specialized skills development, often extending until 10:30 PM.

Unique Training Methods

JYP Entertainment's distinctive approach focused on building complete performers. Trainees underwent monthly evaluations where they showcased their progress in dance, vocals, and stage presence. The company emphasized mental and emotional maturity alongside technical skills. Altogether, these methods helped shape Jinni's versatility as a performer.

Bonding with Fellow Trainees

Beyond the structured training, meaningful relationships flourished. Certainly, one of the most touching moments occurred when Jinni demonstrated her caring nature by nursing fellow trainee Sullyoon back to health during Christmas Eve. She also formed a close bond with ITZY's Yeji, sharing a dorm during their training period. These connections provided crucial emotional support through the demanding journey.

The training period proved transformative, with trainees practicing almost nonstop for two to five years before debut consideration. Besides regular classes, international trainees like Jinni tackled additional challenges, mastering Korean language and customs. This comprehensive preparation accordingly shaped her into a versatile performer capable of handling the demands of idol life.

The Real Story Behind Her NMIXX Debut

First of all, after years of rigorous training, Jinni's path to NMIXX began taking shape through multiple JYP Trainee Mini Showcases between 2018 and 2019.

Selection Process

The official journey commenced on August 6, 2021, as JYP Entertainment unveiled Jinni alongside Jiwoo and Kyujin as the first three members of NMIXX through a captivating dance performance video. Consequently, the group made their highly anticipated debut on February 22, 2022, with their first single album "AD MARE".

Group Dynamic

The seven-member ensemble demonstrated remarkable synergy from the start. Their professional relationships reflected in these key aspects:

Lily's strong bond with Kyujin and Haewon
Haewon's natural leadership qualities
Sullyoon's close friendship with Haewon and Bae
Jinni's supportive nature towards all members

Debut Preparation Journey

The group's debut preparation showcased their exceptional professionalism. Therefore, despite challenging weather conditions, each member maintained focus during their debut trailer filming. Similarly, Jinni displayed remarkable maturity, transforming from her typically playful demeanor to execute model-like scenes with precision.

Their debut single "O.O" combined baile-funk inspiration with pop-rock elements, therefore establishing NMIXX's unique musical identity. Nevertheless, their innovative approach paid off, as the group achieved significant success with more than 64.6 million official U.S. on-demand song streams.

Unknown Facts About Her Dance Journey

Dancing emerged as more than just a skill for Jinni - it became her defining artistic expression. Her dance journey reveals a unique blend of technical precision and natural talent.

Favorite Dance Styles

Rather than adhering to a single style, Jinni developed a distinctive feminine approach to dance. Her movements showcase remarkable attention to detail, primarily focusing on fluid transitions and precise body control. Indeed, her dance style often draws comparisons to ITZY's Chaeryeong, as both performers excel in feminine choreography execution.

Self-Taught Techniques

Evidently, Jinni's dedication to perfecting her craft extends beyond formal training. Her audition preparation included mastering a jazz dance routine, which ultimately helped shape her versatile performance style. However, an interesting contrast exists in her learning process - while excelling in dance, she struggles with spatial awareness, notably having difficulty with escape rooms.

Practice Routines

Her commitment to improvement manifests through these key practice elements:

Detailed movement analysis
Focus on body control and posture
Emphasis on facial expressions
Regular freestyle sessions

Generally, her practice sessions concentrate on maintaining sharp movements while ensuring fluid transitions. Obviously, this approach has paid off, as demonstrated by her ability to maintain stable vocals even during intense choreography. Her dedication to practice has shaped her into a performer known for both technical precision and emotional expression.

Her Unique Personality Traits

Behind the stage presence lies a fascinating blend of unique traits that shape Jinni's personality. Her distinctive characteristics emerge through daily habits and interactions.

The 'Grandma' Nickname Origin

Primarily known for her mature outlook, Jinni earned the endearing nickname 'Grandma' from fellow trainees. This moniker stems from her traditional values and practical approach to situations. Her ambitious nature, coupled with direct communication style, reflects wisdom beyond her years.

Silent Eating Talent

In essence, Jinni possesses a remarkable ability to practice mindful eating. This habit aligns with the Japanese concept of "mokushoku" - eating in silence and solitude. Through this practice, she demonstrates exceptional focus, simultaneously appreciating food while maintaining inner calm.

Early Bird Habits

Research indicates that morning chronotypes, like Jinni, often display superior verbal abilities and stronger circadian synchronization. Her early-rising tendency manifests in these distinctive traits:

Higher inter-daily stability in activities
Enhanced verbal communication skills
Practical approach to daily tasks
Natural inclination toward taking action

These characteristics blend with her inherent curiosity and innovative thinking. As an Aries, she maintains honest, direct communication, often choosing straightforward feedback over sugar-coated responses. This combination of traits - early bird tendencies, mindful practices, and mature outlook - creates a unique personality profile that sets her apart in the K-pop industry.

Surprising Pre-fame Jobs

Balancing multiple responsibilities marked Jinni's early career journey. As a JYP Entertainment trainee, she navigated between intense practice sessions and academic commitments, creating a demanding daily schedule.

Part-time Work Experience

Primarily, trainees at JYP Entertainment faced the challenge of managing their finances, as training periods often came without compensation. The demanding schedule, starting at 10 AM and extending until midnight, left limited opportunities for part-time work. Hence, trainees needed to carefully manage their time between practice sessions, potential work shifts, and rest periods.

School Life Balance

The educational journey proved equally challenging. Jinni attended multiple institutions, including:

Haesong Elementary School (graduated)
Dongbaek Middle School (transferred)
Hansan Middle School (graduated)
Changdeok Girls' High School (discontinued)

Meanwhile, her typical day involved rushing to the company immediately after classes, staying in practice rooms until the last bus departure. Ultimately, she made the significant decision to take the High School Graduation Certificate Examination instead of continuing traditional schooling. This choice reflected her unwavering commitment to pursuing her dreams, even as she faced the reality of sacrificing typical teenage experiences.

The pressure of maintaining academic performance alongside rigorous training often meant studying during brief breaks between practice sessions. This dedication to both education and training underscored her remarkable work ethic and determination to succeed in the competitive K-pop industry.

Hidden Musical Talents

Musical versatility shapes Jinni's artistic identity, extending far beyond her recognized dance abilities. Her journey through different musical expressions reveals a multifaceted performer with diverse talents.

Unreleased Song Covers

Primarily focusing on vocal development during her training period, Jinni occasionally performed cover songs at JYP Entertainment's monthly evaluations. Her earliest public performance featured Apink's "No No No" during her initial audition . This selection demonstrated her ability to handle both vocal and dance elements simultaneously.

Songwriting Attempts

Presently, Jinni's songwriting portfolio includes her contribution to "Bad Reputation" from her debut EP "An Iron Hand in a Velvet Glove". This creative endeavor marks her first official songwriting credit, showcasing her growth as an artist. The album, featuring five tracks including the English-language title song "C'mon," represents her evolution from group member to solo artist.

Musical Influences

Beyoncé stands as Jinni's primary musical inspiration, with her stating, "I was blown away by how professional she was on stage. Just one line of her song, and she had the whole crowd wrapped around her finger". This influence manifests in her approach to performance, as seen in her recent works:

Stage presence development
Vocal technique refinement
Performance style adaptation
Professional attitude cultivation

Ultimately, these musical elements culminated in her debut EP, where she demonstrated her artistic growth through both songwriting and performance. Her commitment to musical development continues through regular studio sessions, as evidenced by her recording activities since September 2023.

The Truth About Her NMIXX Departure

First and foremost, the K-pop industry was caught off guard when JYP Entertainment announced Jinni's departure from NMIXX on December 9, 2022. The news came as a particular shock given her recent appearances at major events.

Timeline of Events

The announcement arrived merely three days after NMIXX's Loewe fashion campaign release. Prior to her departure, Jinni had actively participated in the group's activities, including their Christmas release "Funky Christmas" on November 23. Remarkably, she had even expressed excitement about future comebacks through a Bubble post just days before the announcement.

Personal Growth Decision

JYP Entertainment's official statement cited "personal circumstances" as the reason for contract termination. As a result, NMIXX continued as a six-member group, featuring Lily, Haewon, Sullyoon, Bae, Jiwoo, and Kyujin. When questioned about her departure during her solo debut press event, Jinni maintained privacy regarding her decision, stating, "For personal reasons, it's difficult to elaborate".

Future Vision

Ultimately, Jinni's career took a new direction as she signed with United Artist Production (UAP) in April 2023. The agency, now known as ATOC, marked her fresh start with a rebranded identity. Her commitment to growth became evident when she shared, "I'm wholeheartedly committed to giving my all with this solo debut". This transition period allowed her to focus on personal artistic development, leading to her successful solo debut in October 2023.

Lesser Known Hobbies

Beyond her professional endeavors, Jinni cultivates diverse interests that reflect her multifaceted personality. These hobbies offer glimpses into her life outside the spotlight.

Vlog Watching Passion

Fundamentally, Jinni's interest in vlogs extends beyond mere entertainment. She primarily enjoys content that showcases daily life routines and creative processes. This passion naturally aligns with her own journey as a content creator, as she often draws inspiration from various vlogging styles.

Mukbang Video Interest

Her fascination with food content manifests through mukbang video consumption. In her own mukbang experiences, she demonstrates remarkable knowledge about Korean cuisine, sharing stories about childhood memories of cooking ramen independently at age six. Her enthusiasm for food content extends to:

Traditional Korean dishes
Street food exploration
International cuisine appreciation
Cooking demonstrations

Other Creative Pursuits

First and foremost, Jinni channels her artistic energy into various creative outlets. She approaches these pursuits with the same dedication shown in her professional career. Her creative interests include exploring different art forms and self-expression methods. Ultimately, these activities serve as both stress relief and personal development opportunities.

Through these diverse interests, Jinni maintains a balanced lifestyle that nurtures both her professional growth and personal enjoyment. Her hobbies reflect an individual who values continuous learning and self-expression beyond her career in entertainment.

Unexpected Physical Characteristics

Physical characteristics often distinguish K-pop idols, fundamentally shaping their unique identities. Among former NMIXX member Jinni's distinctive traits, two stand out remarkably.

Small Hands Story

Physical attributes sometimes create unexpected challenges. Jinni's notably small hands affect her daily activities, primarily impacting her ability to handle larger objects. This characteristic draws parallels to other K-pop idols with similar traits, such as BTS's Jin who experiences a medical condition affecting hand movements. Ultimately, these physical attributes become part of her charm, setting her apart in the industry.

Burning Ears Phenomenon

A fascinating physiological trait manifests through Jinni's burning ears condition. This occurrence, scientifically known as Red Ear Syndrome (RES), triggers episodes of erythema accompanied by burning sensations. The condition exhibits these key characteristics:

Triggered by stress and specific dietary elements
Episodes typically last one hour
Associated with temporal pain and sound sensitivity
Affects daily activities and performances

Medical research indicates that high levels of brain activity increase blood flow to the carotid artery, causing ear burning. In Jinni's case, this phenomenon intensifies during periods of heightened mental activity or stress. Fundamentally, this condition requires careful management through lifestyle modifications and stress reduction techniques.

The burning sensation often serves as a natural indicator of her emotional state, with right ear burning traditionally associated with positive energy, while left ear burning suggests approaching challenges. Through proper management and understanding, these physical characteristics have become integral aspects of her identity as an artist.

Her Secret Support System

Strong support systems shape successful careers in K-pop, fundamentally influencing an artist's growth and development. For Jinni, inspiration struck early through girl group KARA's performances, which sparked her dream of becoming an idol.

Close Industry Friends

Building meaningful connections within the industry, Jinni maintains a close friendship with ablume's Saena, dating back to their shared time at the same Busan dance academy. Another significant relationship emerged with ITZY's Yeji. These friendships provide crucial emotional support through career transitions and challenges.

Mentor Relationships

Professional guidance arrived through Sublime Artist Agency's collaboration with UAP, offering comprehensive support for Jinni's global activities. The agency's commitment extends beyond basic management, primarily focusing on:

Showcasing her diverse talents
Supporting potential development
Facilitating global opportunities
Strengthening artistic growth

This mentorship structure reflects the importance of trust and open communication in professional relationships. Fundamentally, the support system enables Jinni to balance personal growth with career advancement, as evidenced by her statement about gaining valuable experiences despite facing challenges in her journey. Through these connections, she continues to evolve as an artist while maintaining authentic relationships within the industry.

Behind-the-scenes Solo Debut Preparation

October 2023 marked a pivotal moment as preparations intensified for Jinni's solo debut. After signing with ATOC (formerly UAP), she embarked on creating her first EP "An Iron Hand in a Velvet Glove".

Creative Input

First of all, Jinni contributed to the songwriting process, collaborating with Erin from Makeumine Works (MUMW) on the track "Bad Reputation". The EP showcases five distinct tracks:

"Here We Go Again"
"C'mon (feat. Aminé)"
"Dancing With The Devil"
"Bad Reputation"
"C'mon (feat. Aminé) - Korean Version"

Style Evolution

In fact, the album title reflects Jinni's artistic duality - combining strength with grace. Her lower vocal register, paired with minimalist production, creates a warm, distinctive sound. The collaboration with American rapper Aminé on "C'mon" demonstrates her willingness to explore new musical territories.

Vision for Future

As a matter of fact, during her press conference at Shinhan pLay Square Live Hall, Jinni expressed both nervousness and determination about her new journey. "This marks the beginning of a new journey, and while I don't have grand ambitions just yet, I'm eager to connect with and reach out to more fans," she shared. Ultimately, her debut EP establishes a strong foundation, showcasing her potential to make a lasting impact through her unique blend of strength and vulnerability.