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On October 28, 2025, Modenberry Korea officially announced that K-pop trainee Ha MinKi, grandson of the Sinjeon Tteokbokki founder, is preparing for his official idol debut. This announcement marks another high-profile ‘chaebol idol debut,’ a growing trend in the entertainment industry where individuals from prominent business families pursue careers in K-pop, following in the footsteps of figures like Shinsegae heiress Anny of All Day Project.
The Rise of a New “Chaebol Idol”
Ha MinKi, born in 2007, is already known in fan circles as a former trainee from the prestigious SM Entertainment. His family background has drawn significant attention, as he is the grandson of Ha Seongho, the founder and chairman of the popular food franchise Sinjeon Tteokbokki, which boasts over 800 stores. This upcoming chaebol idol debut is being managed by Modenberry Korea, an agency that is also home to established artists like Bang MinSoo, a former member of Teen Top, and Ahn SomYi, formerly of DIA. The agency confirmed that Ha MinKi is scheduled to debut in a new boy group in the second half of 2026.
Modenberry Korea’s Vision for the New Group
The agency’s announcement on October 28, 2025, has generated considerable buzz about their plans for the new group. By adding a trainee with Ha MinKi’s notable background to a roster that includes seasoned idols, Modenberry Korea appears to be building a group with diverse appeal. The long preparation period leading up to the 2026 debut suggests a meticulously planned project, fueling anticipation for this unique K-pop trainee’s future activities.
Drawing Parallels: The Shinsegae Heiress’s Path
The discussion around Ha MinKi’s debut is often compared to the recent emergence of Anny (Moon Seoyoon), the granddaughter of Shinsegae Group Chairwoman Lee Myunghee. Anny made a splash in the K-pop scene in June 2025 when she debuted as a member of the co-ed group All Day Project. The group quickly gained traction with their songs “FAMOUS” and “WICKED,” proving that an idol’s family background can generate significant initial interest.
Anny’s Growing Presence in Entertainment
Anny’s career has continued its upward trajectory. In late 2025, it was announced that she would take over as the new host of the prestigious 2025 MBC Gayo Daejejeon. This is a major milestone, as she succeeds Girls’ Generation’s YoonA, who had hosted the year-end music festival for the past decade. This high-profile role solidifies her position as a rising star and further fuels the conversation about the opportunities available to idols with influential family connections.
Public Reaction and the “Chaebol Idol Debut” Phenomenon
The trend of a chaebol idol debut has been met with a mix of curiosity and debate among the public. While many fans are supportive, appreciating these individuals for pursuing their passion for music and performance, others express skepticism. The “golden spoon” debate continues to be a hot topic, with questions arising about whether such an idol family background provides an unfair advantage in a highly competitive industry. As Ha MinKi prepares for his 2026 debut, all eyes will be on him to see how he navigates these expectations and carves out his own identity as an artist.
This brief was automatically generated from official updates. For in-depth coverage, visit our Trends section.
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