NewJeans Saju: Why Minji & Hanni Are the Perfect Leadership Duo

NewJeans has taken the K-pop world by storm since their 2022 debut, and fans have always noticed something special about the dynamic between Minji and Hanni. As the group's leadership duo, these two share a connection that goes beyond friendship—it's written in the stars. Let's dive deep into their Saju profiles to understand why they work so perfectly together.

Note: This analysis focuses on the current four-member lineup following Danielle's departure in December 2025.

The Wood Monkey Connection

Here's the cosmic secret that explains everything: both Minji and Hanni were born in 2004, making them Wood Monkeys (甲申) in Korean Saju.

This isn't just a coincidence—it's a powerful foundation for understanding and collaboration. When two people share the same Chinese zodiac year AND element, they naturally:

• Think similarly in problem-solving approaches
• Communicate intuitively without needing lengthy explanations
• Support each other through challenges with genuine empathy
• Share energy levels that sync during performances and schedules

The Wood element (木) adds specific qualities to their Monkey nature:

• Creativity and artistic vision
• Flexibility and adaptability
• Growth-oriented mindset
• Natural networking abilities

Minji's Saju Profile: The Grounded Leader

Birth Date: May 7, 2004 Western Zodiac: Taurus ♉ Chinese Zodiac: Wood Monkey 🐒 Day Master: (Birth hour needed for complete analysis)

Taurus + Wood Monkey = Stable Visionary

Minji's Taurus sun sign brings an earth element that grounds her Monkey energy beautifully. While Monkeys can sometimes scatter their brilliant ideas, Taurus provides:

• Persistence to see projects through
• Reliability that members and staff depend on
• Practical wisdom in decision-making
• Calming presence during stressful moments

As NewJeans' leader, Minji embodies the best of both signs. She has the Monkey's quick wit and charm for variety shows and interviews, combined with the Bull's steady determination during long practice sessions and demanding schedules.

Minji's Leadership Style

In Saju analysis, her Wood element suggests she leads through nurturing growth rather than commanding authority. She's the type of leader who:

• Encourages each member's individual strengths
• Creates space for others to shine
• Adapts her approach based on the situation
• Builds long-term success rather than seeking quick wins

Hanni's Saju Profile: The Diplomatic Co-Leader

Birth Date: October 6, 2004 Western Zodiac: Libra ♎ Chinese Zodiac: Wood Monkey 🐒 Day Master: (Birth hour needed for complete analysis)

Libra + Wood Monkey = Harmonious Connector

Hanni's Libra sun sign adds air element qualities that complement Minji's earth energy perfectly. Where Minji provides stability, Hanni contributes:

• Social grace in navigating different personalities
• Diplomatic skills for smoothing over conflicts
• Aesthetic sensibility that influences the group's image
• Partnership focus that prioritizes group harmony

The Vietnamese-Australian idol brings an international perspective that, combined with her Libra nature, makes her exceptionally skilled at bridging cultural gaps—essential for NewJeans' global success.

Hanni's Co-Leadership Role

Her Wood Monkey foundation means she and Minji speak the same "cosmic language," but her Libra influence shows up in how she:

• Mediates between different member personalities
• Represents the group with charm and balance
• Considers multiple viewpoints before decisions
• Creates visual and emotional harmony in content

Why Their Duo Works: Saju Compatibility Analysis

Same Zodiac Year = Instant Understanding

Both being 2004 Wood Monkeys means they:

1. Process information similarly - They can finish each other's thoughts
2. Handle pressure the same way - Monkey energy stays adaptable under stress
3. Share creative wavelength - Wood element fuels artistic collaboration
4. Experience same yearly cycles - Both face similar cosmic influences annually

Complementary Western Signs

While their Chinese zodiac matches, their Western signs create a beautiful Taurus-Libra dynamic:

This combination means:

• Minji holds the foundation while Hanni builds bridges
• Minji provides consistency while Hanni adapts to changes
• Minji focuses internally while Hanni connects externally

It's a yin-yang balance that makes their leadership seamless.

Current NewJeans Zodiac Lineup (2026)

Following recent changes, here's the current four-member lineup:

Key Group Dynamics

Three Taurus members (Minji, Haerin, Hyein) create an incredibly strong earth foundation for the group—explaining their reputation for reliability, consistency, and quality. This Taurus-heavy lineup provides remarkable stability.

Dog-Monkey relationship (Haerin with Minji/Hanni): Dog and Monkey have a respectful relationship in Chinese astrology. Dogs are loyal and honest, while Monkeys are clever and adaptable—they complement each other well.

Rat-Monkey harmony (Hyein with Minji/Hanni): Rat and Monkey are part of the same compatibility triangle, meaning the youngest member naturally vibes with the leadership duo. This is one of the strongest compatibility matches in Chinese astrology!

2026 Fire Horse Year Predictions

The Year of the Fire Horse (丙午年) brings specific energies for NewJeans' zodiac signs:

For Minji & Hanni (Monkeys)

Monkey and Horse have a complex relationship in Chinese astrology—they can either clash or push each other to greatness. In 2026:

• Challenges: Increased pressure, faster pace than comfortable
• Opportunities: Career breakthroughs, recognition for leadership
• Advice: Stay grounded (Minji's Taurus helps here), maintain balance (Hanni's Libra strength)

The Fire element of 2026 adds intensity to their Wood Monkey nature. Wood feeds Fire, meaning their energy may feel "burned through" faster. Rest and self-care are essential.

For the Current Lineup

• Haerin (Dog): Excellent year—Dog and Horse are best friends in Chinese zodiac! Expect Haerin to shine brightly in 2026.
• Hyein (Rat): Challenging year—Rat and Horse directly oppose each other. The maknae may need extra support from the group.

With the Dog-Horse friendship energy, 2026 could be a standout year for Haerin, while the leadership duo's Monkey energy will need to navigate the Horse year's intensity carefully.

What Makes Minji-Hanni Special in K-pop

Many K-pop groups have designated leaders, but the Minji-Hanni dynamic stands out because:

1. Cosmic foundation: Same Chinese zodiac creates unspoken understanding
2. Balanced energies: Earth (Taurus) + Air (Libra) = complete coverage
3. Complementary strengths: Stability + Diplomacy = effective leadership
4. Natural chemistry: Not forced by company, genuinely aligned

When you watch them interact—whether in interviews, behind-the-scenes content, or on stage—you're seeing two people whose energies were designed to work together.

Conclusion: Written in the Stars

The Minji-Hanni leadership duo isn't just fan imagination or company strategy—it's cosmic compatibility at work. As fellow Wood Monkeys with complementary Western signs, they represent one of K-pop's most naturally aligned leadership pairs.

For Bunnies (NewJeans fans), understanding this Saju connection adds another layer of appreciation for why the group works so harmoniously. And for the members themselves, recognizing these cosmic patterns can help them leverage their natural strengths.

As NewJeans moves forward in 2026, watch how Minji's grounded Taurus energy and Hanni's balanced Libra nature guide the group through challenges and triumphs—their Wood Monkey foundation ensuring they face it all together.

Want to check your own compatibility with NewJeans members? Try our Saju Compatibility Calculator to see how your cosmic energy aligns with your favorite idols!

More NewJeans content:

• Complete NewJeans Member Profiles
• 2026 K-pop Predictions: Fire Horse Year Guide