Rookie trainee Ha Min-gi, grandson of the founder of the popular Korean tteokbokki chain Shinjeon Tteokbokki, has spoken out about misconceptions surrounding his background, addressing the “chaebol idol” rumors ahead of his debut.
On October 31, Ha Min-gi appeared in a YouTube interview titled “‘The Rich Idol Who Made Headlines’ — The Grandson of Shinjeon Tteokbokki Founder Revealed” on the channel One Mic, where he clarified the truth behind his trainee journey.
Born in 2007, Ha Min-gi was introduced by Modenberry Korea as part of an upcoming boy group set to debut in late 2026. News of his family background being the grandson of Shinjeon Tteokbokki’s founder and the nephew of CEO Ha Sung-ho quickly went viral, earning him the nickname “tteokbokki spoon idol.”
“At first, even my agency didn’t know about my family background,” Ha Min-gi explained. “They were surprised but also said they were looking forward to what I could do. That made me want to work even harder.”
When asked about being labeled a “chaebol idol,” he replied with honesty: “I’m not a chaebol. My parents might be, but I don’t think of myself that way. Our house is nice, yes the living room is big with glass walls but my parents aren’t flashy. They just like Mercedes cars, that’s all.“
Ha Min-gi emphasized that his career path was built entirely on his own effort, not money or influence.
“People commented that if I’m a chaebol idol, I must’ve paid my way into the company — but that’s not true at all,” he said. “I applied, met with agencies, and auditioned myself. I’ve never spent money on this industry, except for academy tuition. I went to at least 200 auditions on my own.”
He revealed that convincing his parents took persistence: “Since middle school, I spent a month persuading my dad. They were worried because it’s such a tough industry, but I told them, ‘Even if I don’t make it, I won’t regret trying,’ and they eventually supported me.”
Ha Min-gi also shared a memorable message from his grandmother, the founder of Shinjeon Tteokbokki: “She told me, ‘The world is harsh, and everything is difficult. So don’t give up.’ Because my background is public, she warned me to be careful not to damage the brand. She said people will criticize and envy me, but I should focus on those who support me and just work harder.”
Despite the public’s scrutiny, the young trainee remains determined to prove himself through talent, not wealth.
Sources: 네이트 뉴스