Former NWH:I Pre-Debut Members Profile 2026: Bio, Ages, Birthday, MBTI & Interesting Facts
NWH:I was one of the most closely watched multinational girl groups to emerge from South Korea’s fifth-generation K-pop landscape. Formed under Na Entertainment, the group was designed around the “New World High Teen Idol” concept, bringing together trainees from the Philippines, Indonesia, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Germany, and beyond. NWH:I officially debuted on October 24, 2025, with the digital single “Like a Flame,” a retro Y2K and girl-crush record that introduced a seven-member lineup to global listeners.
However, the road to that debut was anything but straightforward. Before NWH:I settled on its final seven members, the project went through multiple lineup changes, trainee introductions, unfollows, re-additions, and departures. Several trainees who were publicly introduced as part of the NWH:I pre-debut era never made the final debut lineup. Some left for visa reasons, some were quietly removed from the agency’s social media circle, and others moved on to different groups or career paths.
This article focuses specifically on the former NWH:I pre-debut members – the trainees who were once presented as part of the NWH:I story but did not remain with the group through its October 2025 debut. It also provides context on the group’s formation, agency, and the later departures that reshaped NWH:I into OF’CORE. Every profile below is based on publicly available information. Where a detail cannot be verified, the article states clearly that the information is not publicly available.
Quick Facts Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Group Name | NWH:I (later rebranded as OF’CORE) |
| Korean Name | 뉴위 |
| Debut Date | October 24, 2025 |
| Agency | Na Entertainment |
| Origin | South Korea |
| Genre | K-pop, dance-pop, Y2K, girl crush |
| Number of Members at Debut | 7 |
| Active Years | 2025–2026 (group activities suspended June 30, 2026) |
| Official Fandom Name | NEW:S |
| Official Colors | Not publicly confirmed |
| Current Status | Rebranded as OF’CORE in September 2026; NWH:I activities suspended |
Table of Contents
Who Is NWH:I?
NWH:I – pronounced “New World High Teen Idol” – was a global girl group under Na Entertainment that aimed to combine high-teen energy with a multinational lineup. The group’s original pre-debut pool included trainees from Korea, Japan, the Philippines, Indonesia, Singapore, Germany, Australia, the United States, Sweden, and England, making it one of the more internationally assembled rookie projects of 2025.
The final debut lineup consisted of Nina, Via, Seungjoo, Alice, Nicole, Mariam, and Vanesya. They debuted with “Like a Flame” and followed with a second digital single, “Siren Call,” on January 26, 2026. On June 30, 2026, Na Entertainment announced that group activities had been suspended indefinitely so that members could focus on individual activities. By September 2026, the remaining lineup was rebranded as OF’CORE, effectively closing the NWH:I chapter.
Group History
Formation and Pre-Debut
Na Entertainment began teasing NWH:I on January 1, 2025, through Instagram. Mariam was the first trainee publicly associated with the project, and she was followed by a series of reveals that included Maddi, Alice, Vanesya, Madeleine, December, Nina, Nicole, and Cateria, among others. The agency used hashtags such as #nwhi43 and #nwhi2025, and it described the group’s direction as Y2K and high-teen.
The pre-debut lineup was never stable. Trainees were introduced, unfollowed, re-added, and removed. By the time the debut lineup was finalized in August 2025, several original pre-debut members had already left the agency or the project. Seungjoo was added in August 2025 as a replacement for Yena, who had departed earlier.
Official Debut
NWH:I debuted on October 24, 2025, with the digital single “Like a Flame.” The song carried a retro Y2K and girl-crush concept and conveyed a message of support for fiery dreams. The group performed on music shows and began building a global fanbase under the fandom name NEW:S.
Breakthrough and 2026 Activities
The group returned on January 26, 2026, with “Siren Call.” Alice received her first lyricist credit on the single. However, the promotional cycle was short. On June 30, 2026, Na Entertainment announced that NWH:I’s activities would be suspended, with members focusing on individual schedules while the group’s future was discussed.
Rebranding as OF’CORE
On September 3, 2026, Na Entertainment announced that the group would be rebranded as OF’CORE following the departures of Nina, Via, Seungjoo, Alice, Nicole, and Vanesya from the label. The new lineup included Mariam, Sori, Nabi, Han Jinhee, Rina, and Lee Yena. This effectively marked the end of NWH:I as an active entity.
Agency and Management
NWH:I was managed by Na Entertainment, a relatively small South Korean agency that also oversaw trainee projects and the co-ed unit DNA. The agency handled the group’s lineup changes, debut preparation, and later rebranding. Public information about Na Entertainment’s internal contracts, trainee terms, and financial structure is limited. Specific contract details for individual members are not publicly available.
Member Profiles
The following profiles cover the former pre-debut members of NWH:I – trainees who were publicly introduced as part of the NWH:I project but did not remain with the group through its final debut or later activities. Each profile is based on verifiable public information. Where a detail is unavailable, it is noted.
Maddi Profile
Personal Information
- Full Name: Not publicly confirmed
- Korean Name: Not publicly available
- Stage Name: Maddi
- Date of Birth: November 8, 2004
- Age (2026): 21
- Zodiac Sign: Scorpio
- Chinese Zodiac: Monkey (2004)
- Birthplace: Melbourne, Australia
- Nationality: Australian
- Height: 164 cm
- Weight: 45 kg
- Blood Type: Not publicly available
- MBTI Type: ENFP
Group Role
- Position: Lead Vocalist, Dancer (pre-debut profile)
- Representative Emoji: Not officially assigned
- Training Period: Approximately early 2025 to mid-2025
Early Life and Education
Maddi is an Australian trainee from Melbourne. Detailed information about her childhood, family, and pre-training education is not publicly available. She was introduced to the NWH:I project as a trainee with vocal and dance skills, and she was the first member revealed on January 8, 2025.
Career Journey
Maddi’s K-pop journey began when she was publicly revealed as the first trainee of NWH:I. Her introduction generated early attention because she was the first Australian member associated with the project. She remained part of the pre-debut lineup for several months, appearing in the agency’s trainee content and social media posts.
On June 10, 2025, NWH:I’s official Instagram account unfollowed Maddi, which fans interpreted as a sign of her departure. Two days later, on June 12, she confirmed her departure from NWH:I. The specific reason for her departure has not been publicly disclosed. After leaving NWH:I, Maddi has not been publicly associated with another K-pop debut project. Her current activities are not publicly available.
Family Background
Maddi’s family details are not publicly available. She has not publicly discussed her family background beyond being from Melbourne.
Relationship Status
Maddi’s relationship status is not publicly available.
Net Worth
There is no reliable public information about Maddi’s net worth. As a pre-debut trainee, she likely did not have significant independent earnings from music activities. Any estimate would be speculative.
Social Media Profiles
Maddi’s official trainee social media accounts were managed through NWH:I’s official channels. Her personal accounts are not publicly available or have not been verified.
Interesting Facts
- Maddi was the first trainee officially revealed for NWH:I on January 8, 2025.
- She is from Melbourne, Australia, making her one of the few Australian trainees in the NWH:I pre-debut pool.
- Her MBTI type is ENFP, often described as the “Campaigner” personality.
- She was unfollowed by NWH:I’s Instagram on June 10, 2025, and confirmed her departure on June 12, 2025.
- She was part of the early nine-member trainee teaser era before the lineup was reduced.
- Her pre-debut position was listed as Lead Vocalist and Dancer.
- She was one of several trainees whose departure reshaped the final NWH:I lineup.
Madeleine Profile
Personal Information
- Full Name: Madeleine Fall (publicly listed)
- Korean Name: Not publicly available
- Stage Name: Madeleine
- Date of Birth: October 24, 2000
- Age (2026): 25
- Zodiac Sign: Scorpio
- Chinese Zodiac: Dragon (2000)
- Birthplace: New York City, United States
- Nationality: Senegalese-American
- Height: 175 cm
- Weight: 55 kg
- Blood Type: Not publicly available
- MBTI Type: ESFJ
Group Role
- Position: Rapper, Vocalist (pre-debut profile)
- Representative Emoji: Not officially assigned
- Training Period: Early 2025
Early Life and Education
Madeleine is a Senegalese-American model, influencer, and trainee from New York City. Before joining NWH:I, she had experience in modeling and social media influencing, which gave her a public profile before her K-pop trainee journey. Detailed information about her formal education is not publicly available.
Career Journey
Madeleine was introduced as part of the NWH:I pre-debut lineup in early 2025. Her background as a model and influencer made her one of the more visually striking trainees in the project. She was listed with a rapper and vocal position and was part of the initial trainee reveal wave.
However, her time with NWH:I was short. In March 2025, Madeleine, along with December and Cateria, was unfollowed by NWH:I’s official Instagram account, signaling her departure from the project. No official reason was given for her departure. After leaving NWH:I, Madeleine has continued to work as a model and influencer. Her current agency representation is not publicly available.
Family Background
Madeleine’s family details are not publicly available. She has Senegalese and American heritage, which she has referenced in her public profile.
Relationship Status
Madeleine’s relationship status is not publicly available.
Net Worth
There is no verified public information about Madeleine’s net worth. Her income likely includes modeling and influencer work, but specific figures are not available.
Social Media Profiles
Madeleine’s social media presence predates her K-pop training. Her official NWH:I-era accounts were managed by the agency. Her current personal accounts are not publicly verified in relation to her K-pop activities.
Interesting Facts
- Madeleine was born in New York City and is of Senegalese-American heritage.
- She worked as a model and influencer before joining NWH:I.
- She was listed as a rapper and vocalist in her pre-debut profile.
- She was one of the trainees unfollowed by NWH:I’s Instagram in March 2025.
- Her MBTI type is ESFJ, known as the “Consul” personality.
- At 175 cm, she was one of the tallest trainees in the pre-debut lineup.
- Her departure occurred before the final seven-member lineup was confirmed.
December Profile
Personal Information
- Full Name: Not publicly available
- Korean Name: Not publicly available
- Stage Name: December
- Date of Birth: November 28, 2004
- Age (2026): 21
- Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius
- Chinese Zodiac: Monkey (2004)
- Birthplace: Sweden
- Nationality: Swedish
- Height: 161 cm
- Weight: 43 kg
- Blood Type: Not publicly available
- MBTI Type: INFJ
Group Role
- Position: Dancer, Vocalist (pre-debut profile)
- Representative Emoji: Not officially assigned
- Training Period: Early 2025
Early Life and Education
December is a Swedish trainee who was introduced as the seventh member of the NWH:I pre-debut lineup on January 20, 2025. Detailed information about her childhood and education in Sweden is not publicly available.
Career Journey
December joined the NWH:I project during the early 2025 trainee reveal period. She was presented as a dancer and vocalist, and she was part of the group’s pre-debut content. Her stage name, “December,” immediately stood out and became a talking point among early NWH:I followers.
Like Madeleine and Cateria, December was unfollowed by NWH:I’s official Instagram in March 2025, indicating her departure from the lineup. The reason for her departure has not been publicly disclosed. After leaving NWH:I, December has not been publicly associated with another K-pop debut project. Her current activities are not publicly available.
Family Background
December’s family details are not publicly available. She has not publicly discussed her family background beyond her Swedish nationality.
Relationship Status
December’s relationship status is not publicly available.
Net Worth
There is no reliable public information about December’s net worth. As a pre-debut trainee, her earnings would have been limited.
Social Media Profiles
December’s NWH:I-era social media presence was managed through the group’s official channels. Her personal accounts are not publicly verified.
Interesting Facts
- December was the seventh member revealed in the NWH:I pre-debut lineup.
- She was introduced on January 20, 2025.
- She is from Sweden, adding to the group’s European representation.
- Her MBTI type is INFJ, one of the rarest personality types.
- She was listed as a dancer and vocalist.
- She was unfollowed by NWH:I’s Instagram in March 2025.
- Her stage name is unusual in K-pop and became a memorable part of the pre-debut lineup.
Ria M Profile
Personal Information
- Full Name: Seo Gyeong Chae (also known as Ria M)
- Korean Name: 서경채
- Stage Name: Ria M
- Date of Birth: Not publicly confirmed
- Age (2026): Not publicly available
- Zodiac Sign: Not publicly available
- Chinese Zodiac: Not publicly available
- Birthplace: South Korea (publicly presumed)
- Nationality: Korean
- Height: Not publicly available
- Weight: Not publicly available
- Blood Type: Not publicly available
- MBTI Type: INFJ (reported)
Group Role
- Position: Not officially confirmed
- Representative Emoji: Not officially assigned
- Training Period: Early 2025
Early Life and Education
Ria M was first associated with NWH:I under the name Seo Gyeong Chae. She was one of the trainees followed by NWH:I’s official Instagram when the project was teased on January 1, 2025. Detailed information about her early life and education is not publicly available.
Career Journey
Ria M’s NWH:I journey was one of the more complicated pre-debut stories. She was initially followed by the NWH:I account, then unfollowed on January 7, 2025, leading fans to speculate that she had been removed from the lineup. However, on March 21, 2025, she was re-added to NWH:I under the stage name Ria M.
Her return was short-lived. On April 3, 2025, she revealed that she had departed from both Na Entertainment and NWH:I due to visa issues. She later announced plans to debut as a K-pop artist in November 2025, teasing a song called “My Solo,” but the debut did not materialize as announced. In January 2026, she was introduced as a member of the upcoming girl group N.angels.
Family Background
Ria M’s family details are not publicly available.
Relationship Status
Ria M’s relationship status is not publicly available.
Net Worth
There is no verified public information about Ria M’s net worth.
Social Media Profiles
Ria M’s social media activity has been associated with her trainee and pre-debut journey. Specific verified accounts are not publicly confirmed in this article.
Interesting Facts
- Ria M was originally introduced under the name Seo Gyeong Chae.
- She was unfollowed by NWH:I’s Instagram on January 7, 2025, then re-added on March 21, 2025.
- She left NWH:I due to visa issues on April 3, 2025.
- She announced a solo debut for November 2025 with the song “My Solo,” but it did not happen as planned.
- She was later introduced as a member of N.angels in January 2026.
- Her reported MBTI type is INFJ.
- Her NWH:I experience illustrates how visa and agency logistics can affect pre-debut lineup stability.
Yena (Lee Yena) Profile
Personal Information
- Full Name: Lee Yena (이예나)
- Korean Name: 이예나
- Stage Name: Yena (formerly Lina)
- Date of Birth: February 23, 2005
- Age (2026): 21
- Zodiac Sign: Pisces
- Chinese Zodiac: Rooster (2005)
- Birthplace: Geoje, Gyeongsangnam-do, South Korea
- Nationality: South Korean-Russian
- Height: 170 cm
- Weight: 52 kg
- Blood Type: A
- MBTI Type: INFP
Group Role
- Position: Leader, Main Vocalist (pre-debut profile)
- Representative Emoji: Not officially assigned
- Training Period: 2023–2025 (various projects)
Early Life and Education
Yena was born in Geoje, Gyeongsangnam-do, South Korea, and is of South Korean-Russian heritage. She attended Daekyung Culture Arts High School. Before joining NWH:I, she had already participated in several pre-debut projects, including WE-SAY and Chic&I.
Career Journey
Yena was introduced as a member of NWH:I in April 2025. She was listed as a Leader and Main Vocalist in the pre-debut lineup. At the time, she was expected to be a central figure in the group’s vocal line.
However, Yena left NWH:I before the final debut lineup was confirmed. Seungjoo was added to the group in August 2025 after Yena left. The specific reason for Yena’s departure has not been publicly disclosed. After leaving NWH:I, Yena remained under Na Entertainment and was later included in the OF’CORE lineup after the group’s rebranding. This makes her a unique case: she was a former NWH:I pre-debut member but continued with the agency’s successor group.
Family Background
Yena’s family details are not publicly available. She is known to be South Korean-Russian.
Relationship Status
Yena’s relationship status is not publicly available.
Net Worth
There is no verified public information about Yena’s net worth.
Social Media Profiles
Yena’s official social media accounts are managed through Na Entertainment and OF’CORE’s channels. Specific personal accounts are not publicly verified in this article.
Interesting Facts
- Yena was listed as a Leader and Main Vocalist in the NWH:I pre-debut lineup.
- She was born in Geoje, South Korea, and is South Korean-Russian.
- She attended Daekyung Culture Arts High School.
- Before NWH:I, she was part of WE-SAY and Chic&I.
- She left NWH:I before debut, and Seungjoo was added as her replacement in August 2025.
- She later became a member of OF’CORE, the group that succeeded NWH:I.
- Her MBTI type is INFP.
Cateria (Catria) Profile
Personal Information
- Full Name: Not publicly available
- Korean Name: Not publicly available
- Stage Name: Cateria (also spelled Catria)
- Date of Birth: Not publicly confirmed
- Age (2026): Not publicly available
- Zodiac Sign: Not publicly available
- Chinese Zodiac: Not publicly available
- Birthplace: England (publicly listed)
- Nationality: English
- Height: Not publicly available
- Weight: Not publicly available
- Blood Type: Not publicly available
- MBTI Type: Not publicly available
Group Role
- Position: Dancer, Rapper (pre-debut profile)
- Representative Emoji: Not officially assigned
- Training Period: Early 2025
Early Life and Education
Cateria was publicly associated with NWH:I as an English trainee. One pre-debut profile listed her as Catria from England, with a position as Dancer and Rapper. Detailed information about her early life and education is not publicly available.
Career Journey
Cateria was part of the early NWH:I pre-debut trainee pool. She was among the trainees unfollowed by NWH:I’s Instagram in March 2025, alongside Madeleine and December. This effectively marked her departure from the project before the final lineup was confirmed. No official reason was given for her departure. After leaving NWH:I, Cateria has not been publicly associated with another K-pop debut project. Her current activities are not publicly available.
Family Background
Cateria’s family details are not publicly available.
Relationship Status
Cateria’s relationship status is not publicly available.
Net Worth
There is no verified public information about Cateria’s net worth.
Social Media Profiles
Cateria’s NWH:I-era social media presence was managed by the agency. Her personal accounts are not publicly verified.
Interesting Facts
- Cateria was listed as an English trainee in the NWH:I pre-debut pool.
- Her pre-debut position was Dancer and Rapper.
- She was unfollowed by NWH:I’s Instagram in March 2025, indicating her departure.
- She was part of the early trainee reveal wave that also included Madeleine and December.
- Her stage name is sometimes spelled Catria in pre-debut sources.
- Detailed personal information about her remains not publicly available.
- Her departure occurred before NWH:I’s final seven-member lineup was locked.
Former Debut Members (Post-Debut Departures)
After NWH:I’s debut, the group continued to evolve. By September 2026, Nina, Via, Seungjoo, Alice, Nicole, and Vanesya had all departed Na Entertainment, leaving Mariam as the only debuted member to continue into OF’CORE. These members are technically former NWH:I members, though they were not “pre-debut” departures. For completeness, their basic profiles are summarized below.
| Member | Birth Date | Nationality | NWH:I Position | Departure |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nina | May 3, 1999 | Filipina-Saudi | Leader, Vocalist, Dancer, Rapper | 2026 |
| Via | January 19, 2001 | Indonesian | Rapper, Lead Vocalist | 2026 |
| Seungjoo | June 23, 2001 | Korean | Main Vocalist, Dancer | 2026 |
| Alice | February 23, 2003 | Japanese | Lead Vocalist, Dancer | 2026 |
| Nicole | September 9, 2003 | Singaporean | Vocalist, Dancer, Visual | 2026 |
| Vanesya | August 6, 2008 | Indonesian | Vocalist, Dancer, Visual, Maknae | 2026 |
These members were part of NWH:I’s official debut and contributed to the group’s two digital singles. Their departures were announced as part of the agency’s decision to rebrand the group. Detailed individual profiles for these members would require separate articles, as their careers extend beyond the pre-debut phase.
Discography
NWH:I’s discography as an active group is compact but representative of the project’s brief run.
Digital Singles
| Title | Release Date | Language | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| “Like a Flame” | October 24, 2025 | Korean | Debut single; Y2K and girl-crush concept |
| “Siren Call” | January 26, 2026 | Korean | Second digital single; Alice received a lyricist credit |
Music Videos
| Date | Title | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| October 24, 2025 | “Like a Flame” | Debut music video |
| 2026 | “Siren Call” | Second music video |
NWH:I did not release a studio album, mini-album, or Japanese release during its active period. The group’s discography consists of digital singles.
Music Style and Influence
NWH:I’s musical identity was built around Y2K nostalgia, high-teen energy, and girl-crush confidence. The debut single “Like a Flame” was described as a retro Y2K and girl-crush track that conveyed a message of support for passionate dreams. The group’s visual concept emphasized multinational appeal, with members representing multiple countries and languages.
The second single, “Siren Call,” continued the group’s polished dance-pop direction. NWH:I’s influences include late 1990s and early 2000s pop, contemporary K-pop girl groups, and global pop production. The group’s short career means its artistic evolution is limited, but the Y2K-inspired sound and high-teen concept remain its defining musical markers.
Awards and Achievements
NWH:I did not achieve major domestic music show wins or significant award show trophies during its active period. The group’s achievements were primarily related to its multinational lineup, its successful debut, and its ability to attract global attention before and after debut.
| Category | Achievement |
|---|---|
| Debut | October 24, 2025, with “Like a Flame” |
| Fandom | Official fandom name NEW:S |
| Global reach | Multinational lineup spanning Asia and Europe |
| Music show wins | None publicly confirmed |
| Major awards | None publicly confirmed |
Industry recognition was limited due to the group’s short active period and subsequent suspension.
Tours and Concerts
NWH:I did not embark on a full tour. The group performed on music shows and likely participated in showcase events around its debut. Specific tour dates, fan meetings, and concert appearances are not publicly available in a comprehensive, verifiable format. The COVID-19 pandemic’s aftermath and the group’s brief lifespan limited large-scale touring activity.
Brand Endorsements and Ambassadorships
Verified brand endorsements for NWH:I as a group are not publicly available. Individual members may have had personal endorsements or modeling work, particularly Nicole, who had a background in pageantry and tourism ambassadorship. However, group-level endorsement deals have not been publicly documented.
Social Media Presence
| Platform | Handle / Link | Status |
|---|---|---|
| @nwhi__official | Official group account (NWH:I era) | |
| X (Twitter) | Not publicly confirmed | – |
| TikTok | @nwhis_official | Official group account |
| YouTube | NWH:I official channel | Official group content |
| Weverse | Not publicly confirmed | – |
| Official Website | Not publicly confirmed | – |
Individual member accounts were active during the pre-debut and debut periods, but many have since been deactivated or repurposed. Official group accounts reflect the NWH:I era and may now redirect to OF’CORE content.
Net Worth and Revenue Sources
There is no verified public information about NWH:I’s collective net worth or individual member net worth. As a rookie group under a smaller agency, revenue streams likely included:
- Digital single sales and streaming
- Music show appearances
- Merchandise
- Fan club membership
- Potential event appearances
Specific figures are not publicly available. Any estimate would be speculative and should not be treated as fact.
Interesting Facts About NWH:I
- NWH:I stands for New World High Teen Idol.
- The group’s original pre-debut pool included trainees from at least ten countries.
- The final debut lineup was confirmed only in August 2025, less than three months before debut.
- Seungjoo was added as a replacement for Yena, who left the pre-debut lineup.
- The group’s fandom name is NEW:S.
- NWH:I’s debut single, “Like a Flame,” was released on October 24, 2025.
- The group’s second single, “Siren Call,” arrived on January 26, 2026.
- NWH:I activities were suspended on June 30, 2026.
- The group was rebranded as OF’CORE in September 2026.
- Several pre-debut members, including Maddi, Madeleine, December, Ria M, Yena, and Cateria, never debuted with NWH:I.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who were the former pre-debut members of NWH:I?
The publicly identified former pre-debut members include Maddi, Madeleine, December, Ria M (Seo Gyeong Chae), Yena, and Cateria, among others who were part of the early trainee pool.
2. How many members did NWH:I have at debut?
NWH:I debuted with seven members: Nina, Via, Seungjoo, Alice, Nicole, Mariam, and Vanesya.
3. When did NWH:I debut?
NWH:I debuted on October 24, 2025, with the digital single “Like a Flame.”
4. Who was the leader of NWH:I?
Nina was listed as the leader of NWH:I in the debut lineup.
5. Who was the oldest member of NWH:I?
Nina was the oldest, born on May 3, 1999.
6. Who was the youngest member of NWH:I?
Vanesya was the maknae, born on August 6, 2008.
7. What agency managed NWH:I?
NWH:I was managed by Na Entertainment.
8. What is NWH:I’s fandom name?
The official fandom name is NEW:S.
9. Why did Maddi leave NWH:I?
The specific reason for Maddi’s departure has not been publicly disclosed. She confirmed her departure on June 12, 2025.
10. Why did Madeleine leave NWH:I?
Madeleine was unfollowed by NWH:I’s Instagram in March 2025. The reason for her departure is not publicly available.
11. Why did Ria M leave NWH:I?
Ria M stated that she departed from Na Entertainment and NWH:I due to visa issues.
12. Did Yena ever debut with NWH:I?
No. Yena was a pre-debut member but left before the final lineup. She later joined OF’CORE, the group that succeeded NWH:I.
13. What happened to NWH:I after 2026?
NWH:I activities were suspended on June 30, 2026. The group was rebranded as OF’CORE in September 2026.
14. Are any former NWH:I pre-debut members active in K-pop today?
Yena is active as a member of OF’CORE. Ria M was introduced as a member of N.angels in January 2026. Other former pre-debut members’ current activities are not publicly available.
15. What was NWH:I’s music style?
NWH:I’s music blended Y2K nostalgia, girl-crush confidence, and high-teen energy, with polished dance-pop production.
Conclusion
The story of NWH:I is a reminder that K-pop group formation is rarely a straight line. The group’s pre-debut era was marked by a rotating cast of trainees, each of whom contributed to the project’s early identity before the final seven-member lineup was confirmed. Maddi, Madeleine, December, Ria M, Yena, and Cateria were all part of that formative chapter. Some left for undisclosed reasons, some for visa issues, and one – Yena – continued with the agency’s successor group, OF’CORE.
NWH:I itself debuted in October 2025, released two digital singles, and suspended activities in June 2026 before rebranding. The group’s multinational concept and Y2K-inspired sound gave it a distinct place in the fifth-generation conversation, even if its active lifespan was brief. For fans of pre-debut lineups and multinational K-pop projects, the former NWH:I pre-debut members remain an important part of the story – a story that is still unfolding for several of them.
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