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Why Did Jaehyun Change His Name?

Published in Korean Idol Name Change 1 min read

Jaehyun, a member of the K-pop group NCT, changed his name from Jeong Jae-hyun (정재현) to Jeong Yun-o (정윤오) primarily at the request of his grandmother. The decision was rooted in the cultural significance of names in Korea, particularly regarding the presence of Hanja.

The Reason Behind the Name Change

Korean names often have corresponding Hanja, which are Chinese characters that provide a deeper meaning to the name. This meaning is highly valued, and names are often chosen to convey positive attributes or wishes for the individual.

  • Original Name: Jaehyun's original name, Jeong Jae-hyun, did not have a corresponding Hanja.
  • Grandmother's Wish: His grandmother desired that his name carry a strong meaning, which is traditionally conveyed through Hanja.
  • New Name: To fulfill this wish, his name was changed to Jeong Yun-o, which likely has a distinct and strong meaning in Hanja, aligning with his family's cultural values.

This change reflects a common practice in Korean culture where personal names are not just labels but carry significant meaning and wishes from family members, often tied to their Hanja origins.