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| The Glow-Up is Real: Xiao Shenyang’s Daughter NINA to Debut in K-pop With Her First Mini-Album |
Chinese comedian-actor Xiao Shenyang’s daughter, Shen Jiarun, is officially stepping into the spotlight as NINA, a solo K-pop artist under the new label BNB Music. Her debut mini-album “Never Afraid” is set to drop on 19 June 2025, and honestly, the title couldn’t be more fitting.
Only 19 but already taking bold steps, NINA is BNB’s very first solo artist — and she’s making sure all eyes are on her. The teaser visuals so far? Sleek and stylish. The vibe? Confident, with a touch of cool defiance. Not bad for someone who, just a decade ago, was getting trolled online for her looks as a child on telly.
All Grown Up and Owning It
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You might remember Shen Jiarun from her appearance back in 2013 on The Firsts in Life, a family reality show that followed celebrity kids. Sadly, instead of wholesome vibes, young Jiarun found herself on the receiving end of unnecessary hate from netizens who harshly picked apart her appearance. She was barely eight years old, but the internet didn’t hold back.
But in true boss-girl fashion, she clapped back with grace even then, saying she looks like her dad and she’s proud of it. Well, fast forward to 2025, and it’s safe to say the tables have turned. The kid they used to mock? She’s now got netizens double-taking and comparing her glow-up to none other than Gong Hyo-jin in her younger days!
Concert Cameo Turned Career Kickoff
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Before the official announcement, sharp-eyed fans already got a sneak peek of what NINA could bring to the stage. In May, she popped up as the mystery guest at her dad’s concert in Shenyang — and the crowd definitely had something to say.
Her performance? A confident blend of singing and dancing that had some audience members saying she was “more polished than some active idols.” Others were a bit more cautious with their praise, but the fact remains — she’s got stage presence, she’s got guts, and she’s ready to take on the K-pop world.
BNB Music’s Big Bet
As the first-ever solo artist under rookie label BNB Music, NINA’s debut is being watched closely. She’s got the story, she’s got the visuals, and now it’s all down to the music. Her mini-album “Never Afraid” is said to blend pop and R&B influences with a youthful twist — and honestly, we’re kinda intrigued.
Will she follow the K-pop solo girl path of the likes of IU or punch through with a style all her own? One thing’s for sure — she’s not here to just ride on her dad’s name. She’s carving her own path, and Never Afraid feels like just the start.
Never Mind the Haters
It’s always satisfying to see someone turn the tables on the doubters — and NINA’s story is defo one for the books. From being called names online as a kid, to standing tall (and stylish!) as a K-pop soloist in her own right... Shen Jiarun is no longer just Xiao Shenyang’s daughter. She’s NINA now — and she’s got a mic, a message, and a mini-album to prove it.
Roll on 19 June. We’ll be watching.