Sakurai Miu Bares Connection to NewJeans

A teaser for Produce 101 Japan: The Girls recently premiered on YouTube, showcasing many gifted contestants. Among them was Sakurai Miu, known for her stints on Nizi Project and Girls Planet 999. She made a startling revelation ahead of the show’s October 5 premiere. This Japanese adaptation of CJ ENM x Mnet’s renowned reality audition show is entering its third season. Unlike its Korean counterpart, which forms a group that stays together for a maximum of three years, this show aims to create a permanent Japanese idol group.

In a teaser video, viewers were treated to glimpses of the show’s signal song, performed by all the participants. As they introduced themselves, Miu‘s familiar face captivated the K-pop stans who knew her from her previous survival shows. As she entered the audition venue, she dropped a bombshell via voiceover. She startled viewers when she revealed, “I was in NewJeans‘ debut group. We practiced together.”

This revelation sent waves online, making Miu a trending topic. Fans began speculating why she didn’t debut with NewJeans. Given her striking visuals, many believed she would have seamlessly fit into the good-looking, talented group.

✧ ついに配信始まる!! ✧ [PRODUCE 101 JAPAN THE GIRLS]

All about Sakurai Miu

Originating from Nagoya, Aichi, Japan, Miu is a Capricorn, and her Chinese Zodiac sign is the Horse. This suggests she’s determined and free-spirited. Her Instagram handle, @beauty_feather0, is a nod to the Chinese meaning of her full name, “beautiful feathers.”

Miu‘s refined tastes are evident in her choices. She loves SHIRO fragrance and beauty brands like Romand, YSL, and JUNGSAEMMOOL. Her favorite foods include mint chocolate chip ice cream and naengmyeon (Korean icy cold noodles).

Her hobbies paint a vivid picture of her artistic inclinations and camaraderie. Whether it’s jamming to songs like “Hold My Hand” by IU or binge-watching her favorite K-drama, Graceful Family, Miu knows how to have fun. Her close ties with her Girls’ Planet 999 and Nizi Project, especially Kim Dayeon, Oguri Kako, and Wu Tammy, underscore her ability to forge meaningful relationships.

櫻井美羽 (SAKURAI MIU) [推しカメラ]

Will Miu’s third time be the charm?

On Mnet’s Girls Planet 999, Miu was hailed as one of the most beautiful Japanese trainees. Fans believe she would have been a stellar addition to NewJeans, given her commendable performances in shows like JYP Entertainment’s NiZi Project. J.Y. Park, JYP’s founder, even lauded her singing. When she tried out for Produce 101 Japan: The Girls, she became the center of the signal song.

Beyond the stage, Miu is a film aficionado, cherishing classics like The Shawshank Redemption and Titanic. She starts her days with TWICE‘s discography and admires IZ*ONE alum-turned-soloist Kwon Eunbi. Interestingly, if given a chance to time travel, she’d prefer revisiting the past over venturing into the future.

With her recent disclosure, netizens are rallying behind Sakurai Miu. They hope her third stint on an idol survival show culminates in a triumphant debut. – K-Pop News Writer