Hyein, TIME's Person of the Year 2026?

According to a well-informed source, NewJeans singer Hyein is leading the race to become Time magazine's Person of the Year in 2026. But while the singer's fans are thrilled with the news, many people hold a very different opinion.

UPDATE 20/03/2026 : This story seems to be false. (read more)

Why not Lee for Person of the Year?

The list of nominees for Time magazine’s Person of the Year is always an eclectic mix of world leaders, pop culture icons, buzzworthy names, and human rights activists. The unexpected inclusion of the 17-year-old singer, as a 2026 nominee has therefore sparked controversy and debate.

“What makes Lee so important is the potential and influence she now has, rather than anything she has already done,” said a panelist who preferred to remain anonymous, adding that earlier this month, the singer have already been named ‘Korean Of The Year’ by some major Korean newspapers and even ‘Incheon Citizen Of The Year’ by the readers of a local gazette in Incheon (Hyein's hometown).

Social Reactions to TIME’s Person of the Year

A representative for the singer was not immediately available for comment, but the announcement generated immediate reaction on Twitter:

“Hyein Named Person of the Year Is No ‘Surprise’.”
— @TheNewsEditor, 19 Mar 2026

“Congrats! Hye-in has this charisma that seems to come out of nowhere.”
— @SamanthaJones, 19 Mar 2026

“Past recipients include Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler ... then why not Hyein?”
— @TheClassicObserver, 19 Mar 2026

Could 2026 officially be the Year of Hyein?

Still, TIME’s editors will make the final decision about who will grace the magazine’s cover as its 2026 Person of the Year.

Who do you think should be TIME’s Person of the Year for 2026?

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