The Pulse of K-Entertainment

Kim Jong Hyeon
ArtistEvermore Entertainment

Kim Jong Hyeon

Kim Jong Hyeon (김종현) has handled the post-group reset better than most idols who try it. After years as the leader of NU'EST under Pledis Entertainment, he moved into a second chapter at Evermore Entertainment and made the name change from JR feel like an actual repositioning instead of a cosmetic relaunch.

That second phase has its own shape. Meridiem introduced a softer solo frame in 2022, Brilliant Seasons tightened the identity in early 2024, and his acting work across Let Me Be Your Knight, Sound Candy, and My Friend's Graduation kept the page from narrowing into a music-only comeback story. He has been careful about scale, but not static.

2026 is the key hinge. After completing military service in March, Kim returned to public schedules with the COMING HOME fan meeting run, a move that underlined how intact his fanbase still is. He now reads less like a former group leader preserving memory and more like a solo artist with room to build a stronger third act on his own terms.

1 articles8 creditsDebut: November 8, 2022South Korean

Gallery

Discography

2024
Brilliant SeasonsMini Album
2022
MeridiemMini Album

Filmography

2023
My Friend's GraduationK-Drama
Actor
2022
Sound CandyK-Drama
Actor
2022
My First KissK-Drama
Actor
2021
Let Me Be Your KnightK-Drama
Actor

Other Credits

2026
COMING HOMEFan Meeting Tour
Solo Artist
2012
NU'ESTGroup
Leader, Main Rapper and Main DancerNU'ESTPledis Entertainment

Fans Also Ask

Who is Kim Jong Hyeon from NU'EST?
Kim Jong Hyeon is the South Korean singer, rapper, dancer, and actor formerly known as JR, the longtime leader of NU'EST. After the group's run ended, he signed with Evermore Entertainment, debuted solo under his full name, and continued building parallel music and acting careers.
When did Kim Jong Hyeon make his solo debut?
Kim Jong Hyeon made his official solo debut on November 8, 2022 with the mini album Meridiem. That release was his first major step after NU'EST and established a more personal, vocal-led identity under his real name instead of the JR stage tag.
What is Kim Jong Hyeon's latest major release?
His latest major album release remains the second mini album Brilliant Seasons, issued on January 3, 2024 with Motto as its title track. In 2026 his public-facing return has centered more on post-service fan events, especially the COMING HOME fan meeting run, than on a brand-new record.
When was Kim Jong Hyeon discharged from the military?
Kim Jong Hyeon completed mandatory military service on March 22, 2026 after enlisting in September 2024. The timing matters because it reopened his live schedule at a point when his solo catalog and long-standing NU'EST fan loyalty were already strong enough to support an immediate return.
Which company is Kim Jong Hyeon under now?
Kim Jong Hyeon is currently under Evermore Entertainment. He signed with the company in 2022 after leaving Pledis Entertainment, and Evermore has since handled his solo releases, acting positioning, and current fan-event cycle, including the 2026 COMING HOME schedule.

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