ArtistEvermore Entertainment
Kim Jong Hyeon
Kim Jong Hyeon (김종현), formerly known by his stage name JR, is a South Korean singer, rapper, dancer, and actor. Born June 8, 1995, in Seoul, he spent a decade as the leader, main rapper, and main dancer of K-pop group NU'EST under Pledis Entertainment before transitioning into a fully independent solo career. The pivot point of his career came in 2017, when he participated in Mnet's Produce 101 Season 2 alongside NU'EST members Baekho, Minhyun, and Ren. He finished 14th, narrowly outside the top 11 needed for Wanna One, but the show's audience exposure dramatically elevated NU'EST's profile and gave the group a second act that sustained them through 2022. After NU'EST's disbandment, Kim Jong Hyeon signed with Evermore Entertainment in May 2022 and made his solo debut on November 8, 2022, with the mini album Meridiem. The lead single "Lights" positioned him in introspective, studio-focused territory. He followed up with additional singles including "Moto" and "Star," building a lean solo catalog that demonstrated real range. Parallel to his music career, he has also developed as an actor, making his drama debut in 2021 with Let Me Be Your Knight before adding credits across multiple productions including My First Kiss, Sound Candy, and My Friend's Graduation. He enlisted for mandatory military service on September 23, 2024, and completed his service on March 22, 2026.
1 articles6 creditsDebut: November 8, 2022Korean
Gallery
Discography
2022
MeridiemMini Album
Solo ArtistEvermore Entertainment
2012
NU'ESTCollaboration
Filmography
2023
My Friend's GraduationK-Drama
Actor
2022
My First KissK-Drama
Actor
2022
Sound CandyK-Drama
Actor
2021
Let Me Be Your KnightK-Drama
Actor
Fans Also Ask
Who is Kim Jong Hyeon (JR) from NU'EST?
Kim Jong Hyeon is a South Korean singer, rapper, and actor best known as the leader, main rapper, and main dancer of K-pop group NU'EST. He debuted with the group under Pledis Entertainment in March 2012 and served as leader throughout their decade together. He now promotes under his full name via Evermore Entertainment.
When was Kim Jong Hyeon discharged from the military?
Kim Jong Hyeon completed his mandatory military service and was officially discharged on March 22, 2026, after an 18-month active-duty term with the Republic of Korea Army. He had enlisted on September 23, 2024, as confirmed by Evermore Entertainment.
What has Kim Jong Hyeon released as a solo artist?
Kim Jong Hyeon made his solo debut on November 8, 2022, with the mini album Meridiem under Evermore Entertainment. The lead single Lights established his solo sound. He followed with additional singles including Moto and Star, building a growing catalog outside the NU'EST context.
Did Kim Jong Hyeon make it into Wanna One on Produce 101 Season 2?
No. Kim Jong Hyeon ranked 14th in the Produce 101 Season 2 finale, placing just outside the top 11 needed to join Wanna One. Despite not making the group, his participation revived NU'EST's career by introducing the group to a new generation of K-pop fans.
What are Kim Jong Hyeon's acting credits?
Kim Jong Hyeon made his acting debut in 2021 with the drama Let Me Be Your Knight. He followed with roles in My First Kiss, Sound Candy, and My Friend's Graduation, building his acting portfolio alongside his solo music career prior to his September 2024 military enlistment.
