With shaky hands and a racing heart, I realise there is nothing in this world I wouldn't do for you. I could perish a hundred times, but the sound of your gentle voice would breathe life back into my lungs every time. Your simple requests would bring me to my knees, and I would enjoy it - for you.
the door to the studio swung open, and youngjae stepped in, immediately aware of the red blinking lights of the cameras already trained on him. he adjusted his jacket with practiced ease, though his thumb still absently swiped through his phone out of habit. his manager’s voice was a distant murmur as youngjae scanned the set—the board games, the chairs, and then—there was skyler. he paused for just a second, his expression carefully neutral. wonder’s leader. he’d been following their work, their stages, their growth. this wasn’t who he expected, but honestly? it was a relief.
skyler’s reaction was priceless—youngjae couldn’t help the small smirk tugging at his lips. “guess we’re both in for a surprise,” he said, his voice steady but laced with that dry humor of his. he knew the feeling; skyler wasn’t the only one caught off guard. but thirteen years in the industry had taught him how to adapt, even when he was just as thrown as the person in front of him.
he cleared his throat, shifting his weight. “you look like you’ve seen a ghost,” he said, though there was a softness there, beneath the observation. truth was, he’d been keeping an eye on wonder. their music, their energy—it was refreshing. and skyler? he’d seen enough to know the guy had talent. “but since we’re here,” he said, gesturing to the chairs, “might as well make the most of it.”
youngjae pulled out a chair, the picture of professionalism despite the unexpected twist. “so,” he said, glancing at the stack of flashcards and board games, “where do you want to start? we can keep it light, or if you’re feeling bold, we can dive right in.” there was a hint of his usual confidence in his tone, but it was tempered—more suggestion than demand. after all, he was just as curious as skyler was.
the tips of his ears and the center of his cheeks start to burn crimson once the initial shock wears off, seeing that smirk on youngjae's face only makes the veil of embarrassment cascading over him slowly feel even more prominent. it takes everything in him to not look over at the direction of any of the cameras or the staff behind them, knowing they were likely chuckling at his reaction as well and, of course (because why would they not be), the cameras were still rolling.
"… it's really nice to get to work with you, sunbaenim." he takes a few steps closer before giving the other man a small bow this time, one hand pressed against his heart once he rises back up to full height—calm down, damn. a few weak laughs come from him now, as he already knows this is going to highlighted for the convention's experience event. "p-please take care of me today as well."
he lifts his free hand to brush a few strands of his hair behind his ear, glancing away to not make eye contact with him just yet again. there's a shy smile on his face as he started to become more comfortable with the situation, "not a ghost, just definitely not someone i was expecting to be paired up with… but i'm excited to work with you today, though."
but skyler nods, moving to sit down in the chair across from youngjae, one leg crossed over the other in an attempt to make it harder for any jitters that would have him bouncing his leg. "hmm, let's see…" his gaze bounces between the flashcards and the board games, then back again. "i think… i'm most curious about what's written on these cards. they wouldn't even let me peek at them, y'know, while i was waiting on you to arrive." he glances up at him with a cheeky grin written on his lips, a small tease now that he had mostly settled back down.
youngjae’s smirk deepened as skyler’s cheeks flushed, the small bow and pressed hand over his heart almost too much to resist teasing. but there was something genuine in the moment, too—something that made him pause. “sunbaenim?” he chuckled, shaking his head. “save that, you can speak informally to me. we’re both just idols here, trying not to make fools of ourselves.” he adjusted his sleeve, the motion deliberate, giving skyler a second to breathe. “and for the record, i’m just as thrown as you are. thirteen years in, and i still get that kick in my gut before something new. but this?” his eyes flicked to skyler, then back to the set. “this is a pleasant surprise.”
he gestured to the chairs, waiting until skyler was fully settled before leaning forward, elbows on his knees. “as for taking care of you—consider it done. you’re in good hands.” his gaze drifted to the stack of flashcards, curiosity piqued. “though i have to wonder what they’ve got us walking into.”
without waiting for an answer, he reached for one of the cards, flipping it over with a practiced flick of his wrist. the camera would catch the motion, the way his fingers lingered on the card for just a second before he read it aloud. “what is your favorite song from each other’s group?” he set the card down on the table between them, tapping it lightly with his index finger.
“well, that’s a good question.” he leaned back, crossing his arms. he considered for a moment, then nodded. “i’ll go first, then. from wonder’s discography, there’s this track with a pop-rock vibe i’ve been putting on repeat lately. it’s got that classic, refreshing feel—listening to it just hits different, you know? nostalgic, but still fresh.” he smirked. “funny enough, it’s all about those nerves before a first meeting, when everything goes completely off-script. fitting, don’t you think?”
A LETTER TO MY FUTURE SELF
dear youngjae,
thirty-two years old, and sometimes i still feel like that kid from daegu who just wanted to perform. other times, every one of those years presses down. the industry doesn’t care about your age, but i do. have you finally learned to give yourself a break, or are you still treating every day like a test you might fail? my siblings laugh at how seriously i take everything, as if i’m the only one who remembers what it cost to get here. maybe they’re right. maybe i do need to lighten up. our parents still worry, still call to check in like i’m that teenager who left home with nothing but a dream and a backpack full of lyrics. are you still making time for them? they’re the only ones who’ve never asked for anything but my happiness.
axis has given me more than i ever imagined—over a decade of memories, growth, and shared dreams. but growth means change, and change isn’t always easy. my role in this group has shaped me, but i’ve also had to learn that i’m more than just the leader, more than just the face of it. the music we’ve made, the stages we’ve stood on—it’s all part of a journey that’s still unfolding. lately, i’ve found myself drawn to exploring new ways to express myself. it’s not about leaving anything behind, but about remembering what first sparked that fire in me. the group has its own path, and so do i. maybe it’s time to trust that both can coexist.
then there’s the rest of my life—the parts the cameras don’t see. i’ve been so focused on work that i’ve neglected myself—skipping meals, ignoring the aches and pains, pretending i’m still in my twenties. have you learned to take better care of yourself? i’ve burned bridges, i’ve been reckless, i’ve let my pride get in the way of good things. learn from that. learn to let people in, to trust that not everyone’s out to use you.
sometimes i wonder when i stopped being just youngjae and became the guy who puts everyone else first. the group, the company, the fans—they all matter, but so do i. set boundaries. walk away when you need to. for once, take what you want without asking permission. you’ve spent years building a career; it’s time to build a life that doesn’t revolve around it. the industry will keep spinning without you. make sure you’re not just another casualty of it. buy that guitar you’ve been eyeing. take that trip you’ve been putting off. the world won’t end if you do something for yourself for once.
don’t forget where you came from. don’t forget the kid who just wanted to make music. and for god’s sake, sleep. eat. stop acting like you’re invincible. the world won’t end if you take a day off.
when skyler had received the timeslot for the filming of his 'mix and match' video for the lynk con experience, he felt a weird mix of jitters running through his body and also the need to go hide in a dark closet for a few minutes. he had no clue who he'd be randomly matched with, all he knew was that it would be someone from a different company—so the concept of a relaxed talk with any of his kh entertainment seniors (or juniors, including kismet), was completely out of the question.
now he finds himself here, standing awkwardly as the filming crew prepared to get to work, surrounded by the small set made up of comfortable chairs, a table sat between them, and a few board game boxes stacked neatly on top of one another. he had noticed there were a stack of cards faced down right next to the boxes, what game they could be related to, he wasn't sure yet.
a director calls out something, and when he turns around, he finds the red blink of a few cameras staring right back at him; wonder's manager had mentioned that they would be filming his reaction to his partner… but he'd be lying if he said he didn't briefly forget about that fact. it takes skyler a second, but with his shoulders relaxing and that look in his eyes becoming even warmer, it takes him no time to become skye—wonder's ever kindhearted, supportive leader.
he gives a quick introduction to the future audience as he waves to the main camera with both hands, "hello, i am skye, the leader of wonder. please take good care of me today, too." the cameraman spoke up soon after, asking if he had any idea who he'd be working with today (which saved him the embarrassment of trying to make conversation without much guidance.)
"ah, i'm honestly not sure really! it's a complete surprise to me, but i'm excited regardless." skyler smiles brightly as he speaks, but it's at that moment he hears more footsteps begin to make their way to the studio they're in. that has to be them.
he knows he can't turn around until he hears the last of the steps come towards him, but he's feeling those jitters again and it's getting harder to not look early on and ruin the idea. he's patient though—so he waits a second or two before finally getting to see exactly who this other idol is.
then suddenly he's taking a step back and covering his mouth. one of the side cameras watch him as he runs a few steps away from joo youngjae, and lets out a laugh of disbelief. "oh my god, you're joking!" his collected demeanor from a few seconds ago melts away easily when he realizes he's been matched with not just another group's leader, but the leader of axis specifically.
there was something extremely nervewracking when you're working alongside someone who's extremely decorated in the same field as you, skyler realizes. and now he's even more embarrassed at this being his first ever interaction with him.
the door to the studio swung open, and youngjae stepped in, immediately aware of the red blinking lights of the cameras already trained on him. he adjusted his jacket with practiced ease, though his thumb still absently swiped through his phone out of habit. his manager’s voice was a distant murmur as youngjae scanned the set—the board games, the chairs, and then—there was skyler. he paused for just a second, his expression carefully neutral. wonder’s leader. he’d been following their work, their stages, their growth. this wasn’t who he expected, but honestly? it was a relief.
skyler’s reaction was priceless—youngjae couldn’t help the small smirk tugging at his lips. “guess we’re both in for a surprise,” he said, his voice steady but laced with that dry humor of his. he knew the feeling; skyler wasn’t the only one caught off guard. but thirteen years in the industry had taught him how to adapt, even when he was just as thrown as the person in front of him.
he cleared his throat, shifting his weight. “you look like you’ve seen a ghost,” he said, though there was a softness there, beneath the observation. truth was, he’d been keeping an eye on wonder. their music, their energy—it was refreshing. and skyler? he’d seen enough to know the guy had talent. “but since we’re here,” he said, gesturing to the chairs, “might as well make the most of it.”
youngjae pulled out a chair, the picture of professionalism despite the unexpected twist. “so,” he said, glancing at the stack of flashcards and board games, “where do you want to start? we can keep it light, or if you’re feeling bold, we can dive right in.” there was a hint of his usual confidence in his tone, but it was tempered—more suggestion than demand. after all, he was just as curious as skyler was.
bebe has that swag, that attitude—it’s all right there in the track. i’d love to see them bring out even more of that energy. it’s the kind of vibe you can’t fake. if i ever got the chance, i’d work with them in a heartbeat.
nxde by divine
the message hits different. they’re not afraid to tackle the real stuff—societal expectations, double standards, all of it. the way they flip the script? genius. i respect artists who use their platform like that.
imaginary friend by prism
imaginary friend is clearly a love letter to their fans. the way they frame that relationship—like they’re a part of the fans’ dreams? it’s clever. not many artists can pull off that kind of intimacy in a song.
i’m him by riiot
that’s young axis energy right there. their whole discography reminds me of us back in the day, but this track? it resonates with me the most right now. if you’re still not listening to them, now is the time. highly recommended.
i’m fine by axis
i’m fine is one of the tracks i wrote for axis, and i find myself listening to it a lot lately. sometimes the songs we write end up reflecting us more than we realize.
spaghetti by callista
no question, it’s a bop. don’t try to make sense of the lyrics or the music video—it’s just what it is, unapologetically. and honestly? that’s what makes it work.
day 1 by trixie
it has that bossa nova vibe i can’t get enough of. whimsical, nostalgic, with these vocal layers that just wrap around you. it’s like a 90’s romance or some slice-of-life anime opening. i’m just in love with it.
blue valentine by evo
i’m particularly proud of this one. my juniors in evo took the lyrics and melody and made it even more beautiful. it’s always satisfying to see your work come to life like that.
anti-romantic by hiraeth
i wish i’d written this. the lyrics cut deep, and the instrumentals just elevate it. i’d kill to work with this junior boy group from our company. they’ve got something special.
yet to come (the most beautiful moment) by axis
it’s our latest title track, and it’s the one that breaks me a little. we’ve come so far, but sometimes i wonder if we’ve already passed the peak. i’m still that kid who just loves music, but maybe we’re closer to the end than we are in the beginning.
he has two younger siblings: joo youngmi and joo youngho.
says he can’t do aegyo but is willing to do it in front of his parents.
he had his first kiss in the 7th grade by the han river.
he’s admittedly a cat lover. currently, he’s taking care of two rescue cats: nora and charlie.
he started rock climbing around 2025 and says it’s more enjoyable than gym workouts.
his favorite movies are the truman show, groundhog day, willy wonka and the chocolate factory, and castle in the sky.
he’s a big fan of books about existentialism. he’d often recommend books from authors like franz kafka, fyodor dostoevsky, albert camus, and haruka murakami to his fans.
the most expensive bottle in his wine collection is a 1811 château d'yquem.
he has 5 tattoos: the word “nihilism” on his upper left chest, a paper airplane floating with balloons and stars on his upper left back, the phrase “like father like son, like master like man, for the kingdom of heaven” on his left hip, the words “stay gold” on his left wrist, and the number 7 on the inside of his left ankle. as you’ve noticed, his tattoos are all on the left side of his body to keep the promise he made to his mother to not get his body fully inked.
he trained for a total of 4 years before finally debuting in axis.
during training, he watched a lot of american sitcoms. now, he’s known to be one of the best english speakers in the group. most people are usually surprised to find out that he was self-taught.
his solo fandom are called young ones.
his favorite song that he didn’t write amongst axis discography is “jamais vu”, as it perfectly encapsulates how he feels about navis.
as for his favorite song he wrote from axis discography, it’s got to be “love scenario”. he says it’s the song closest to his heart.
he used to only focus in axis music, but he has since ventured outside of it. so far, he has worked with callista for two of their title tracks (drama, rich man) he also lent his writing and composing skills to several groups, such as hiraeth, evo, and i:ris.
he used to run a soundcloud account where he would occasionally post demos, but it has since been deactivated.
he says he gets inspiration for his songs from “beautiful things or scenarios rather than actual people”.
if he wasn’t an idol he said he would probably be an art teacher like his father.
he hasn’t explicitly stated a definitive “ideal type”.
hey friends! so sorry about the late intro. it’s better late than never, right? call me bright (he/they, 25+, gmt+8) i’m buzzing in excitement. i can’t wait for you to meet youngjae (leader, main rapper, main songwriter and composer of axis) i’ll also be writing rose (main dancer, vocalist, rapper, and maknae of origin) over in @roselovess (his intro will come in shortly) i’m cool with messaging over tumblr ims or through discord (available upon request) so just reach out (or leave a ❤️ on this post) if you want to plot!
here are important links for your perusal:
character stats (wip!)
background + public image (also wip but you can check out the one from his acceptance post in the meantime)
career page
spotify
as far as connection goes, i really love to brainstorm but i wrote some rough ideas to give us a headstart!
for axis members specifically:
someone he was very close with like a brother since trainee days, though their friendship has since faded. they were inseparable back then, but time and distance wore them down until the bond just faded.
someone he constantly butted heads with during trainee days, but who he’s grown closer to lately. they used to argue over everything, but now there’s a grudging respect between them.
for others:
his muse—the inspiration behind axis’ greatest hits like i need u and love scenario. his should’ve, would’ve, could’ve.
an on-and-off relationship. they’re like fire and gasoline: intense and destructive. they break up, make up, break up again, each time swearing it’s the last, only to be pulled back in by something neither can explain.
his girl bestfriend, who was once involved in a dating scandal with him. the tabloids had a field day, but they just rolled their eyes since they knew there was no way they’d ever like each other romantically. now it’s more of an inside joke, something to laugh about.
someone closer in age or who could have debuted around the same year. whenever they see each other during promotions, they’ll have casual conversations. not the closest of friends, but there’s a comfort in familiarity.
someone who was a big fan of axis and youngjae. they share his aspirations in writing, composing, and producing, and want to be taken under his wing. he sees himself in their ambition, and though he’s not the type for formal mentorship, he’ll drop advice when he can.
female idols he’s had dating rumors with.
people from other groups he’s gotten closer with after working with them on writing, composing, or production.
fellow writer/composer/producer-leaning idols he loves to bounce creative ideas off of.
faceclaim: kim hanbin (b.i), soloist
legal name: joo youngjae
stage name:
pronouns: he/him
birthday: december 31, 1994
hometown: daegu, south korea
position: leader, main rapper of axis
career claims: career page
BIOGRAPHY
content / trigger warnings: please include any potential triggers that appear.
youngjae was born on december 31, 1994, in daegu, south korea, as the eldest of three siblings. from a young age, he was drawn to the spotlight, harboring dreams of performing that never wavered. his parents, recognizing his passion, were unwavering in their support, encouraging him to pursue dance and vocal training early on. youngjae threw himself into his craft, driven by a fire that burned brighter than most. his determination was unshakable, and it was this same intensity that caught the attention of apex entertainment. scouted and auditioned, he entered the company as a trainee, where he not only honed his skills but also learned to rap—a talent that would later define his career.
the path to debut was far from smooth. originally slated to be part of an all-hip-hop group, youngjae watched as the company shifted its vision, transforming axis into an idol group. many trainees left, disheartened by the change, but youngjae refused to walk away. he was one of the few who stayed, weathering the uncertainty and rebuilding the group from the ground up. his resilience during this period was a testament to his character: stubborn, hungry, and unafraid to fight for what he believed in. yet, beneath the arrogance of his youth lay a deep love for music and a desire to prove himself. as the leader and main rapper of axis, youngjae took on a role that demanded more than just talent. he became a hands-on force in the group’s creative process, immersing himself in production, songwriting, and composing. his leadership style was strict, born from a perfectionist’s mindset, but it was also rooted in care.
over the years, the brashness of his younger self has mellowed, replaced by a quieter confidence and self-awareness. he remains a perfectionist, but now with a self-effacing humor that endears him to those who know him well. despite axis’s success, youngjae has never been entirely at peace with the group’s direction. the compromises of the industry weigh on him, and while he continues to pour his heart into axis, he has also carved out a space for himself outside of it. currently, he is deeply involved in solo music production and writing for other artists, channels where he can express his artistic vision without constraint. his journey is one of contrasts: the fire of his youth tempered by experience, the strict leader softened by introspection, and the idol who never stopped being an artist at heart.
PUBLIC IMAGE
youngjae’s public image is a study in contrasts—a carefully crafted facade that has cracked more than once under the weight of his own complexity. initially marketed as axis’s sensitive, introspective leader, the man behind the image was anything but. in his earlier years, he was the industry’s quintessential bad boy: reckless, unapologetic, and magnetic in a way that drew as much criticism as it did admiration. the company may have tried to soften his edges, painting him as the thoughtful, mature figurehead of the group, but the public saw through it. fans adored his raw charisma, while critics labeled him a loose cannon, a talent wasted on arrogance. the dating scandals that periodically surfaced only fueled the narrative, and whispers of his temper and clashes with staff only added to the intrigue—though none were ever confirmed—each one a reminder that youngjae played by his own rules, even as axis’s rising star demanded he conform.
yet, for all the controversy, none of it ever truly derailed him. if anything, the scandals became part of his allure. the media couldn’t decide whether to chastise him or celebrate him, and so they did both. to some, he was the group’s backbone, the driving force behind axis’s creative direction, a leader who demanded excellence from himself and his members. to others, he was a contradiction—a man who preached discipline yet couldn’t resist the chaos of his own making. the industry, ever forgiving of talent, allowed him to thrive despite it all, though the whispers never fully faded. now, as axis’s image has shifted and evolved, so too has the public’s perception of youngjae. he’s no longer the reckless young idol, but the scars of his past remain. the polarizing figure persists: a leader who is both revered and questioned, a man whose sensitivity is as undeniable as his stubbornness.
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