Today marks NU’EST’s very own leader, JR’s 22nd birthday (korean years). Often known for his charismatic stage presence and a total twist of being a dorky Agumon behind the scenes, here are 22 reasons why you should love our very own, Pocky JR.
1. His charisma
When asked about their first impression or the one word to describe their leader, the members most often blurts out the word ‘charisma’ - being a rapper and leader of the group, JR definitely shows his stage presence with his dances and fierce and unique rapping tones that immediately draws your attention.
2. His rap skills
When we talk about JR, we cannot forget his role as the main rapper in NU’EST. Unlike Aron, who goes between vocals and rap, JR’s forte has always lie with rapping since the group’s debut. With a husky voice, his rap tone proves to be popular within the fandom - and beyond. He’s also written his own raps, and some of the most well known tracks include Sleep Talking Spoiler and Lend Me Your Shoulder, as well as CLIMAX and Love Without Love.
3. His rap making, song-writing skills
In line with the previous point, JR has been involved with rap making and lyrics for a while now. While most rappers do tend to write their own raps which helps with their flow, JR has lend his pen for four out of five of their last Korean release, Q is. Not only that, JR also wrote the lyrics to Beautiful Ghost off their 3rd mini album, Sleep Talking.
4. His dance skills
Recognized as the best dancer in NU’EST, his dance skills has also been recognized by professional B-boys. In fact, JR has also done a few dance solos for their Japanese SHOWTIME stages, and here’s an earlier fancam of one. What was impressive of his moves was how effortless he makes them to be, flowing well with the beats of the songs. Of course, his skills also came in handy in a variety sense.
5. His transformation into Agumon
While it is unknown how he found his talents as mimicking a certain orange Digimon, we’re certainly glad for it. Well, not everyone could appreciate the absolute cuteness of the Agumon effect, however.
6. His precious smile
We’ll leave these photos here to prove our point (one) (two) (three) (four) (five) - doesn’t he just melt your heart?
7. His love for manga
Remember the time he did a formal bow of 90 degrees because he received a set of Manhwa from the staff? Or more recently, him introducing his favourite manhwa for his personal V-live? Check it out here and just gush with him (or over him).
8. His love for potatoes
Yes, JR loves potatoes. He loves them so much he grows them. Or one. We all need a potato friend, and we can’t help but coo over Jr’s dedication over his little friend. Remember to say hi when you see it!
9. His aegyo
While Aron’s often called upon by the members to do aegyo, the charismatic leader actually does hold himself well in his aegyo challenges.
10. He is an overexcited beagle
Sees an overly excited kid bouncing at the back of any NU’EST video with a teeth-showing smile? 9/10 that’s our very own leader. Even as the leader, JR still holds a playful streak in him, such as dancing on his way to school and uploading it onto his instagram, or jumping in the background of NU’EST videos.
11. His calmness
With a more introverted nature compared to the other peers, JR seems to enjoy the quieter side of things. Even with cats climbing and running about, JR sticks to his quiet, observing side, accompanying a cat snoozing off or patting them to his heart’s content.
12. His shyness
This especially shows when his members take the opportunity to tease him, sometimes leaving him in a sad spluttering mess, sometimes making him easily flustered.
13. His modelsque features
While Ren and Minhyun might be more known among the LOVE circle as fashion-oriented or own tall, striking features that make them favourable for designers, leader JR has done solo photoshoots for magazines before. (His shoot for The STAR remains to be fans’ favourite)
14. His competitive nature
There’s always a spark in his eyes that says he wants to win something, even if his competitors are none other than his precious members. Perhaps it’s also his pride as the leader on the line, and his nature to give it his all, but he proves that he’s out there with an aim to win it, even if it just involves collecting cards in a vast area.
15. His fanservice (shipping)
While some LOVEs are not fans of shipping, we cannot deny how adorable he is with his fellow members, be it rapping with Aron, clingy with Ren, laughing with Baekho or being the responsible dad with mother Minhyun, it simply shows his affection and comfort with his members.
16. His fanservice (to fans)
He has an aim to please his fans a lot, and more often than not you’d see how polite he is with his fans. Never be fooled by the stoic, aggressive eyeliner he dons at times, this is one giant cuddly sensitive potato who wants to know his fans more!
17. His willingness to try something new
People are usually afraid of changes in our lives, but JR has shown time and time again of how he wants to try something new, and devoting his time to actually make it true. Like rap-making, for example, to trying out acting.
18. Him saving NU’EST’s image
There are times where your members go out of control - Aron and Ren beating each other up, members bullying Minhyun, Baekho’s bad puns...sometimes you need that one person to step up and control the situation a bit, and that is no other than the trustworthy leader, JR.
19. Him taking the hits
That said, if the target of the teasing is JR, he cooly admits (after faltering for a moment) his faults, which just makes him all the more endearing.
20. His ment to fans
There’s always a sincere heart that you can feel when JR addresses L.O.V.Es. He addresses our concerns showed that he’s listened to us all the time, and he’s always been frank with us - be it his disappointment, the fan’s disappointment, and of course, his joy and happiness. He’s always asking fans to wait a bit longer for more NU’EST releases, and he never does disappoint us.
21. His random posts
Following from the above point, the boy also updates the fancafe from time to time, including a word that they’re leaving for overseas schedule and asking fans to take care, as well as leaving a line when they’re back home.
22. His leadership
L.O.V.Es would have known the famous letter he wrote to his members back during one of their Japan tours. The letter mentioned several things, and one of the most famous phrase has to be “last time, I said that ‘no matter what, I’m the leader, just believe in me’. I haven’t been able to fulfill that promise. So, I’m really sorry, and I’m really thankful. Thank you.” The letter had pushed the members to tears, including the audience, and the L.O.V.Es who watched it online. In light of the recent revelation of NU’EST’s questionable treatment, it is not difficult to imagine the sort of burden he has to carry for the group.
Behind the charismatic persona on stage, Kim Jonghyun holds a young, sensitive heart that just wants the best for his loved ones - family, members, and fans - and he’s been working hard to achieve that. For that, he has never disappointed - and we can’t wait to see, how much JR would grow, as a leader, a performer, and as both JR and a person named Kim Jonghyun.
NU’EST Newsletter would like to with JR a happy birthday, and may you dreams come true! Remember to tweePOCKYJRDAY and send him a message on Insta or the Fancafe if you can!
Also many thanks to the lovely fans on Twitter sending in your suggestions: @ALucky925 ; @VLOVENUEST4EVER ; @chris_nuest ; @GTokodi ; @nengsu_ ; @theswooned ; @TiiaNUEST ; @dealfhatake ; @Ayudyta_YJ
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