Kim Jong Hyeon, formerly known professionally as JR, is a South Korean singer, dancer, actor and former member of NU'EST (뉴이스트). He graduated from Seoul Broadcasting High School and later obtained an associate's degree in K-Pop from Dong-Ah Broadcasting Arts University. He is enrolled in the Practical Music program at Hanyang University but is on a leave of absence.

He made his debut in March 2012 (using the stage name JR) as the group's leader, main dancer, main rapper, face of the group and vocalist with their first single, "Face". While they enjoyed some initial success, their following releases began experiencing a commercial decline.

So, Pledis Entertainment (플레디스 엔터테인먼트) looked to create a special project unit targeting the Chinese market called NU'EST-M (뉴이스트-엠). All members joined Chinese trainee Fu Long Fei (also known professionally as Jason) from Yue Hua Entertainment (위에화 엔터테인먼트) and released Chinese versions of singles "Face" and "Sleep Talking" in November 2013. However, the partnership lasted only a few months, and Jason returned to China, and the unit disbanded in early 2014.

By 2017, Pledis was thinking about disbanding NU'EST, so 4 out of the 5 members (Aron was injured at the time) entered the survival show "Produce 101 Season 2". As Minhyun was the only one who moved on to the final round, the remaining members formed unit NU'EST W (뉴이스트 W) and debuted in July 2017 with the single "If You". The unit was dissolved in December 2018 following Minhyun's return to the lineup.

He made his acting debut in 2021 with a role in the SBS drama "Let Me Be Your Knight".

His contract expired in March 2022 and the group released the compilation album "Needle & Bubble" marking their 10th anniversary and also officially disbanding.

He made his debut as a solo artist (briefly using only his given name and later using his full name) and released his first mini-album, "Meridiem", in November 2022. He is now represented by Evermore Entertainment (에버모어 엔터테인먼트).

He enlisted for his mandatory military service on September 23, 2024, and was discharged on March 22, 2026.

(Source: MyDramaList) Edit Biography