Nichkhun Buck Horvejkul[3][4] (Thai: นิชคุณ หรเวชกุล; RTGS: Nitchakhun Horawetchakun; born June 24, 1988), better known mononymously as Nichkhun (Korean: 닉쿤), is a Thai American[5][6][7] singer, songwriter, rapper, actor and model who is currently based in South Korea as a member of the South Korean boy band 2PM.
Nichkhun | |
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Background information | |
Birth name | Nichkhun Buck Horvejkul |
Born | (1988-06-24) June 24, 1988 (age 34) Rancho Cucamonga, California, U.S.[1][2] |
Genres |
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Occupations |
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Instruments |
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Years active | 2008–present |
Labels | JYP |
Website | Nichkhun's profile on 2PM's Website |
Nichkhun was born in Rancho Cucamonga, California, U.S. to Thai Chinese parents and was raised in Thailand.[8][9][10] His mother's family is from Hainan, and he has said that he has extended family and distant ancestors from Guangzhou.[9][11]
Nickhun's mother, Yenjit Horvejkul (née Mekworewut[3]), is the chief executive officer of a Thai pharmaceutical company, Union Medical, established in 1976, which acts as an importer and distributor.[12][unreliable source?] He comes from a wealthy background, which earned him the nickname "Thai Prince" in South Korea.[12] Nichkhun has one older brother, Nichan Bert (born September 11, 1986),[13] and two younger sisters, Nichthima Yanin (born July 22, 1990)[14] and Nachjaree (Chereen) (born October 20, 1994). At the age of five, he moved to Thailand from the United States with his family and studied at Dhepkanjana School and Tangpiroondham School. At the age of twelve, he studied at Wanganui Collegiate School in New Zealand for a year and a half and moved back to the United States to finish his schooling at Los Osos High School in Rancho Cucamonga, California. He was scouted by a scout manager of JYP Entertainment at the Los Angeles Korean Music Festival.[15]
After passing an audition hosted by JYP Entertainment, he signed a ten-year contract with the company but later re-signed an eight-year contract, not including training, and was brought to South Korea in 2006 as a trainee, being put into a class of 24 other students. Park Jin-young informed him that he was required to learn how to sing and to dance, learn Korean and Mandarin Chinese, and to bulk up. He is now fluent in Thai, English, Korean, Japanese and basic Chinese. He first appeared through MNET's Hot Blood, a program that showed the intense physical training that 13 male trainees had to go through for the opportunity to debut in either a four-member ballad group (2AM) or a seven-member dance group (2PM) under JYP Entertainment.[16]
As a male citizen of Thailand, he was subject to the military draft lottery in 2009 and subsequently received an exemption from military service.[17]
In July 2012, Nichkhun was arrested for drunk driving after hitting a motorcyclist.[18]
On September 4, 2008, Nichkhun debuted as part of 2PM in their first single "10 Points out of 10 Points" (Korean: "10점 만점에 10점") from their single album "Hottest Time of the Day". They have released five studio albums in Korea and four studio albums in Japan.
Nichkhun was one of the hosts for the Korean Music Wave in Bangkok in 2010, 2011, and 2013. In 2010, along with Taecyeon and Yoon Eun-hye, Nichkhun played one of the main characters in a 12-minute music video drama for Cass Beer, which was released on February 8.[19] He also hosted JYP's talent competition Superstar Survival. In June 2010, he was cast in the second season of variety show We Got Married, pairing up with Victoria of f(x). The couple, known as Khuntoria, was featured on the show leaving in September 2011.[20] In 2011, Nichkhun appeared in the music video of the single "Touch (觸動)" by Taiwanese Mandopop artist Will Pan, which premiered on January 31. He also starred in the Japanese live-adaptation film of Ouran High School Host Club as Lawrence, the president of a Singaporean corporation.[21]
In 2012, Nichkhun starred in a Thai movie for the first time in Seven Something and took on the role of a young marathon runner. The romantic anthology film was produced by Thailand's film studio and distributor GTH and released on July 26, 2012.[22]
In 2013, he filmed for the Chinese TV series One and a Half Summer, where he plays the lead character. The series aired between June and July 2014.[23] Nichkhun has been appointed “Friend of UNICEF” on April 9, 2013.[24][25] Since then, he has participated in several field visits to promote children's rights and increase awareness of children's issues. Nichkhun has played an important role in helping UNICEF to mobilize funds to help children in Thailand and across the world, especially during emergency situations. As a result, in March 2015, Nichkhun has been awarded a recognition plaque from UNICEF Thailand for his dedication and hard work.[26]
In 2014, Japanese network NTV's Kindaichi Shounen no Jikenbo mystery drama special was broadcast on January 4. Nichkhun took on the role of a young student who was involved in a serial murder case set in the jungles of Malaysia.[27] Nichkhun started filming for his Chinese drama Looking for Aurora in June. The drama held its production press conference in Shenzhen on August 28.[28] In August, Nichkhun also debuted as a designer[29] and released bag collection in collaboration with Korean fashion brand ‘rosa.K.’ The ‘ROSA.K x Nichkhun Collaboration’ consisted of three different lines: Dustin, Lawnick, and Dave, and the showcase was held on August 26, 2014.[30] Nichkhun teamed up with CNBLUE's Jung Yong-hwa, B1A4's Baro, Infinite's L, and Winner's Mino for project group Lucky Boys (Super 5) for the 2014 SBS Gayo Daejun. Nichkhun and Baro also hosted the show.[31]
In 2015, Nichkhun made a cameo appearance in a Chinese movie Forever Young, starring Li Yi Feng and Zhang Hui We,[32] and a Thai movie Touch the Sky - Chalui.[33] Nichkhun also became a mentor on a Chinese music reality show Youth Trainee on Zhejiang Television.[34]
In 2016, Nichkhun and actor Lee Jung-jin released a travel essay and photobook called '여행, 바람을 품은 지도' (Journey, Map that embraces the Wind) on May 3. The photos in the book were taken during their trip to Hawaii, USA.[35]
In 2017, Nichkhun joined the main cast of a Korean series for the first time on JTBC's Magic School.[36] In September, Nichkhun announced his first ever solo Asia fan meeting tour since making his debut in 2008. His fan meetings 'Nichkhun (of 2PM) 1st Asia Fan Meeting Tour <Khunvitation>' were held in Tokyo and Osaka, Japan between November 29–30 and December 13–14, respectively. His fan meeting <Khunvitation> in Seoul, South Korea, was held on December 3.[37]
In 2018, Nichkhun continued his fan meeting tour in Thailand and China. Nichkhun has focused on his solo activities while some 2PM's members are serving in the military.[37] His Thai movie Brother of the Year ranked No. 1 in Thai box offices and became the second highest-grossing Thai movie in 2018.[38] Nichkhun released his first solo mini album in Japan on December 19, 2018. Titled Me, the album contains 8 tracks, including songs like "Lucky Charm", "Endearing", and "Mars". Nichkhun participated in composing and writing the lyrics for every song on the album. Prior to the release of his album, Nichkhun held his first solo concert "NICHKHUN (From 2PM) Premium Solo Concert 2018 HOME" in Osaka on November 23 and 24, and in Tokyo from December 20 to 22.[39] Nichkhun's Chinese web drama Shall We Fall in Love (勇往直前恋上你) premiered on Tencent on December 27, 2018.[40]
Nichkhun travelled to work in several countries in 2018, especially to shoot for travel and food programs, including JTBC and Thailand's ONE31 The Team Chef[41] and JTBC Let's Eat Dinner Together[42] in South Korea, tvN Galileo: Awakened Universe[43] in the United States, tvN Asia One Night Food Trip – International Edition 2[44] in the Philippines, tvN Asia Wok The World[45] in Singapore, and The Tourism Authority of Thailand Experience Thailand and More[46] in Thailand, Myanmar, and Indonesia.
In 2019, Nichkhun released his solo album Me in South Korea on February 18.[47] The album was available for streaming in South Korea, China, and Thailand. A special song called "Umbrella" dedicated for his fans was released in five different languages of Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Thai, and English.[48] Nichkhun held his solo concerts 'Home' in Seoul on May 11 and 12. He also held his encore concerts called 'Nichkhun Solo Concert 'Home' Encore in Japan ~Sweet 624~' on June 27 and 28 in Tokyo.[49] On July 27, Nichkhun held his solo concert called Nichkhun Solo Concert 'Home' in Bangkok with Dr.Jill in Thailand.[50] Nichkhun started filming for Viu Original Thai series called My Bubble Tea in July 2019 [51][52] and a Thai horror movie, CJ Major Entertainment's Cracked in August 2019.[53][54] On October 28, Nichkhun announced the release of his second mini album in Japan titled 'Story of...' and solo concerts called "NICHKHUN (From 2PM) Premium Solo Concert 2019-2020 'Story of...'" [55] On December 19, his album 'Story of...' was released in digital format simultaneously in Japan and Korea. The physical format of the album was released on December 25.[56] Nichkhun held his solo concerts 'Story of...' in Osaka on December 26 and 27.[57]
In 2020, Nichkhun continued his tour "NICHKHUN (From 2PM) Premium Solo Concert 2019-2020 'Story of...'" in Tokyo on January 6 and 7.[58]
On May 22, 2020, his Thai drama My Bubble Tea alongside Thai stars Mean Phiravich and Manasaporn Chanchalerm aired on Viu. The Viu Original drama revolves around Manasaporn's character who concocts a ~special tea~ so that she can make her boss (played by Nichkhun) fall in love with her.[59]
On September 21, 2020, Nichkhun and Day6's Jae Park took on role as a member of crime-fighting boyband "4 2 Sing" in season three of Big Hero 6: The Series.[60][61] Nichkhun played twins Dae and Hyun-ki, one half of the boy band "4 2 Sing", while Jae Park played another set of twins, Kwang-sun and Ye Joon, also "4 2 Sing" members.
On October 25, 2020, Nichkhun and 2019 Miss Korea Kim Se-yeon hosted "Asia Contents Awards 2020".[62]
In 2021, Nichkhun and Hwang Chan-sung made special cameo appearances in Vincenzo (TV series) to support their bandmate Ok Taec-yeon.[63]
Nichkhun will be starring in an upcoming Hollywood film, Hongkong Love Story, a romantic comedy directed by Keoni Waxman. Nichkhun has been cast alongside Byron Mann, Dominika Kachlik, and Kenneth Tsang. This film is based on real events, Hong Kong Love Story follows Nichkhun and Byron Mann as the sons of wealthy families who go to Hong Kong and experience various incidents that teach them the meaning of love and friendship.[64]
On July 24, 2012, Nichkhun was involved in a vehicular collision with a motorcyclist in Gangnam. It's been reported that the singer had been driving under the influence of alcohol when he crashed into a motorcycle. His BAC measured at 0.056%, thus his license was suspended. Nichkhun personally apologized for his recent drunk driving incident, resulting in him taking a hiatus from the entertainment industry.[65]
Title | Album details | Peak chart positions | Sales | |
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KOR | JPN | |||
Me |
|
14 [66] |
9 [67] |
|
Story Of... |
|
— | 19 [69] |
|
"—" denotes releases that did not chart or were not released in that region. |
Year | Title | Artist | Album | Notes |
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2013 | "Let It Rain" | 2PM | Grown (Grand Edition) | Lyrics and music |
2014 | "Love Is True" | Nichkhun & Lee Jun-ho | Go Crazy! (Grand Edition) | |
2018 | "Home" | Nichkhun | Me | |
"Lucky Charm" (Korean & English versions) | ||||
"Bridge" | ||||
"Jealous" | ||||
"Mars" | ||||
"Colorful Xmas" | ||||
"Endearing" | ||||
"Umbrella" (Korean, English & Japanese versions) | ||||
2019 | "Story Of..." (English & Japanese versions) | Nichkhun | Story Of... | Lyrics |
"You" (English & Japanese versions) | Lyrics and music | |||
"Vanilla" |
Year | Title | Role | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
2010 | All My Love | Ok Yub's human substitute | Cameo (ep. 1) |
2011 | Dream High | Ri-ah's CF partner | Cameo (ep. 8) |
Welcome to the Show | Himself | Lead role | |
2014 | One and a Half Summer | Zhang Hao | Lead role |
Kindaichi Shounen no Jikenbo | Mataichi | Japanese TV movie | |
2015 | Looking For Aurora | Wang Yilin | Lead role |
Yes Sir My Boss | Piak | Cameo (ep. 7–8) | |
The Producers | Himself | Cameo (ep. 3) | |
2017 | Magic School | Joon | Main cast, JTBC's web drama |
2018 | Shall We Fall in Love | Jiang Yinan | Lead role, Tencent's web drama |
2019 | Thong Ek Mor Ya Tah Chaloang | Hyung Suk | Cameo (ep. 12, 14) |
Arthdal Chronicles | Rottip | Cameo (ep. 10–12, 14) | |
2020 | My Bubble Tea | Boss | Viu's Thai original series |
Big Hero 6: The Series | Dae and Hyun-ki (voice) | Guest; Episode: "Big Hero Battle" | |
2021 | Vincenzo | Leads of UCN drama "The Age of Stray Dogs and Wild Dogs" | Cameo (ep. 12)[70] |
Year | Title | Role |
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2012 | Ouran High School Host Club | Lawrence |
Seven Something | He | |
Beyond the ONEDAY ~Story of 2PM & 2AM~ | Himself | |
2014 | Five Eagle Brothers | Policeman |
2015 | Touch the Sky - Chalui | Cameo |
Forever Young | Cameo | |
2018 | Brother of the Year | Moji |
2022 | Cracked | Tim |
Year | Title |
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2008–2009 | Ya Shim Man Man |
Hot Blood | |
Idol Army (Season 3) | |
2009 | Wild Bunny |
2010 | We Got Married (Season 2) |
2011 | 2PM Show! |
2012 | KOICA'S Dream in Tanzania |
2015 | Oven Radio |
Ok.Jang.Khun ReciPe | |
2017 | 2PM Wild Beat |
2018 | The Team Chef (Season 1) |
Galileo: Awakened Universe | |
One Night Food Trip – International Edition 2 in the Philippines | |
2019 | We K-Pop (Season 1) |
2020 | Idol on Quiz |
2022 | Buddy Boys[71] |
Year | Title | Network | Role |
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2013 | Superstar China | Hubei TV | Host |
2014 | |||
If You Love | Hubei TV | Himself with Hwang Chan-sung | |
God & Goddess | Youku | Himself | |
Happy Camp | Hunan TV | Himself with Jang Woo-young | |
All Star Show | Youku | Himself | |
Tonight 80's Show | Dragon TV | Himself with Wei Da Xun | |
Brave Heart | BTV | Himself | |
Dream Music Charity Event | CGV | ||
2015 | Youth Trainee | Zhejiang Television | with Wang Dongcheng, Shang Wenjie, and Li Quan |
Korea-China Dream Team | Shenzhen TV | Himself with Hwang Chan-sung | |
Let's Go Together | Hubei TV | ||
2016 | Grade One Freshman | Hunan TV | Himself |
Beat the Champions | Zhejiang Television | ||
Super Girl Group | Tencent Video | ||
2021 | Shine! Super Brothers 2 | Youku |
Year | Award | Category | Recipient / Nominated work | Result |
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2009 | Mnet 20's Choice Awards | Hot Mr. Beauty Award | Himself | Won |
Tourism Authority of Thailand | PR Ambassador[72] | Won | ||
2010 | Nine Entertain Awards (Thailand) | Popular Vote | Nominated | |
MBC Entertainment Awards | Popularity Award | We Got Married with Victoria Song | Won | |
Korea Jewerly Awards | Diamond Award (with Chansung) | Himself | Won | |
2011 | 3rd Bugs Music Awards | OST of the Year (with Taecyeon) | "My Valentine" | Won |
KBS Best Idol Icon Awards | Icon of the year | Himself | Nominated | |
Mnet Media Awards | Most CHARMING Boy | Won | ||
MTV K's very first Valentine King and Queen | Valentine King | Won | ||
TVCF Awards | Most Popular CF Star | Nominated | ||
2012 | Kerd Awards (Thailand) | Kerd of the Year | Won | |
TVCF AWARDS | CF Model of The Year | Nominated | ||
Top Award (Thailand) | Best Rising Film Actor | Seven Something | Nominated | |
BK Film Awards | The Eye Candy Award | Won | ||
6th Nine Entertain Awards (Thailand) | Popular Award | Nominated | ||
2013 | STYEBIBLE.PH | International Celebrity Collab | NICHKHUN for Bench | Nominated |
Nine Entertain Awards | Popular Award | Himself | Nominated[73] | |
Singapore Blog Awards | Most Popular Overseas Celebrity | Nominated | ||
The Goodness Idol Thailand Awards | The 9 Idols for The King | Won | ||
2014 | — | Asian's Male God | Nominated[74] | |
2015 | Microblogging Star 2014 (China) | Weibo Star | Nominated[75] | |
K-pop Gaon Chart Award | Social Star | Nominated | ||
— | Asian's Male God | Nominated[76] | ||
Micro-star Magazine (Chinese) | Star Scoreboard in February (Overseas) | Nominated[77] | ||
UNICEF Thailand Award | Friend of UNICEF | Won[78] | ||
Zocial Awards 2015 (Thailand) | 'Thailand Twitter Ranking'[79] | Rank #1 | ||
Most Mentioned in Thailand on Twitter | Rank #2 | |||
2016 | IME Chinese Online Media Popular Award | Thailand Headlines Person of the Year Awards | Won[80] | |
China Weibo Awards | Male God of the Year | Won[81] | ||
VDFLY | Top Ten Handsome Asian Men | Nominated[82] | ||
Trends Health's Healthy Role Model Awards | Most Influential Healthy Role Model Award | Himself | Won[83] | |
2017 | ||||
Big Ben Award | Global Ten Outstanding Chinese Young Elites | Himself | Won[84] | |
MEN'S UNO YOUNG Anniversary | International Artist Award | Himself | Won[85] | |
2018 | Chic Style Award 2018 | Popular Artist of the Year Award | Himself | Won[86] |
Tomorrow Land Fashion Award 2018 | International Fashion Charity Artist of the Year Award | Himself | Won[87] | |
2018 FEIA Awards Ceremony | International Artist of the Year Award | Himself | Won[88] | |
Thailand Headlines Person of The Year 2018 Award | Asia Superstar Award | Himself | Won[89] | |
Recognition Award | Goodwill Ambassador of the 60th Anniversary of Thailand-Republic of Korea Diplomatic Relations |
Himself | Won[90][91] | |
2019 | 2019 FEIA Awards | Influential Asian Idol of the Year Award | Himself | Won [92] |
27th Bangkok Critics Assembly 2018 Award | Best Supporting Actor | Brother of the Year | Nominated[93] | |
Thai Film Director Award 2019 | Best Supporting Actor | Brother of the Year | Nominated[94] | |
2019 Weibo Starlight Awards | Asia's Star Award | Himself | Won[95] | |
2019 China Fashion Awards | Asia's Most Influential Idol Award | Himself | Won[96] | |
2020 | Asian Academy Creative Awards 2020 | Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Thailand) | My Bubble Tea | Won[97] |
Tatler Asia's Gen. T List 2020 | Asia's ‘Leaders of Tomorrow’ | Himself | Won[98] | |
2021 | 2021 Weibo Starlight Awards | 'Starlight Artist' Award | Himself | Won[99] |
2021 IFENG Fashion Choice Awards | Asian Idol of the Year Award | Himself | Won[100][101] |
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