Kyujin (규진) NMIXX

Kyujin, a rising star in the K-pop world, has captured the attention of music lovers with her exceptional talent and charm. As the maknae and main dancer of the girl group NMIXX, she's quickly become a fan favorite since her debut. Hailing from Seongnam, Gyeonggido, this young South Korean singer has shown impressive skills in dancing, singing, and captivating audiences with her stage presence.

NMIXX, formed by JYP Entertainment, burst onto the music scene with their debut single "AD MARE" in February 2022. Since then, Kyujin has played a key role in the group's success, contributing to hit songs like "Kiss" and "Young Dumb Stupid." Her journey from a JYP trainee to a full-fledged idol has been marked by hard work and determination. This article dives into Kyujin's background, her part in NMIXX, her personal style, and the impact she's making in the competitive world of K-pop.

Early Life and Background

Kyujin, born on May 26, 2006, in Bundang-gu, Seongnam, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea, had an early start in the world of music and dance. Her journey to becoming a member of NMIXX began long before her debut, shaped by her family, education, and passion for performing arts.

Family

Growing up, Kyujin was the youngest in her family, with an older brother. This family dynamic likely contributed to her mature personality, which her fellow NMIXX member Lily later noted. Despite being the maknae of the group, Kyujin's maturity stands out, possibly influenced by her experiences as the youngest sibling.

Education

Kyujin's educational journey played a significant role in shaping her career path. She attended Nakwon Middle School, where she likely balanced her academic pursuits with her growing interest in music and dance. Later, she enrolled in Hanlim Multi Arts School, majoring in Broadcasting & Entertainment. This specialized education provided her with a solid foundation in the entertainment industry, preparing her for the challenges of becoming an idol.

Early Interest in Music

Kyujin's passion for performing arts manifested early in her life. She was a student at Withbill Dance Academy, where she honed her dancing skills. This early training proved crucial, as she quickly became known for her exceptional dance abilities. Her talent was so apparent that she often took on leadership roles in dance groups at school, foreshadowing her future position as a dance leader during NMIXX practices.

Her interest wasn't limited to dance alone. Kyujin also showed a keen interest in singing from a young age. When she auditioned for JYP Entertainment, she chose to perform "Fine" by Taeyeon, demonstrating her vocal abilities and her admiration for established K-pop artists. This choice hints at the influences that shaped her musical style and aspirations.

Interestingly, Kyujin's artistic pursuits extended beyond music and dance. She used to be interested in calligraphy, showcasing her diverse range of talents and interests. This multifaceted background likely contributed to her well-rounded skills as a performer.

Kyujin's early life laid a strong foundation for her future in the K-pop industry. Her family support, specialized education, and diverse interests in performing arts all played crucial roles in shaping the talented artist who would later debut as a key member of NMIXX.

Joining JYP Entertainment

Kyujin's journey with JYP Entertainment began in 2018 when she joined the company as a trainee. Her path to becoming a member of NMIXX was marked by dedication and hard work, spanning nearly four years of intense training.

Audition Process

Kyujin's entry into JYP Entertainment was unique. Unlike some trainees who participate in open auditions, she was scouted by a JYP Entertainment staff member in front of her school. This discovery led to a private audition in 2020, where Kyujin showcased her talents and impressed the company's representatives. Her exceptional skills were evident even before joining JYP, as she had previously passed auditions for other prominent entertainment companies, including SM Entertainment, YG Entertainment, Fantagio, and TS Entertainment.

Training Period

Once accepted into JYP Entertainment, Kyujin embarked on a rigorous training period. During this time, she honed her skills in singing, dancing, and rapping. The training at JYP is known for its intensity and thoroughness, preparing trainees for the demands of the K-pop industry. Kyujin's background in dance, having been a member of her school's dance club, likely gave her an advantage during this period. She focused on improving her vocal abilities and stage presence, essential elements for a future idol.

Pre-debut Activities

While specific details about Kyujin's pre-debut activities are limited, it's common for JYP trainees to participate in various internal showcases and evaluations. These events help trainees gain experience and allow the company to assess their progress. Kyujin likely participated in dance and vocal training sessions, worked on her language skills, and prepared for her eventual debut.

During this time, Kyujin was part of a group of trainees being groomed for JYP's new girl group project. The company had been planning this debut for some time, with Kyujin eventually being confirmed as a member of what would become NMIXX. This pre-debut period was crucial in shaping Kyujin into the talented performer she is today, preparing her for the challenges and excitement of life as a K-pop idol.

Debut with NMIXX

Group Formation

NMIXX, a seven-member girl group under JYP Entertainment, was formed with high expectations in the K-pop industry. Kyujin, along with her fellow members, was carefully selected through a rigorous training process. The group's formation was shrouded in mystery, with JYP Entertainment building anticipation through innovative marketing strategies.

Debut Single Album

NMIXX made their highly anticipated debut on February 22, 2022, with the single album "AD MARE" and the title track "O.O". The debut was marked by a unique approach, as JYP Entertainment had previously released a "blind package" version of the album, which sold an impressive 61,000 copies in just 10 days. This strategy generated significant buzz and curiosity about the group before their official introduction.

The debut single "O.O" showcased NMIXX's experimental "MIXX POP" genre, combining multiple musical styles within a single track. Kyujin's role as the main dancer was evident in the choreography, which highlighted her exceptional skills. The music video for "O.O" was notably sponsored by Coca-Cola, a partnership that sparked discussions among fans and industry observers.

Reception

NMIXX's debut received mixed reactions from the public and critics alike. While some praised the group's innovative approach and the members' talents, others found the debut song challenging to digest due to its unconventional structure and genre-blending style.

Despite the divided opinions, NMIXX's debut was undeniably impactful in terms of commercial success and visibility. The group's debut album surpassed 200,000 copies in sales, a remarkable achievement for a rookie group. On YouTube, NMIXX set a new record for the most views in 24 hours for a debut in 2022, outperforming other notable rookie groups.

Kyujin, as the youngest member of NMIXX, quickly gained attention for her dancing prowess and stage presence. Her performances during the debut promotions showcased her potential as a rising star in the K-pop industry.

The debut of NMIXX, while controversial, successfully established the group as a notable presence in the competitive K-pop landscape. It set the stage for Kyujin and her fellow members to grow and evolve as artists, leaving fans and critics alike curious about their future developments.

Kyujin's Role in NMIXX

As a key member of NMIXX, Kyujin has quickly established herself as a vital part of the group's dynamic. Her contributions span various aspects of performance, showcasing her versatility and talent.

Main Dancer

Kyujin's position as the main dancer of NMIXX is well-deserved. Her exceptional dancing skills have been evident since the group's debut. She consistently delivers smooth and powerful movements, often taking on challenging choreography with ease. In dance practice videos, Kyujin's ability to execute complex moves while maintaining precision and fluidity stands out. Her dance style combines flexibility with strength, allowing her to switch between soft and sharp movements effortlessly.

Vocal Abilities

While primarily known for her dancing, Kyujin has also shown promising vocal abilities. At just 18 years old, she's already incorporating interesting ad-libs into live performances, demonstrating her growing confidence as a singer. Her vocals are characterized by stability, even when performing complex melodies while dancing intensively. Kyujin's ability to maintain pitch during challenging choreography is particularly noteworthy.

However, there's room for growth in her vocal technique. Compared to some other members, Kyujin's mixed voice is still developing. As she continues to train and perform, her ability to navigate higher registers is likely to improve, potentially expanding her vocal range and versatility.

Stage Presence

One of Kyujin's most striking qualities is her captivating stage presence. Despite being the youngest member of NMIXX, she exudes confidence and charisma during performances. Her expressions and energy on stage have been praised by fans and critics alike, often drawing attention even in group performances.

Kyujin's ability to connect with the audience through her performances is a significant asset to NMIXX. Her natural stage presence contributes to the group's overall dynamic, helping to create memorable and engaging performances.

In the context of NMIXX's group dynamics, Kyujin's role is multifaceted. As the maknae (youngest member), she brings a youthful energy to the group. However, her fellow members have noted that she often takes on a nurturing role, looking after the other members despite her age. This maturity, combined with her performance skills, makes Kyujin a well-rounded and valuable member of NMIXX.

As NMIXX continues to evolve and grow in the K-pop industry, Kyujin's role is likely to expand further. Her strong foundation in dance, improving vocal skills, and natural stage presence position her as a key player in the group's future success.

Personal Style and Image

Fashion Sense

Kyujin's fashion sense reflects her youthful energy and her role as a rising K-pop star. Her style often combines comfort with trendsetting elements, as seen in her stage outfits and casual wear. During NMIXX's performances, Kyujin has been spotted in a variety of eye-catching ensembles. For instance, she led the group in a navy logo-embroidered track jacket and jersey shorts, paired with padded leather boots, all from LOEWE. This sporty yet chic look showcases her ability to pull off both athletic and fashionable styles.

In another instance, Kyujin donned an R13 ensemble, opting for a slogan-print hoodie and ripped wide-leg jeans, topped with a black logo beanie. This outfit demonstrates her knack for blending street style with high-fashion elements. Her fashion choices often include statement pieces, such as an exaggerated look combining a logo-patch striped cardigan and multicolor socks with a pleated mini skirt, all from Chopova Lowena.

Kyujin's personal style extends beyond stage outfits. She's known to carry a round comb with a mirror frequently, as her naturally wavy hair tends to tangle easily. This practical accessory has become a part of her signature look, showcasing how she incorporates personal needs into her style.

Public Persona

Despite being the youngest member of NMIXX, Kyujin has cultivated a public persona that balances youthfulness with maturity. Her fellow member Lily has noted that Kyujin is very mature for her age, which is evident in her interactions with fans and during interviews. This maturity, combined with her talents as a performer, has helped Kyujin establish a strong presence within the group and the K-pop industry.

Interestingly, Kyujin's public image sometimes contrasts with her role in the group. For example, in NMIXX Quest, despite being the youngest in the group, she played the role of the oldest family member as Mountain God, the grandmother. This versatility in her public persona adds depth to her character and appeal.

Social Media Presence

Kyujin, like many K-pop idols, maintains an active social media presence, primarily through NMIXX's official accounts. Her posts often showcase her performances, behind-the-scenes moments, and interactions with fans. For instance, a recent post highlighted her stage presence during NMIXX's fancon in Taipei, where she performed "I Got A Boy," garnering praise from fans for her charismatic performance.

Her social media content often reflects her personality, showcasing her dance skills, fashion choices, and interactions with other NMIXX members. Kyujin's online presence helps maintain a connection with fans, allowing them to see both her professional side as a performer and her more casual, everyday self.

Through her fashion choices, public appearances, and social media interactions, Kyujin continues to shape her image as a multifaceted artist within NMIXX and the broader K-pop landscape. Her style and persona contribute significantly to NMIXX's overall appeal and success in the competitive world of K-pop.

Discography and Performances

NMIXX Releases

Since their debut in February 2022, NMIXX has consistently released music that showcases their unique "MIXX POP" style. Their discography includes several single albums and extended plays (EPs) that have helped establish their presence in the K-pop industry. The group's debut single album "AD MARE" featured the title track "O.O," which garnered attention for its innovative sound and Kyujin's impressive dance performance.

Following their debut, NMIXX released their second single album "ENTWURF" in September 2022, with the title track "DICE." This release further solidified their experimental approach to music. In March 2023, the group dropped their first EP "expérgo," which included the popular track "Love Me Like This." This EP marked a significant milestone in their career, showcasing their growth as artists.

NMIXX continued to expand their discography with the release of their third single album "A Midsummer NMIXX's Dream" in July 2023. The title track "Party O'Clock," composed by J.Y. Park, demonstrated the group's versatility and Kyujin's ability to adapt to different musical styles.

Notable Performances

Kyujin and NMIXX have participated in various performances that have highlighted their talents. One of the most notable was their showcase tour "Nice to Mixx You" in 2023, which allowed fans to experience their music live. The group also held fan concerts under the "NMIXX Change Up" series, including "Mixx University" in 2023-2024 and "Mixx Lab" in 2024. These events provided platforms for Kyujin to showcase her skills as the main dancer and connect with fans.

During these performances, Kyujin often stood out for her exceptional dance abilities and stage presence. Her contributions to the group's choreography and overall performance quality have been significant, earning her praise from fans and critics alike.

Solo Activities

While NMIXX primarily focuses on group activities, there has been speculation about potential solo ventures for the members. Some fans believe that if NMIXX were to release solo tracks, it might be in the form of an album featuring multiple members' individual songs. However, as of now, Kyujin has not engaged in any official solo activities outside of the group.

It's worth noting that JYP Entertainment often takes a cautious approach to solo debuts, typically waiting until a group is well-established before exploring individual member promotions. As NMIXX continues to grow in popularity, the possibility of solo activities for Kyujin and other members remains an exciting prospect for fans to look forward to in the future.

Kyujin's Personality and Interests

Kyujin, the youngest member of NMIXX, has a personality that belies her age. Despite being the maknae, she's known for her maturity and nurturing nature within the group. Lily, her fellow member, has described Kyujin as the "mom" of NMIXX, noting that she takes care of all the members well. This maternal instinct has been crucial to the group's dynamics, with Lily even suggesting that without Kyujin, NMIXX might not have worked out as smoothly.

Hobbies

Outside of her busy schedule as a K-pop idol, Kyujin has diverse interests that showcase her artistic side. One of her hobbies is calligraphy, demonstrating her appreciation for traditional art forms. She also enjoys searching for music to listen to in the car, indicating her passion for her craft extends beyond performances. These activities provide a glimpse into Kyujin's more relaxed side, away from the spotlight.

Relationships with Members

Kyujin's relationships with her fellow NMIXX members are characterized by warmth and support. As the youngest, she forms part of the group's "maknae line" along with Bae and Jiwoo. Interestingly, despite being the youngest, Kyujin played the role of the oldest family member, Mountain God (the grandmother), in NMIXX Quest, showcasing her versatility and the group's playful dynamics.

Her bond with Jiwoo, another maknae, seems particularly strong, as they're known to be good friends. This friendship likely contributes to the group's overall harmony and camaraderie.

Future Aspirations

While specific information about Kyujin's future aspirations isn't readily available, her dedication to improving her skills is evident. As a student at Withbill Dance Academy before joining JYP Entertainment, Kyujin has consistently shown a commitment to honing her craft. Her position as the main dancer of NMIXX and her role as a dance leader during practices suggest that she aims to continue excelling in this area.

Kyujin's ability to speak English also hints at potential international aspirations. As NMIXX gains more global recognition, her language skills could play a crucial role in the group's future endeavors.

In terms of personal growth, Kyujin's mature personality and nurturing nature suggest that she may aspire to take on more leadership roles within NMIXX as she grows older. Her current position as the group's "mom" despite being the youngest member indicates a natural inclination towards guiding and supporting others, which could shape her future path in the entertainment industry.

Conclusion

Kyujin's journey in NMIXX showcases her growth from a talented trainee to a key member of a rising K-pop group. Her exceptional dance skills, improving vocals, and captivating stage presence have played a crucial role in NMIXX's success. As the group's main dancer and youngest member, Kyujin has shown maturity beyond her years, contributing to the group's harmony both on and off stage.

Looking ahead, Kyujin's potential for further growth in the K-pop industry seems promising. Her dedication to honing her craft, combined with her natural talents and the support of her fellow NMIXX members, puts her in a strong position to continue making waves in the music world. As NMIXX evolves and potentially explores solo activities, fans eagerly await to see how Kyujin's talents and personality will shape her future in the ever-changing landscape of K-pop.