Nichkhun

Nichkhun Buck Horvejkul (born June 24, 1988), better known mononymously as Nichkhun (Korean: 닉쿤), is a Thai and American rapper, singer, songwriter, actor, and model. Based in South Korea as a member of the South Korean boy band 2PM, Nichkhun is widely considered to be the first Southeast Asian individual to debut in a K-pop idol group and achieve success. As a solo artist, Nichkhun has released two EPs. As an actor, he has starred in various Korean, Thai, and Chinese dramas and films such as Seven Something (2012), One and a Half Summer (2014), and Brother of the Year (2018). He has also worked as a television personality on several variety and reality programs such as We Got Married, We K-Pop, and Idol on Quiz.[edit]

Nichkhun's global reach is remarkable, placing him as the 34th most famous person in J-Pop / J-Rock, a position he has held steady in the latest cycle of the iFANN Global Fame Rankings. His influence spans continents, reflecting a career that has resonated across Asia and beyond.

His fanbase, known collectively as NO.2 (the broader 2PM fandom), has no separate official name for Nichkhun-specific supporters, though his unique status as the first Southeast Asian K-pop idol has cultivated a fiercely dedicated, cross-border community, especially strong in Thailand and the U.S. Fans coordinate massive birthday projects, flooding social media with hashtags and organizing global streaming parties every June 24. They are also known for charitable initiatives, often raising funds for disaster relief and animal welfare in his name, mirroring his public image of kindness.

Nichkhun's interaction style is notably warm and direct, thanks to his bilingual fluency in Thai and English. He frequently hosts live streams where he cooks, chats casually, and responds to fan comments in English, breaking the typical idol barrier. His transparency about personal struggles, such as his recent discussions about weight gain and aging, including his famous 'three boiled eggs' diet, has deepened fans' emotional connection, making him an approachable figure rather than an untouchable star.[edit]

Nichkhun's legend is built on several pillars. He is widely celebrated as the first Southeast Asian to debut in a major K-pop group, a pioneering status that opened doors for future idols from the region. A story fans still retell involves his description of his 2PM members using only emojis, a segment that showcased his wit and became a beloved introduction to the group's dynamics.

In 2026, a long-circulating rumor about him being bullied was addressed by the group, who clarified that an airport incident was a misunderstanding, highlighting their unity. That same year, he took legal action against a stalker, revealing a serious side to fame. Fans also affectionately noted his 'warmer' appearance in a May 2026 video, shifting the narrative from 'perfect idol' to relatable human, a change he candidly discussed, admitting his shock at his own aging.

His 'Thai Prince' persona, rooted in his aristocratic looks and polite demeanor, remains a fan favorite, but recent events have humanized him further, making his journey all the more compelling.[edit]