2PM's Nichkkun / Korea Times file
Before BTS, Stray Kids and NCT, there was an era when Korean entertainment media was ruled by “kkonminam” stars — literally, “handsome flower boys.”
Long before the word K-pop became a global shorthand, these soft-featured, camera-ready celebrities carried the kind of visual appeal and star power now associated with today’s idols.
Years have passed since then. For fans who still remember their heyday, there is an inevitable question: Where are they now? And perhaps a more honest, slightly appearance-obsessed one: How do they look now?
A recent wave of public appearances by stars from that era has given curious fans their answer.
One of the biggest names to earn the “kkonminam” label was Nichkhun of 2PM. From the moment he debuted, Nichkhun stood out for his striking looks, quickly earning the nickname “Thai Prince.” His polished image helped raise 2PM’s profile and made him one of the defining faces of the era.
So when Nichkhun appeared in a recent YouTube video centered on 2PM, fans did a double take — not only because it was a relatively rare appearance, but also because he looked a little more relaxed and fuller-faced than many remembered.
Nichkhun / Captured from YouTube
But then came the second look. Fans soon began to wonder whether the impression had more to do with lighting, camera angles and a bare-faced setting than any real transformation. At 2PM’s 15th anniversary concerts for its Japanese debut, held at Tokyo Dome on May 9 and 10, Nichkhun looked far closer to the sleek idol image fans remembered.
Backstage photos later posted on 2PM’s official Japanese account drew even more attention. In the photos, Nichkhun appeared to have brought back the “flower boy” visuals that first made him a standout, with sharper features and the same easy charm that helped define his early fame.
Source: Korea Times News
