BLACKPINK’s Jennie released her new single “Less than a Lover” today. But she’d already set the internet ablaze by posting an intimate story photo with her head resting on a mystery man’s shoulder. The man in question is none other than Nah Kai, a 22-year-old rising model from Kaohsiung, Taiwan, and the male lead stealing scenes in Jennie’s new music video. The reveal has fans losing their minds. Kai first went viral in Korea through a fashion campaign, but Jennie’s co-sign has launched him into international stardom overnight. Here’s everything you need to know about the model everyone’s suddenly talking about.
1. Nah Kai Is From Kaohsiung
Born Jin Kai in 2002, this Kaohsiung native goes simply by “Kai” and is represented by Korean modelling agency GRANbrew. He was already building his portfolio in Taiwan before making the leap to Korea, with solid experience in print and commercial work. His signature look—Japanese-inspired minimalism and a touch of street edge—paired with his lanky frame and tousled waves, quickly caught the Korean fashion world’s attention.
2. One Fashion Video Changed Everything For Nah Kai
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Kai’s Korean chapter began when a modelling agency spotted his skateboard photos on social media and slid into his DMs. Funny thing is, he’d already secured a working holiday visa for Japan. Korea was supposed to be just a quick 10-day detour to “see what happens.” Instead, he never left.
His breakthrough moment came with LOW CLASSIC’s Spring 2026 campaign. One video from the shoot randomly exploded on social media—his doe-eyed gaze and languid cool struck a chord with Korean netizens. Suddenly he was trending, getting recognised on Seoul streets, and texting his bewildered parents back home that he’d somehow become more famous in Korea than Taiwan.
3. Nah Kai starred in SEVENTEEN’s Music Video
4. Nah Kai rarely opts for labels
Forget the labels — it’s all about the vibe. Kai’s approach to fashion is refreshingly unpretentious. Designer labels? Trending pieces? Not his thing. He’s all about whether an outfit captures his personal style. A vintage enthusiast, he’ll happily wear pieces with character—a little wear, minor imperfections—as long as they feel right.
5. Nah Kai is obsessed with Wong Kar-wai
Kai worships at different altars: Bruce Lee for the spirit, Takeshi Kaneshiro for the aesthetic and craft. But his true obsession? Wong Kar-wai’s “Fallen Angels,” which he’s watched more times than he can count, mesmerised by Kaneshiro’s performance.
He’s equally hooked on “Breaking Bad”—not just for the story but for the cinematography. He admits to studying Walter White’s every expression and gesture, using them as an acting masterclass.
6. Nah Kai is a hip-hop head
Don’t let the melancholic model vibes fool you—Kai’s been a die-hard old-school hip hop fan since he was 10. His ultimate icon? Ice Cube, whom he admires as both a musician and actor. But strip away all the accolades, and it’s the music that gets him. Every morning starts with “No Vaseline” blasting—his personal hype track to face the day.
Back in Taiwan, he’d decompress by riding motorcycles, skateboarding, and breaking (yes, he dances too). These days in Seoul, while still finding his feet, cranking music to maximum volume is his therapy.
7. Nah Kai aspires to be an actor
Watch Jennie’s “Less than a Lover” MV here:
Originally published in VOGUE Taiwan
