
Who is the mysterious male lead in Jennie’s MV? Meet Taiwan’s rising star, Nah Kai
When the first teaser for Jennie’s “Less than a Lover” dropped, global fans erupted over a single polaroid photo: Jennie leaning intimately against a mysterious man’s shoulder. One question instantly dominated the internet: who is he?

Picture: Instagram @jennierubyjane

Picture: Instagram @dornweirb
The boy behind that magnetic, cinematic tension is Nah Kai, a 24-year-old rising model hailing from Kaohsiung, Taiwan.

Picture: Instagram @dornweirb
Born in 2002 and standing at 180cm tall, Nah Kai's entry into the South Korean fashion scene sounds like something straight out of a script. He originally posted casual photos of himself skateboarding on social media, never expecting that his effortless street style and striking proportions would catch the eye of a scout from the South Korean agency Granbrew. That discovery quickly led to an invitation to Seoul, where he launched his modelling career.

Picture: Instagram @dornweirb
Nah Kai’s charm lies in his unique visual blend: crisp monolid eyes, sharp bone structure, and natural, effortless curls. He masterfully strikes a balance between clean, refreshing "salt-boy" minimalism and gentle, approachable "puppy-dog" warmth. Effortlessly shifting between relaxed Japanese aesthetics and American streetwear, his timeless, youthful energy helped him rapidly carve out a recognisable name in Korea's competitive fashion circuit.

Picture: Instagram @dornweirb
Stepping into Jennie’s release is far from his first high-profile moment in South Korea. K-pop fans might already recognise him from his performance in the "Blue" music video by Seventeen members DK and Seungkwan (DxS), where his natural screen presence left a lasting impression alongside his work in major fashion brand campaigns.

Picture: Instagram @jennierubyjane
In the teaser for "Less than a Lover," Nah Kai brings a nuanced, relaxed intimacy that perfectly captures the subtle, bittersweet space of being "less than a lover, but more than a friend." His effortless chemistry with Jennie not only elevated the romantic atmosphere of the teaser but also turned this Kaohsiung-born talent into an overnight global sensation across both the music and fashion worlds.
Also see: All the standout performances from the 2026 World Cup Final, from BTS to Justin Bieber
More Stories

NewJeans at four: Revisiting their defining eras as a new chapter begins

What makes Nam Joo-hyuk’s "The East Palace" Netflix’s latest must-watch K-drama

7 sun-soaked romance films to add to your summer watchlist

