Boy Crush: Highlight's Lee GiKwang Is Not Only A Talented Triple Threat But An Infinite Threat Who Steals Hearts With Every Move

Welcome to the sixtieth article of our series, "Boy Crush"! This week's boy crush is Highlight's Lee GiKwang.

Kay Sesoko, Kpopmap Editor
6 min to read · Published : Sep 18, 2023

Boy Crush: Highlight's Lee GiKwang Is Not Only A Talented Triple Threat But An Infinite Threat Who Steals Hearts With Every Move

Around Us Entertainment

Not only is this K-Pop idol a triple threat, but he is an infinite threat of a man. Highlight's Lee GiKwang is literally the light of Light (their fandom)'s eyes, and for good reason considering his multitude of talents. Whether we're talking stealing your heart and the spotlight on stage, making you swoon on screen, or even just being a lovable bean as a person, Lee GiKwang has every charm that we've ever searched for.

What exactly makes Highlight's Lee GiKwang a boy crush? Or should we say man crush?

Is it something we've mentioned above? Or is it another charm that we have yet to unlock? Let's find out today.

In Kpopmap, we define our boy crushes based on anything from their style, talent, personality, overall vibe, etc. This series appreciates the men in K-Pop and K-Dramas that we crush on and helps readers discover more of the most crushable boys in the Korean entertainment industry. We look at basic information about their careers, achievements, personalities, etc. Read more of the series here.

Welcome to the sixtieth article of our series, "Boy Crush"!

Let's get to know our boy crush, Highlight's Lee GiKwang.

Around Us Entertainment

If you're new to Highlight's Lee GiKwang, here is some basic information about him. Lee GiKwang was born on March 30, 1990, and dreamed of becoming an idol when he was younger. He was inspired by watching performances by artists like Rain in middle school and hoped to be able to stand on stage one day. However, because he was such a good student, his parents were opposed to the idea of him pursuing his music career. Thankfully, he finally got his big break and we were musically blessed with the gift that is artist Lee GiKwang.

He first became a trainee at JYP Entertainment after passing the audition and this is when he was able to meet his role model, Rain.

After receiving a recommendation, he switched to CUBE Entertainment and became a trainee there. He made his solo debut using the name AJ (which stands for Ace Junior) in April 2009.

Later, he debuted as a member of BEAST in October 2009. This was Highlight's group name before they changed it in 2017 to have a fresh start under a new company, Around Us Entertainment, which they established themselves.

As the lead vocal and main dancer of the group, Lee GiKwang's skills have been described using various phrases such as 'to die for' and more lethal likenings by his fans. From the sheer stability in his voice despite performing challenging choreography to the refreshing yet sexy quality of his tone, there is no aspect where his vocals lack.

Check out this live performance of him singing 'What You Like'.

When it comes to dancing, he boasts smooth dance lines that perfectly suit genres like hip-hop and R&B. He also has a knack for powerful and dynamic dance moves well-suited to genres and technical dance styles like krumping. Lee GiKwang has an innate groove that only he can pull off. This is all thanks to his never-ending passion and dedication.

His fellow member Yang YoSeop once perfectly summed up his dance skills and passion by saying, "If you think about the sweat and tears GiKwang secretly shed, you can understand and appreciate his enduring talent."

This dance performance video perfectly shows off his effortless performance power.

In fact, if you're gonna try to win your way into this man's heart, you're going to need two things: dancing and shoes. (Literally his debut song). He lives to dance on stage - not just to his Highlight songs either - and he has a love for collecting shoes.

On top of all of this, he has also made a name for himself as an idol actor. He has had a number of guest roles, support roles, and even main roles in several K-Dramas. Let's take a look at a couple of his most notable roles.

One of his most iconic characters was in the MBC Monday-Tuesday K-Drama "Monster" (2016) as Lee KookChul. Despite being a guest role, his character had a complex storyline and backstory that he executed so well that fans were left unsatisfied with how much time he got on screen. Many of his fans were shocked by how impactful his acting was despite not appearing in the drama for that long.

MBC

His role in "Circle" (2017) as Lee HoSoo earned him a world of praise too as he brought life to his character. Many enjoyed seeing his character growth and the touching portrayal of his role. Many were blown away by his character.

tvN

This also goes for his role in "Lovely Horribly" (2018) as Lee SungJoong! Whilst fans had mixed reactions to some of the story elements in this drama, one thing was certain. They all thought that Lee GiKwang's character was one of the best. Many felt that his character was the most plausible, and sweet, and deserved much more in the story.

Lee GiKwang has recently been cast in the 2023 K-Drama "I Kill You" alongside KARA member Kang JiYoung. It tells the story of a promising Taekwondo athlete who becomes a blue-collar worker and is mistakenly accused of a fatal hit-and-run incident. It started filming on June 12th and fans are excited for its upcoming release.

Many fans feel that his acting skills are quite underappreciated and that he deserves more spotlight, so they are hopefully that this role will provide just that.

Additionally, Lee GiKwang has been blessed with superior visuals and dons the face of a modern-day Adonis... with the baby face and cutesy side hidden in there, of course. He has verified visuals and can certifiably say that he's got a one-in-a-million type of face as he has literally won awards for his good looks. For example, in 2016, he won the "I-Magazine Fashion Face Award for Asian Males", beating out some of the hottest actors and artists from all over Asia to be dubbed 'the face with great proportion'.

When he was selected, it was noted that he has amazing features for fashion photography including a long and slender neck, a myriad of facial expressions, harmonized high cheekbones, and full lips.

Around Us Entertainment

Moreover, he is known for being a literal beast when it comes to his physique. Many fans acknowledge that he has one of the best bodies in all of K-Pop. He boasts ripped muscles and a magnetic aura that makes it impossible to rip your eyes off of him. He's worked exceptionally hard to achieve this body and gives his all into working out for it.

Around Us Entertainment

However, as soon as he gives us a smile - he just seems like an adorable puppy. His famous eye smile is beloved by fans all over the world and he's got the cutest aegyo to boot!

Aegyo offstage. Full-blown charisma onstage. The man is the definition of 'duality'. Could we have asked for a better idol to stan? Probably not.

You're just as hooked as we are, aren't you?!

What do you think? Do you have a boy crush on Highlight's Lee GiKwang?

Check out the other male celebrities who have been featured in this series here:

48 Male K-Pop Idols And Korean Actors That You Should Have A Boy Crush OnKPOP STORIES Mar 7, 2023

Don't forget to check out our latest articles below:

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Boy Crush: GOT7's YuGyeom Is The Embodiment Of The Phrase "A Man Who Can Do Both" With His Adorable But Attractive AppealKPOP STORIES Aug 7, 2023

Boy Crush: Here's Why ENHYPEN Sunoo's Bubbly Aura Deserves More SpotlightKPOP STORIES Jun 13, 2022

Boy Crush: BTS' V Is As Perfect As A Dream That We Never Want To Wake Up FromKPOP STORIES Jul 11, 2023

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Highlight's Return To The Stage And Continual Presence Even Among The Rising 5th Generation

With their newest release to celebrate their 15th anniversary, Highlight show their mettle, even against the rising wave of the 5th generation of K-Pop.

Dyllan Mykel, Kpopmap Editor
2 min to read · Published : Mar 15, 2024

Highlight's Return To The Stage And Continual Presence Even Among The Rising 5th Generation

Around Us Entertainment

With the 5th generation of K-Pop starting, there's even more competition among idol groups for the top spot. Groups like ZEROBASEONE and TWS have made statement performances, proving they absolutely deserve to stand on stage among their senior colleagues.

Despite the growing interest in the new generation, Highlight makes a return to the stage for their 15th anniversary. The four member boy group has been trending across social media sites for their timeless appeal and dedication to the stage. Netizens are showering the veteran group with nothing but praise.

And we'd have to agree — they are proving that even 2nd generation idols still have a place in this new wave of K-Pop.

Eternally Youthful Visuals

Around Us Entertainment

A few netizens have left comments stating, "They look the same, I'm the only one that aged." Watching Highlight take the stage for their 15th anniversary, we would absolutely agree. Although they've been promoting for a while, they continue to boast the same amazing visuals that they've been praised for since the very beginning. They provide both heartwarming nostalgia of the 2nd generation, but instill the idea that they'll always remain by their fans' side.

Impeccable Live Vocals

Highlight show that they're just built different. With such an upbeat dance track, many fans would probably find it acceptable that they seek help from a backing track. However, they show that their years of experience have certainly paid off, being able to confidently sing 'BODY' live — all while performing synchronized, knife-like choreography. Highlight show that they're true professionals, sounding even better than the recorded version.

Unfading Brotherhood

📌Jaejoong Jaefriends EP.30 (240307)🎶

member is new caterogry for highlight
JJ “I envy your tight friendship (with members)”🥺🥺

ENGSUB
👉🏻https://t.co/rvP1ViZBaf #김재중 #재친구 #HIGHLIGHT #하이라이트 #이기광 #양요섭 #YangYoseop #LeeGikwang pic.twitter.com/qyUExCU5Bz

— TVXQ! Fanbase.id ♡ (@dbskfanbaseid) March 7, 2024

Aside from their obvious skills and visuals, Highlight continue to maintain an unfading brotherhood. While they've experienced a lot together, they're at a point in their lives where many would naturally focus on solo promotions. However, Highlight show that they still remain a close-knit group that has turned into a long-lasting family. With this eternal relationship that extends past the recording studio, there seems to be many more years of Highlight to come.

How are you liking the veteran idol group's comeback?

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