Ni-Ki ENHYPEN Profile: Voice, English, Education & Age

There’s something about the youngest member of a K-pop group that often draws the most curiosity. For ENHYPEN’s Ni-Ki, born Nishimura Riki in Okayama, Japan, that curiosity spans everything from his unexpectedly deep voice to his journey as a Japanese trainee in Korea. This profile pieces together the facts behind the questions fans ask most, drawing on verified sources and firsthand accounts.

Full name: Nishimura Riki ·
Stage name: Ni-Ki ( ) ·
Birth date: December 9, 2005 ·
Nationality: Japanese ·
Group: ENHYPEN ·
Position: Maknae, Main Dancer

Ten key facts about Ni-Ki, one pattern: he is a Japanese teen who became a global idol through a mix of raw talent and early sacrifice.

Why is Ni-Ki’s voice so deep?

Vocal range and natural pitch

• Ni-Ki has a naturally deep speaking and singing voice for his age (Kooky (fan magazine)).
• His voice is often described as husky and mature (ENHYPEN Guide (profile)).
• There is no medical condition; it’s a natural trait, according to Ni-Ki himself: “I’ve always had a deep voice since I was young” (Kooky (fan magazine)).

Comparison with other ENHYPEN members

• Among ENHYPEN, Ni-Ki has the lowest voice (ENHYPEN Guide (profile)).
• His deep tone contrasts with higher-pitched members like Heeseung and Sunoo.

Impact of his Japanese accent on singing

• Ni-Ki sings primarily in Korean and English, with a slight Japanese accent that adds texture (Nolae (profile)).
• Fans often note that his accent disappears when he sings in Korean, showing strong language adaptation.

The implication: Ni-Ki’s voice is a natural asset, not a marketing gimmick. It sets him apart in a genre where high-pitched vocals dominate, yet it also shapes his role as a sub-vocalist rather than a lead.

Can Ni-Ki speak fluent English?

English proficiency level

• Ni-Ki can understand and speak English at a conversational level (ENHYPEN Guide (profile)).
• He is not fully fluent but has improved since debut (Kooky (fan magazine)).
• No official English proficiency test score is publicly available.

Language learning in Korea

• Ni-Ki learned Korean after moving to South Korea in 2017 (KSTAR-WIKI (profile)).
• He is now fluent in Korean, often serving as a bridge between Japanese and Korean members.

Examples of English in interviews and content

• In variety shows, Ni-Ki uses English phrases like “thank you” and “I love you” comfortably (Kooky (fan magazine)).
• Fellow member Jungwon remarked, “He can speak English well, but he’s shy” (Kooky (fan magazine)).

The pattern: Ni-Ki’s multilingualism — Japanese native, Korean fluent, English conversational — is a direct result of his early move and training schedule, but his English remains a work in progress.

How old was Ni-Ki when he moved to Korea?

Move to Korea for training

• Ni-Ki moved to South Korea in 2017 at age 11 or 12 (KSTAR-WIKI (profile)).
• He joined Belift Lab as a trainee (Wikipedia (biography)).

Age at the time of relocation

• Born in December 2005, he was 11 years old when he moved (just before turning 12).
• This made him one of the youngest trainees at Belift Lab.

Adjustment to Korean culture and language

• Ni-Ki attended school in Korea after moving (Kprofiles (profile)).
• He quickly adapted to Korean language and customs, now considered fluent (ENHYPEN Guide (profile)).

The catch: Ni-Ki’s early relocation is a double-edged sword — it enabled his debut at 14, but it also explains why his formal schooling ended after middle school.

Is Ni-Ki Japanese or Korean?

Nationality and ethnicity

• Ni-Ki is Japanese, born in Okayama, Japan (Wikipedia (biography)).
• He is the only Japanese member of ENHYPEN (ENHYPEN Guide (profile)).

Why some fans confuse his nationality

• His fluent Korean and active participation in K-pop culture lead some to assume he is Korean.
• His stage name “Ni-Ki” (written in Hangul ) also blends into Korean naming conventions.

His connection to Japan and Korea

• Ni-Ki maintains ties to Japan, often greeting fans in Japanese and referencing his hometown.
• He is culturally bilingual, fully embracing Korean life while staying proud of his Japanese roots.

What this means: Ni-Ki is a Japanese K-pop idol who has successfully integrated into the Korean entertainment industry, a rare path that requires exceptional talent and adaptability.

Why did Ni-Ki not go to school?

Education background and schooling

• Ni-Ki attended school in Japan until moving to Korea (KSTAR-WIKI (profile)).
• He graduated from middle school in Korea in 2021 (Kprofiles (profile)).

Graduation from middle school

• He completed his middle school education while training and debuted in 2020.
• His graduation was celebrated by fans and fellow members.

Homeschooling and idol training schedule

• After middle school, Ni-Ki did not attend regular high school due to his idol schedule (ENHYPEN Guide (profile)).
• He reportedly receives homeschooling or self-study, though details are not publicly confirmed.

The pattern: Ni-Ki’s decision to stop formal high school is not unique — many K-pop idols face the same choice. The implication is that his education is now self-directed, which may affect his long-term options if his idol career wanes.

For Ni-Ki, the journey from a Japanese dance prodigy to a global K-pop star is a story of early sacrifice and remarkable adaptation. His deep voice, multilingual skills, and education decisions all reflect the trade-offs of a career that started at age 11. For fans, the takeaway is clear: Ni-Ki is not just the youngest member of ENHYPEN — he is a case study in what it takes to succeed in the K-pop industry as a foreign idol. The next step for him is to continue growing as an artist while navigating the gaps in his formal education.