YouTube Star JRE Of JREKML Gives Us An Inside Look At Where K-Pop And The Internet Collide [EXCLUSIVE]

There is minimal press about JREKML, a verified YouTube duo with over 168,000 subscribers, and that is shocking.

As internet entertainers since 2011, the cousins, especially JRE, are two of the biggest names within the K-pop fandom. In fact, based on their fanbase across YouTube and social media platforms, they are the biggest name. Their popularity catapulted to new heights when JRE became the first winner of Mnet America's #Mykpop (Hashtag Mykpop), a show that preceeded KCON 2013.

Since then, he has established a gaming channel, co-hosted the KCON Experience 2014 web series, and is a part of The KCafe, an online collaboration hub that already has over 4,000 subscribers in less than six months. Not to mention, his snapback collection is one of the most recognizable aspects of his brand.

JRE shares his thoughts on his journey as an entertainer and some of his favorite moments thus far.

The JREKML channel is a leader in the YouTube K-pop fandom. What do you think put your channel ahead of the game? 

JRE: I think it's the skits, parodies, and just our humor. We like to make videos that are relatable. Yes, JREKML are known for our reaction videos, but we feel like we can do more than that. This is why we do different types of content such as: skits, parodies, rants, vlogs, reactions, K-pop news and other random videos.

What are some of your favorite K-pop videos for 2015?

JRE: I liked Xia's "Flower," Gain's "Paradise Lost," and Infinite H's "Pretty." And I loved 4minute's "Crazy"! Of course, there are more and more that are coming out in the future. Also, I want to note that I'm saying this on March 23rd, because I know there's going to be more awesome, amazing K-pop music videos coming out (laughs).

Are there any comebacks you are most anticipating thus far for 2015?

JRE: EXO and Big Bang. Also iKON.

"Whatchu Wearing JRE" is a new playlist for the main channel. What can fans expect from this segment?

JRE: Ah yes, "Whatchu Wearing JRE." Well, I get a lot of comments on what I wear, so I thought to make a video playlist about snapback hauls, clothes that I wear or bought, or received/were gifted by amazing people. 

What are your 3 favorite music video reactions from your channel?

JRE: I liked my 4minute "Crazy" reaction. I thought my Girls' Generation "I Got a Boy" reaction was funny because, at that time, I just got back from a New Year's Eve party and was basically tipsy. And Taeyang "Ringa Linga Dance Performance" reaction is a favorite. I'd just came back from getting my wisdom tooth pulled out and I still wanted to do a reaction, even though I was in pain (laughs). Also, special mention for the GD x Taeayng "Good Boy" reaction! That same day, I came back from L.A. and had to go to a wedding in an hour, but still did the reaction in my tux!

That's commitment! Speaking of travel, you were recently spotted in Canada. What was that about?

JRE: I was in Toronto, and this was surprising--Nickelodeon flew me in to see and explain to me their show, "Make It Pop." (Laughs) I did not expect that to happen, especially when I made a skit poking fun of the show!

What advice do you have for those who aspire to be entertainers on YouTube?

JRE: If you want to do YouTube, especially K-pop YouTube, be creative and think outside the box. Most importantly, be you. Don't fake who you are and don't be afraid to be yourself. If you're weird, be weird. If you get hyped and get excited then turn up! That's what I did and it took me and JREKML this far. Remember, the people who watch your videos and subscribe to your channel made you who you are. That's why I always give back--I'm forever thankful.

Keep up with JREKML on Instagram at @Justrandomeveryday and @K_lo1973 and on Twitter at @ItsJRE and @Addamolecule. Special thanks to JRE for participating in this interview!

Tags
YouTube
Hallyu Vlogger
JRE
JREKML
interviews
KCON 2013
MNet America
#mykpop
Hashtag mykpop
KML
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