So, you're wondering how old is Jake ENHYPEN. Honestly, it's one of those things where the number on paper doesn't quite match the vibe he gives off on stage. If you just want the quick math: Jake was born on November 15, 2002. Since we’re currently in early 2026, he is 23 years old.
But age in K-pop is always a bit of a weird conversation, right? There’s the international age, the debut age, and then there’s just the fact that these guys seem to age in dog years because of how much they pack into a single comeback cycle. Jake, or Sim Jaeyun if we're being formal, has basically grown up in front of the cameras. When he first appeared on our screens during I-LAND back in 2020, he was just a 17-year-old kid who had moved from Australia with nothing but a dream and a really good Aussie accent.
The Timeline: How Old is Jake ENHYPEN Right Now?
To keep it simple, here is how the clock has been ticking for him.
Born in Seoul but raised in Brisbane, Jake is a Scorpio, which probably explains that intense focus he gets during dance breaks. Because his birthday is late in the year (November), he’s often the same age as members born in early 2003 for most of the calendar year.
- Birth Date: November 15, 2002
- Age at Debut (Nov 2020): 18 years old
- Current Age (Jan 2026): 23 years old
It’s wild to think he’s already 23. It feels like just yesterday he was the "9-month trainee" who everyone was worried about because he hadn't trained as long as Heeseung. Now, he’s a veteran in the industry. He’s navigated world tours, massive award shows like MAMA 2025, and the constant pressure of the HYBE spotlight.
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Why the Age Conversation Matters for ENGENE
Most fans obsess over the ages because of the "02z" line. In ENHYPEN, the 2002-born members—Jay, Jake, and Sunghoon—form the core "middle" of the group. They aren't the oldest (that’s Heeseung, born in 2001) and they aren't the maknae line (Sunoo, Jungwon, and Ni-ki).
Being 23 in 2026 puts Jake in a sweet spot. He’s young enough to keep up with Ni-ki’s insane choreography but old enough to have that mature, "Golden Retriever" energy that fans love. He’s graduated from the "rookie" phase and is firmly in his "global star" era.
The "I-LAND" Evolution
If you look back at clips from 2020, the difference is jarring. At 17, Jake was soft-featured and clearly nervous about his Korean fluency. He had only been training for nine months when the show started. Imagine being a teenager, moving across the world, and being told you have to compete against the best of the best on global television.
By the time he turned 20, his stage presence shifted. The "Manifesto" and "Dark Blood" eras showed a version of Jake that was way more comfortable in his skin. Now at 23, he’s contributing more to the music and the direction of the group.
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Comparing Ages Within ENHYPEN in 2026
Sometimes it helps to see where he sits next to the other guys. The age gaps in ENHYPEN are actually pretty tight, which is probably why they bicker like real brothers.
- Heeseung: 24 (Born Oct 2001)
- Jay: 23 (Born April 2002)
- Jake: 23 (Born Nov 2002)
- Sunghoon: 23 (Born Dec 2002)
- Sunoo: 22 (Born June 2003)
- Jungwon: 21 (Born Feb 2004)
- Ni-ki: 20 (Born Dec 2005)
Jake is essentially the "youngest" of the 2002-liners. Since Sunghoon was born in December, Jake is technically older than him by about three weeks, but they basically function as peers.
Common Misconceptions About Jake’s Age
One thing that trips people up is the old "Korean Age" system. While South Korea officially moved to the international system for most documents a couple of years ago, some old interviews still reference him being "a year older" than he actually is. If you see a video from 2021 where he says he's 20, he was actually 18 or 19 by international standards.
Another thing? People often assume he’s younger because of his personality. He’s got that "puppy" energy—very bouncy, very positive. It’s easy to forget he’s a 23-year-old man who’s been working a high-pressure job for six years straight.
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What’s Next for Jake at 23?
As ENHYPEN moves further into 2026, Jake’s role is likely to keep expanding. At 23, many idols start looking into solo projects, fashion collaborations, or more heavy involvement in songwriting. We’ve already seen him credited on tracks like "Shout Out," and as he gets older, that creative itch usually gets stronger.
Honestly, the "how old is Jake ENHYPEN" question is just the tip of the iceberg. The real story is how much he’s accomplished before even hitting his mid-twenties. From a student in Brisbane to a K-pop powerhouse in Seoul, those 23 years have been packed.
To stay updated on Jake’s latest activities and age-related milestones, you should:
- Follow the official ENHYPEN Weverse: This is where the members post most of their personal updates and birthday lives.
- Track their 2026 tour schedule: Seeing him perform live is the only way to truly appreciate how much he's matured since his debut.
- Watch the "EN-O'CLOCK" variety show: It’s the best way to see the 02z dynamic and how Jake’s "older brother" energy works with the younger members.