GQ Cover: The Momentum of Ren Meguro

From being a backup dancer, to debuting, to acting—he has constantly learn new experiences along the way, eventually shining into the undeniable star he is today. The lessons he has gained over the years are something only he can truly understand. While moving toward his goals, Ren Meguro strives to keep a kind and humble heart.

As a fashion enthusiast, perhaps the moment you recognised Ren Meguro was when he was at Milan Fashion Week. In a setting where Asian faces stand out easily, his presence shone like light in a crowd. Especially when he smiles—there’s a certain magic that seems to uplift one’s mood instantly. His delicate features are gifts from above, while his singing, dancing, and acting skills are the result of his own relentless effort. Holding dual identities as both actor and idol, his early role in the youth romance drama My Love Mix-Up! (co-starring Shunsuke Michieda) expanded his perspective. Later, in the drama Silent, he practiced sign language to accurately portray the life of a hearing-impaired person. His performance, particularly the silent scenes expressing pain and helplessness, was so moving that audiences could forget he is an idol.

For this cover story, we flew to Japan to shoot at a former hospital. After walking over the stone path through the courtyard, we finally met Ren Meguro. Despite his tight schedule, having just finished filming a drama, he remained as humble and polite as ever, effortlessly embodying each fashion look. After the shoot, he finally had a moment to sit down and share some of his thoughts.

Did anything interesting happen today?

I just finished shooting a TV drama today. I got to work with many new partners this time. Every time I enter a new environment and meet new people, it’s always very fun and full of challenges for me.

As both an idol and an actor, what do these two identities mean to you?

As an idol, I try to show the most genuine, fullest version of myself, so fans can feel my passion and personality. But as an actor, I need to suppress myself and dive into the character, interpreting their inner world. The two may seem contradictory, but I hope fans can see my different sides and feel my charm both on stage and on screen. This process of switching roles has given me a lot of insight and made my performances deeper and more expressive.

How would you describe your personality? What do you consider your greatest strength?

I’m rather easy-going and laid-back. I’m not overly impatient, but I also have a strong competitive streak. Once I set a goal, I stick to it no matter how long it takes or how hard I have to work. I think this persistence and determination are my proudest qualities, especially in an industry as competitive as entertainment, where constantly pushing your limits is essential.

Which stage of your life has been the most important or memorable?

The most important and memorable moment of my life was definitely my debut. From the time I entered the entertainment industry until officially debuting as a member of Snow Man, it took years of hard work and patience. When all that effort finally paid off, the joy and sense of responsibility I felt deeply moved me and strengthened my determination to continue forward on this path.

Among all the works you’ve done, which performance are you most satisfied with?

I think I’ve done my best in every project, but the one that brought me the most joy was performing the action scenes in Sakamoto Days. It gave me challenges and excitement unlike anything before. Using body language to express the character helped me discover new possibilities within myself. It was truly unforgettable.

Were there any memorable or fun experiences while working with the production team on Sakamoto Days?

The special effects makeup took a lot of time—more than four hours every morning. Sometimes I felt sleepy, but the staff were incredibly patient. Their quiet dedication moved me deeply.

Having experience as both an idol and an actor, what’s the biggest difference you’ve felt?

As an actor, the biggest difference is that I can completely let go of my personal image and devote myself fully to the role, without worrying about appearances. As an idol, aside from singing and dancing, I always have to pay attention to my image and details to make sure fans see the best version of me. Balancing the inner and outer self is fun but also very challenging.

What kind of role would you like to take on in the future?

I’d really like to take on darker characters, such as villains or those with complex personalities. These roles tend to have more depth, giving me the chance to show different sides of my acting and push beyond my limits. It’s a direction I’m very excited about.

How has your mindset changed compared to when you first debuted?

Now, I value health the most. The entertainment industry is full of passion and dreams, but without a healthy body, it’s hard to sustain. Maintaining both physical and mental balance has become my top priority in work and life.

As a member of Snow Man, what change do you hope to bring to this generation?

I hope that fans, through our music and performances, can feel empowered and inspired—that it’s a two-way relationship of giving and receiving. I want us to motivate people to find their own drive in life and live more meaningfully.

From trainee to signed artist, what were some of the difficulties or challenges you faced?

I used to think the training period was the hardest, but after debuting, the responsibilities grew even greater. I had to balance group activities with personal acting and variety work, and that came with expectations. I love to sleep, so waking up early has always been hard for me! But these experiences taught me how to manage my time more efficiently and helped me mature.

With fame bringing so much change, how do you stay true to yourself?

I keep in touch with people who’ve known me since before I became “someone.” Their view of me has never changed, and that helps me stay grounded. That kind of bond is precious—it keeps me from losing myself in fame or public expectations.

You’ve attended several fashion shows. What have you learned from these experiences?

I’m very interested in the behind-the-scenes work of fashion shows. The real success comes from the designers, artisans, and the teams behind them. Their efforts often go unseen, but they’re crucial. Every time I attend a show and see the dazzling creations that inspire dreams and hope, I feel how everyone’s hard work connects to the final result. That’s what moves me most about fashion and my own work.

When he speaks, he’s always sincere, like catching up with an old friend. To outsiders, the entertainment world isn’t just fiercely competitive; it’s full of invisible barriers we can’t easily describe or understand. In such a glamorous world full of temptations, keeping one’s original heart must come through countless moments of self-reflection and struggle. The meaning of life isn’t necessarily about reaching the top. Sometimes, moving forward steadily against the current is its own form of growth.

Photographer: Kizen Zhao
Editorial Director: Jumius Wong 
Creative Direction and Styling : Jenine Oh 
Creative Producer: Marina Fairfax 
Grooming: Tomoko Miyagawa
Local Producer: Justin Xu, Shu Yu
Casting: Maki Liu
Prop Stylist: Yuusuke Ishii
Retoucher: Mari Obara
Photo Assistants: Kazuki Murata,Ruka Takeuchi,Rina Uehara
Stylist Assistants: Priscilla Ng, Jean Wu
Wardrobe Coordinator: Sing Lei

Disclaimer: The faux fur jacket is made of synthetic materials and is not derived from animals.