I. Introduction:
“Showtime, NU'EST time! Hello, we are NU'EST.” —NU'EST
NU'EST (뉴이스트; an acronym for "New Establish Style Tempo") is a five-member boy group under Pledis Entertainment. They debuted on March 15, 2012 with their first single "Face".
Four of the members participated on Mnet's Produce 101 Season 2 in which only Minhyun made to the final 11 to become a member of Wanna One. From July 2017 to December 2018, the group promoted as a four-member sub-unit called NU'EST W in the absence of Minhyun.
II. History:
Pre-debut
In March 2011, it was revealed that Pledis Entertainment was looking for the last member of their upcoming boy group, tentatively called After School Boys (애프터스쿨 보이즈), through a public audition. On June 6, 2011, Dongho and Jonghyun were revealed as two of the members. On June 29, 2011, it was revealed that the group would be debuting at the end of the year with 5–6 members while their official name would be decided soon.
On November 21, 2011, a group photo was released for Pledis' charity album "Happy Pledis 2012 'Love Letter'", which was released on December 1, 2011. The album's title track "Love Letter" was performed by Son Dam Bi and After School and featured Pledis Boys' Minhyun and Dongho and female trainees Ara, Hyelim, and Junghyun. The entire group was also featured in the music video for "Love Letter".
On December 29, 2011, the group held a special stage with After School at the SBS Gayo Daejeon.
2012: Debut
On January 17, 2012, a teaser photo was released and revealed that the group would be debuting as a five-member ensemble and under their official name, NU'EST.
2013: NU'EST M
2016–2018: Produce 101 Season 2, Minhyun's absence, NU'EST W
Four of the members participated on the reality survival show Produce 101 Season 2 while Aron did not participate due to leg recovery. Minhyun was the only member that made to the final 11 to promote with the project group Wanna One, while the other members formed the four-member subgroup NU'EST W (the W in the name means the group is waiting for him to return), as they released three mini albums between 2017 and 2018.
2021: Aron's hiatus
On January 2, 2021, member Aron had announced that he would be going on a hiatus to focus on treatment after a medical review, as he has been experiencing symptoms of anxiety. The group will promote with four members.
2022: Needle & Bubble, disbandment
On February 28, Pledis Entertainment announced that the group's contract will end on March 14, in which JR, Aron and Ren decided not to renew their exclusive contracts while Baekho and Minhyun will renew with the agency, and the group will release one final album under the agency the same month. Later that same day, the members confirmed the group's disbandment after sharing handwritten letters to their fans. On March 2, it was announced that the best album Needle & Bubble, their final album, would be released on March 15 to mark the group's 10 year anniversary before disbanding. On March 15, their 10 year anniversary, they officially disbanded.
III. Members:
Sub-units
NU'EST-M
NU'EST W
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Stage Name: JR (제이알) Birth Name: Kim Jong Hyun (김종현) Position: Leader, Main Rapper, Main Dancer, Face of the Group, Vocalist Nickname: Bangkok City Boy, National Leader Birthday: June 8, 1995 Zodiac Sign: Gemini Official Height: 178 cm (5’10”) / Real Height: 176 cm (5’9″) MBTI Type: ISFJ Nationality: Korean Instagram: @pockyjr He is credited for 52 works on KOMCA under the name KIM JONG HYUN(10005724) In 2017, him, and fellow members Minhyun, Baekho, and Ren participated in Mnet's survival reality show Produce 101 Season 2, which he finished in 14th place. Endorsements Origins (2019) He was the first member revealed by Pledis. His specialty: writing lyrics and speaking Japanese is a fixed MC on JTBC’s show “LAN Cable Life”. |
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Stage Name: Aron (아론) Birth Name: Aaron Kwak Korean Name: Kwak Young Min (곽영민) Position: Lead Rapper, Lead Dancer, Sub Vocalist Birthday: May 21, 1993 Zodiac Sign: Gemini Official Height: 176 cm (5’9″) / Real Height: 173 cm (5’8″) MBTI Type: ISFP Nationality: Korean-American Instagram: @nuestaron He is credited for 9 works on KOMCA under the name KWAK AARON(10016278) and just ARON(10016278) Was born and raised in L.A California. He speaks English. |
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Stage Name: Baekho (백호) Birth Name: Kang Dong Ho (강동호) Position: Main Vocalist Nickname: Eye-Smiled Prince, Sexy Bandit Birthday: July 21, 1995 Zodiac Sign: Cancer Official Height: 179 cm (5’10.5″) / Real Height: 175 cm (5’9″) MBTI Type: ENFP Nationality: Korean He is credited for 53 works on KOMCA under the name KANG DONG HO(10011993) His specialty is fencing, writing lyrics, and composing. In 2017, him, and fellow members JR, Minhyun, and Ren participated in Mnet's survival reality show Produce 101 Season 2, which he finished in 13th place. |
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Stage Name: Minhyun (민현) Birth Name: Hwang Min Hyun (황민현) Position: Lead Vocalist, Visual Nickname: Shanghai Boy Birthday: August 9, 1995 Zodiac Sign: Leo Official Height: 183 cm (6’0″) / Real Height: 181 cm (5’11″) MBTI Type: ESFJ Nationality: Korean Instagram: @optimushwang He is credited for 12 works on KOMCA under the name HWANG MIN HYUN(10011986) In 2017, he and fellow members JR, Baekho and Ren entered and participated in Produce 101 Season 2 and in the finale, he finished in 9th, making him a member of Wanna One. He released his first solo single on April 3, 2019 with the digital single "Universe". Filmography Reality survival shows Produce 101 Season 2 (Mnet, 2017) - contestant Music video appearances "Bangkok City" - Orange Caramel (2012) "Shanghai Romance" - Orange Caramel (2012) Endorsements I'M MEME (2018) Hangten (2019) Maeil (2019) Guerlain (2021) He acted in the drama “Live On” (2020) |
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Stage Name: Ren (렌) Birth Name: Choi Min Ki (최민기) Position: Sub Vocalist, Maknae Birthday: November 3, 1995 Zodiac Sign: Scorpio Official Height: 178 cm (5’10”) / Real Height: 175 cm (5’9″) MBTI Type: INFJ Nationality: Korean Twitter: @ChoiGoRen Instagram: @glorypath He is credited for 8 works on KOMCA under the name REN(10015972) In 2017, him, and fellow members JR, Minhyun, and Baekho participated in Mnet's survival reality show Produce 101 Season 2, which he finished in 20th place. Endorsements Love All Matte Lipstick (2019) |
IV. Discography:
Korean
Studio Albums
| Re:BIRTH is the first full-length album by NU'EST. It was released on July 9, 2014 with "Good Bye Bye" serving as the album's title track. The album also includes the group's previously released singles "Face", "Action", "Hello" and "Sleep Talking". Track list 1. "Judgement" - 0:56 2. "Big Deal" - 3:37 3. "Good Bye Bye" - 3:27 4. "Darkness (사랑 없는 사랑)" - 3:06 5. "Storybook" - 3:43 6. "Climax" - 3:12 7. "Give Me a Shoulder (어깨빌려줘) (feat. Bumzu)" - 3:28 8. "Face" - 3:40 9. "Action" - 3:14 10. "Hello (여보세요)" - 3:29 11. "Sleep Talking (잠꼬대)" - 3:28 12. "Hey, Love" - 3:49 (CD & Taiwan edition only) Video links "Good Bye Bye" music video Choreography ver. M/V making film Highlight medley "Judgement" dance performance Teaser |
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| Romanticize is the second full length album by NU'EST. It was released on April 19, 2021 with "Inside Out" serving as the album's title track. The physical album comes in six versions: For Good, To Be Free, This Moment, After Glow, New Romancer and KiT. Track list 1. "Dress" - 3:13 2. "Inside Out" - 3:17 3. "Don't Wanna Go" - 3:00 4. "Black" - 3:15 5. "Drive" - 3:37 6. "Earphone" (Minhyun solo) - 3:10 7. "Need It" (Baekho solo) - 3:23 8. "Doom Doom" (JR solo) - 3:09 9. "Rocket Rocket" (Ren solo) - 3:16 10. "I'm Not (않아)" (Aron solo) - 3:25 Video links "Inside Out" music video MV teaser #1 / #2 "Inside Out" Be Original dance video Teaser Full focused Behind Pre-listening #1 / #2 Romanticize trailer |
Best Albums
| Needle & Bubble is the first and only Korean best album by NU'EST. It was released on March 15, 2022 with "Again" serving as the album's title track. It is the group's final release before disbanding the same day. Track list 1. "Hello (여보세요) (Re-mastering)" - 3:29 2. "Overcome (여왕의 기사) (Re-mastering)" - 3:13 3. "Love Paint (Every Afternoon) (Re-mastering)" - 3:07 4. "Bet Bet (Re-mastering)" - 3:21 5. "Love Me (Re-mastering)" - 3:02 6. "Different (Re-mastering)" - 3:09 7. "Look (A Starlight Night) (Alternative House Ver.)" - 3:51 8. "I'm in Trouble (Urban Ver.)" - 3:06 9. "Galaxy" - 3:12 10. "Again (다시, 봄)" - 3:26 Video links "Again" music video MV teaser 1 / 2 MV behind the scenes "Again" special video Pre-listening Jacket behind the scenes Recording behind the scenes |
Mini Albums
| Action is the first mini album by NU'EST. It was released on July 11, 2012 with "Action" serving as the album's title track. Track list 1. "Not Over You" - 3:35 2. "Action" - 3:14 3. "Sandy" - 3:58 4. "Happy Birthday (생일 축하해요)" - 3:08 Video links "Action" music video Teaser "Not Over You" music video "Sandy" music video |
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| Hello (여보세요) is the second mini album by NU'EST. It was released on February 13, 2013 with "Hello" serving as the album's title track. Track list 1. "Hello (여보세요)" - 3:29 2. "Hello Hello" - 3:20 3. "The Girl Next Door (너네 누나 소개시켜줘)" - 3:35 4. "A Little Bit More... (조금만) (feat. Yoon Han (Pop Pianist))" - 3:47 5. "Beautiful Solo" - 3:07 Video links "Hello" music video Teaser / Ver.2 |
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| Sleep Talking (잠꼬대) is the third mini album by NU'EST. It was released on August 22, 2013 with "Sleep Talking" serving as the album's title track. Track list 1. "Sleep Talking (잠꼬대)" - 3:28 2. "Beautiful Ghost" - 4:07 3. "Pretty (예뻐) (feat. Yoo Ara of HELLOVENUS)" - 3:17 4. "Fine Girl" - 3:38 5. "Love You More (조금 더 사랑할게)" - 4:02 6. "Please Don't (야하게 입지마)" - 3:28 Video links "Sleep Talking" music video M/V teaser M/V making film Dance practice |
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| Q is. is the fourth mini album by NU'EST. It was released on February 17, 2016 with "Overcome" serving as the album's title track. Track list 1. "Lost & Found (나의 천국)" - 3:08 2. "Overcome (여왕의 기사)" - 3:13 3. "VVITH (사실 말야)" - 3:06 4. "Emotion (티격태격)" - 4:00 5. "Onekis2" - 4:13 Video links "Overcome" music video Performance ver. Teaser 1 / 2 "Overcome" dance practice |
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| Canvas is the fifth mini album by NU'EST. It was released on August 29, 2016 with "Love Paint" serving as the album's title track. "Daybreak" was used as the follow-up track. Track list 1. "Daybreak" (Minhyun & JR) - 3:41 2. "R.L.T.L (Real Love True Love) (One Morning)" - 3:17 3. "Love Paint (Every Afternoon)" - 3:05 4. "Thank You (Evening By Evening)" - 3:05 5. "Look (A Starlight Night)" - 4:00 Video links "Love Paint (Every Afternoon)" music video Teaser "Daybreak" music video Behind-the-scenes "Love Paint (Every Afternoon)" dance practice Eye contact ver. "Look (A Starlight Night)" dance practice Album highlight Art film: Aron / Minhyun / Baekho / JR / Ren |
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| Happily Ever After is the sixth mini album by NU'EST. It was released on April 29, 2019 with "Bet Bet" serving as the album's title track. The physical release comes in both CD and Kihno formats, with four versions each. Track list 1. "Segno" - 3:28 2. "Bet Bet" - 3:20 3. "Bass" - 3:10 4. "Talk About Love" - 3:10 5. "Different" - 3:08 6. "Fine" - 3:31 7. Universe (별의 언어)" - 3:21 (Minhyun solo) (CD only) Video links "Bet Bet" music video M/V teaser 1 / 2 "Talk About Love" special video "Bet Bet" dance practice Close up ver. Winning #1 ver. "Bet Bet" fanchant guide video Album photoshoot behind-the-scenes L.O.Λ.E Story teasers: Baekho / Ren / Aron / Minhyun / JR Pre-listening Prologue |
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| The Table is the seventh mini album by NU'EST. It was released on October 21, 2019 with "Love Me" serving as the album's title track. The physical album comes in 3 different versions and a Kihno kit. Track list 1. "Call Me Back" - 3:09 2. "Love Me" - 3:03 3. "One Two Three" - 3:23 4. "Trust Me" - 3:21 5. "Stay Up All Night (밤새)" - 3:35 6. "If We (우리가 사랑했다면)" - 3:07 Video links "Love Me" music video Teaser Behind-the-scenes "Love Me" dance practice Halloween ver. Moving ver. "Bass" dance practice (Golden Music Awards ver.) "Love Me" fanchant guide video Album trailers: Baekho / Ren / Aron / Minhyun / JR / Group Pre-trailer Album pre-listening Album photoshoot behind-the-scenes |
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| The Nocturne is the eighth mini album by NU'EST. It was released on May 11, 2020 with "I'm in Trouble" serving as the album's title track. The physical album consists of 4 versions (No.1, No.2, No.3, and No.4) and a Kihno version. Track list 1. "Moon Dance" - 3:39 2. "I'm in Trouble" - 3:04 3. "Firework" - 3:27 4. "Back to Me (평행우주)" - 3:28 5. "Must (꼭)" - 4:06 6. "Shooting Star (반딧별)" - 3:32 Video links "I'm in Trouble" music video Teaser #1 / #2 Behind-the-scenes "I'm in Trouble" choreography video Special gift ver. Winning #1: Thank you for L.O.Λ.E ver. "I'm in Trouble" fanchant guide video Album photoshoot behind-the-scenes Comeback show Album trailers: JR / Aron / Minhyun / Ren / Baekho / Group Album pre-listening |
Single Albums
| "Face" is the debut single by NU'EST. It was released on March 15, 2012 with "Face" as the single's title track. Track list 1. "NU, Establish, Style, Tempo" - 1:47 2. "Face" - 3:39 3. "I'm Sorry" - 3:44 Video links "Face" music video Teaser Member teasers: Baekho / Ren / Minhyun / JR / Aron |
Digital Singles
| "A Song For You" (노래 제목) is the first digital single by NU'EST. It was released on March 15, 2019. The single marks their return as a full group with Minhyun after Wanna One's disbandment and celebrates the group's 7th anniversary since debut. Video links Official audio |
Special Single
| "I'm Bad" is a special single by NU'EST. It was released digitally on February 27, 2015, and physically as a limited edition on March 15, 2015, to commemorate the group's third anniversary since their debut. Track list 1. "I'm Bad" - 3:27 2. "A Scene Without You (나와 같은 차를 마시고)" - 3:45 Baekho did not participate in the recording of "I'm Bad" due to him recuperating at the time from his surgery to remove vocal fold nodules. Video links "I'm Bad" music video Teaser M/V making |
Collaborations
| "Let's Love (with Spoonz)" is a collaboration single by NU'EST. It was released on February 14, 2020 as a collaboration with NCsoft's character brand, Spoonz. Video links Music video MV teaser Individual teasers: JR / Aron / Baekho / Minhyun / Ren Self-cams: JR / Aron / Baekho / Minhyun / Ren |
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| "Best Summer (with Spoonz)" is a collaboration single by NU'EST. It was released on June 2, 2020 as a collaboration with NCsoft's character brand, Spoonz. |
Features
| Orange Caramel - "Dashing Through the Snow in Highheels" | 2012 |
Japanese
Studio Albums
| Bridge the World is the first Japanese full-length album by NU'EST. It was released on November 18, 2015. "Bridge the World" was pre-released on September 13, 2015. "Cherry (English Ver.)" was also released as a digital single on the same day of the album's release. The physical album comes in three versions: one regular CD edition and two limited CD+DVD editions. Track list 1. "Access to You" - 4:38 2. "Let's Go Crazy!" - 2:56 3. "Cherry" - 3:49 4. "Bridge the World" - 5:13 5. "Na.Na.Na.Namida (Na.Na.Na.涙; Tears)" - 3:59 6. "Ame Nochi Eien (雨のち永遠)" - 4:31 7. "Flying Angel" - 4:04 8. "Koisuru Wonderland (恋するWonderland)" - 3:30 9. "Shalala Ring" - 3:33 10. "Hey, Love (Japanese Ver.)" - 3:50 11. "Cherry (English Ver.)" (Bonus track; Limited Edition A) - 3:49 / "Koisuru Hi (恋する日)" (Minhyun solo) (Bonus track; Limited Edition B) - 5:37 12. "Bridge the World (English Ver.)" (Bonus track; Limited Edition A) - 5:13 13. "I'm Bad" (Bonus track; Limited Ed. A) - 3:29 14. "Boku to Issho ni Ocha wo Nonde (僕と一緒にお茶を飲んで)" (Bonus track; Limited Edition A) - 3:46 15. "Kouishou (後遺症)" (FROMM feat. Minhyun) (Bonus track; Limited Edition A) - 4:24 DVD (Limited Edition A) Shalala Ring music video Good Bye Bye music video DVD (Limited Edition B) "Shalala Ring" music video (Dance ver.) NU'EST Japan promotions behind the scenes |
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| Drive is the second Japanese studio album by NU'EST. It was released on October 7, 2020 with "Drive" serving as the album's title track. It feautures all of their songs previously released in their 7th and 8th mini albums, The Table and The Nocturne, released on October 21, 2019 and May 11, 2020, respectively. The album comes in three versions: One standard CD edition and 3 limited editions. Track list 1. "Drive" (Japanese ver.) - 3:38 2. "A Song For You" (Japanese ver.) - 4:16 3. "Call Me Back" - 3:10 4. "Love Me" - 3:03 5. "One Two Three" - 3:24 6. "Trust Me" - 3:23 7. "Stay Up All Night" - 3:36 8. "If We" - 3:08 9. "Moon Dance" - 3:41 10. "I'm in Trouble" - 3:05 11. "Firework" - 3:28 12. "Back To Me" - 3:30 13. "Must" - 4:07 14. "Shooting Star" - 3:34 Video links "Drive" music video MV teaser 1 / 2 |
Best Albums
NU'EST Best in Korea (2014)
Singles
| "Shalala Ring" is the first Japanese single by NU'EST. It was released on November 5, 2014. The physical release comes in three versions: Two limited editions and one normal CD edition. Track list 1. "Shalala Ring" - 3:33 2. "Flying Angel" - 4:05 3. "Shalala Ring (Instrumental)" - 3:33 4. "Flying Angel (Instrumental)" - 4:05 DVD (Limited Edition A) Shalala Ring music video Good Bye Bye music video DVD (Limited Edition B) Shalala Ring music video (Dance ver.) The Collection of Off Shot to a Japan Debut |
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| "Na.Na.Na.Namida" (Na.Na.Na.涙) is the second Japanese single by NU'EST. It was released on May 20, 2015. The physical release comes in three versions: two limited CD+DVD editions and one regular CD edition. Track list 1. "Na.Na.Na.Namida" - 4:00 2. "Hey, Love (Japanese ver.)" - 3:50 3. "Na.Na.Na.Namida (Instrumental)" - 4:00 4. "Hey, Love (Japanese ver.) (Instrumental)" - 3:50 |
Digital Singles
| "Bridge the World" is the first Japanese digital single by NU'EST. It was released on September 13, 2015. An English version was also released on September 23, 2015 as a separate single and alongside the original version. It is a pre-release single for their first Japanese studio album of the same name, Bridge the World. Track list 1. "Bridge the World" - 5:13 English version 2. "Bridge the World (English Ver.)" - 5:13 Full 3. "Bridge the World" - 5:13 4. "Bridge the World (English Ver.)" - 5:13 |
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| "Bridge the World" is the first Japanese digital single by NU'EST. It was released on September 13, 2015. An English version was also released on September 23, 2015 as a separate single and alongside the original version. It is a pre-release single for their first Japanese studio album of the same name, Bridge the World. Track list 1. "Bridge the World" - 5:13 English version 2. "Bridge the World (English Ver.)" - 5:13 Full 3. "Bridge the World" - 5:13 4. "Bridge the World (English Ver.)" - 5:13 |
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| "Cherry (English Ver.)" is the second Japanese digital single by NU'EST. It was released on November 18, 2015 under Ariola Japan and re-released on March 15, 2016 under Sony Music Entertainment Japan. It is an English version of their song "Cherry" that was released for their first Japanese studio album Bridge the World included as a Limited Edition A bonus track. |
Taiwanese
Best Albums
Smash Hits (2013)
V. Awards & Nominations:
Wins 28
Nominations 81
VI. MUSIC SHOW WINS:
First Win: October 19, 2017 on M! Countdown for “Where You At” (as NU’EST W)
First Win as a Full Group: May 8, 2019 on Show Champion for “Bet Bet”
Total Wins: 17 (as of May 23, 2020) / 4 as NU’EST W, 13 as NU’EST
Most Awarded Song: “Love Me” (as of May 2020 before their comeback)
VII. ACHIEVEMENTS:
Sales, Streaming, and Certifications
- After most of the NU’EST members failed to make it into Wanna One at the end of Produce 101, their song “Hello” climbed to the top of the charts and stayed there for several days – even grabbing them a coveted 1st place nomination on SBS Inkigayo. This was seen as a major accomplishment because “Hello” had been released in 2013, four years before Produce 101. The only other group who has made such a huge comeback was EXID, and their hit song had been outa few months before it became popular.
- When NU’EST W released W,Here, they became the fourth K-pop group to sell over 200,000 albums in one week. The other three groups to do so were BTS, EXO, and Wanna One.
- NU’EST W’s album WHO, YOU received a platinum certification from Gaon for selling over 250,000 copies. Happily Ever After has also been certified platinum.
- During the week of Happily Ever After (NU’EST’s first release as a full group after Produce 101), they achieved a Triple Crown on Gaon’s Weekly Chart by taking first place in album sales, digital downloads, and BGM
- Both of the mini albums NU’EST released in 2019 were in the Top 25 of Gaon’s overall albums sales chart for that year. Happily Ever After was #23, and The Table was #25.
Miscellaneous
- NU’EST won their very first music show after almost 5 and a half years with “Where You At,” which is one of the longest time periods before a group has won their first music show prize after debut.
VIII. Awards:
2017-2018 (As NU’EST W)
Asia Artist Awards (AAA)
Best Entertainer (shared with Monsta X and Bolbbalgan4)
Gaon Chart Music Awards
Hot Performance of the Year
Golden Disc Awards
Disk Bonsang (for W,HERE)
MAMA (MNET Asian Music Awards)
Discovery of the Year
Bonsang (for W,HERE)
2018-2019 (As NU’EST W)
Asia Artist Awards (AAA)
*Artist of the Year (shared with multiple groups)
*Best Music Award (shared with Sunmi and MAMAMOO)
Gaon Chart Music Awards *
Hot Performance of the Year
Golden Disc Awards
*Disk Bonsang (for Who, You)
MAMA (MNET Asian Music Awards)
Worldwide Fans’ Choice Top 10
Seoul Music Awards
*Bonsang
Soribada Best K-Music Awards
*New Hallyu Icon Award
*Bonsang
2019-2020
Asia Artist Awards (AAA)
*Asia Celebrity
*Best Musician
Golden Disk Awards
*Disk Bonsang (for Happily Ever After)
*Cosmopolitan Artist Award
Seoul Music Awards
*Bonsang
