Learn all about NU’EST, the legendary K-pop group from Pledis Entertainment. Discover their history, members, hit songs, and what they are doing now.
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Photo of NU’EST – The Legendary Korean Boy Group. |
Who is NU’EST?
NU’EST (뉴이스트) was a South Korean boy band under Pledis Entertainment. Their name stands for “New Establish Style Tempo”, reflecting their fresh and trendsetting music style.
NU’EST Members Biodata
Get to know the detailed profiles of each NU’EST member: JR, Aron, Baekho, Minhyun, and Ren.
JR (Kim Jong-hyun)
- Full Name: Kim Jong-hyun (김종현)
- Birthday: June 8, 1995
- Position: Leader, Main Rapper
- Nationality: South Korean
- Current Activity: Solo artist and actor
Aron (Aaron Kwak)
- Full Name: Aaron Kwak (곽아론)
- Birthday: May 21, 1993
- Position: Lead Rapper, Vocalist
- Nationality: Korean-American
- Current Activity: Podcast host and influencer
Baekho (Kang Dong-ho)
- Full Name: Kang Dong-ho (강동호)
- Birthday: July 21, 1995
- Position: Main Vocalist
- Nationality: South Korean
- Current Activity: Solo artist under HYBE Labels
Minhyun (Hwang Min-hyun)
- Full Name: Hwang Min-hyun (황민현)
- Birthday: August 9, 1995
- Position: Lead Vocalist
- Nationality: South Korean
- Current Activity: Solo artist and actor (starred in Alchemy of Souls)
Ren (Choi Min-ki)
- Full Name: Choi Min-ki (최민기)
- Birthday: November 3, 1995
- Position: Vocalist, Maknae
- Nationality: South Korean
- Current Activity: Musical actor and soloist
Top NU’EST Songs
- Face (2012)
- Overcome (2016)
- Love Paint (2016)
- Bet Bet (2019)
- I’m in Trouble (2020)
NU’EST History: From Debut to Legacy
A journey through the career of NU’EST, one of K-pop’s most beloved groups from debut to disbandment.
2012: The Grand Debut
NU’EST debuted on March 15, 2012, under Pledis Entertainment with the song “Face.” They gained attention for addressing social issues like bullying in their music.
2013-2015: Experimenting with Concepts
The group explored different musical styles with songs like “Hello” and “Good Bye Bye.” However, they struggled to gain mainstream success in South Korea.
2016: A Turning Point
NU’EST made a comeback with “Overcome” and continued to develop their signature sound, but they still faced commercial struggles.
2017: Produce 101 and NUEST W
In a surprising move, JR, Baekho, Minhyun, and Ren joined Produce 101 Season 2. Minhyun was selected for Wanna One, while the remaining members formed NU’EST W, leading to a huge surge in popularity.
2019-2021: Full Group Resurgence
With Minhyun’s return, NU’EST made a full comeback, releasing hit albums like “Happily Ever After” and “The Nocturne.”
2022: Disbandment and Farewell
On March 14, 2022, Pledis Entertainment announced NU’EST’s disbandment after a decade together. Their final album, “Needle & Bubble,” was a farewell gift to their fans, L.O.Λ.E.
NU’EST’s Legacy
Despite ups and downs, NU’EST is remembered as a group that defied the odds, gained success through perseverance, and left a lasting impact on K-pop.
NU’EST Complete Discography
Complete discography of NU’EST, including albums, EPs, and songs/singles.
Studio Albums
- Re:Birth (2014)
- Romanticize (2021)
Extended Plays (EPs)
- Action (2012)
- Hello (2013)
- Sleep Talking (2013)
- Q is (2016)
- Canvas (2016)
- W, Here (2017) – NU’EST W
- Who, You (2018) – NU’EST W
- Wake, N (2018) – NU’EST W
- Happily Ever After (2019)
- The Table (2019)
- The Nocturne (2020)
Singles
- Face (2012)
- I’m Bad (2015)
- Overcome (2016)
- Love Paint (Every Afternoon) (2016)
- Where You At (2017) – NU’EST W
- Dejavu (2018) – NU’EST W
- Help Me (2018) – NU’EST W
- Bet Bet (2019)
- I’m in Trouble (2020)
- Inside Out (2021)
Final Release
- Needle & Bubble (2022) – Compilation album
Fun Facts About NU’EST
Discover interesting and lesser-known facts about NU’EST members: JR, Aron, Baekho, Minhyun, and Ren.
Facts About JR (Kim Jong-hyun) of NU’EST
- He was the first male trainee at Pledis Entertainment.
- JR’s nickname is “National Leader” because of his leadership in Produce 101 Season 2.
- He enjoys gaming and is a big fan of Pokémon.
Facts About Aron (Aaron Kwak) of NU’EST
- Aron was born and raised in Los Angeles, USA.
- He got accepted into New York University with a journalism major but chose K-pop instead.
- He speaks fluent English and often helped as a translator for NU’EST.
Facts About Baekho (Kang Dong-ho) of NU’EST
- His stage name “Baekho” was given by labelmate Uee (After School) and means “White Tiger.”
- Baekho is an amazing cook and often cooked meals for the members.
- He played a big role in writing and composing NU’EST’s songs.
Facts About Minhyun (Hwang Min-hyun) of NU’EST
- Minhyun is a perfectionist and known for his neat and clean personality.
- He was the only NU’EST member who debuted in Wanna One.
- He is passionate about acting and has starred in dramas like Alchemy of Souls.
Facts About Ren (Choi Min-ki) of NU’EST
- Ren gained attention for his androgynous visuals during NU’EST’s early years.
- He loves fashion and has modeled for various brands.
- Ren has performed in multiple musical theater productions since NU’EST disbanded.
Where Are NU’EST Members Now?
After a successful 10-year career, NU’EST officially disbanded in March 2022. Their farewell album “Needle & Bubble” served as a tribute to their fans, L.O.Λ.E.
Even after disbandment, NU’EST members continue to shine:
- JR – Solo artist and actor
- Aron – Podcast host and influencer
- Baekho – Solo artist under HYBE Labels
- Minhyun – Actor and soloist (starred in Alchemy of Souls)
- Ren – Musical actor and soloist