MANY years ago, when I was still a newbie in the world of Korean pop, I stumbled across this music video. It had a dark theme to it – black with a pop of pink, terrific dance break and slow motion capture of white feathers falling. It had singing, it had rap, it had English lyrics I could finally understand.
Fast forward to eight years, I am still a fan of that boy band. The South Korean all male group, NU’EST had come a long way. And with years into their career, had evolved into mature performers, giving higher quality content and music.
From younglings to adults, their cute charm had developed into alluring charisma, particularly when they perform on the stage. NU’EST, truly is one of those that aged like a fine wine. To know more of the members of the group, read along!
JR
Kim Jong-hyun, who goes by the stage name JR (which stands for Junior Royal) was born on June 8, 1995 in Gangneung, Gangwon, South Korea. He is Pledis Entertainment’s first male trainee since it was launched in 2007. Even prior to the group’s debut in 2012, JR already appeared in several videos. One of which is the “Bangkok City” music videoby Orange Caramel. He was also featured in Uee’s solo song titled “Sok Sok Sok”.
Apart from appearing in music videos, he put his dancing skills to good use when he served as a backup dancer for the music video “Wonder Boy”. Aside from a popular idol, he also is a model for Labiotte and Origins, a fixed cast member for a variety show “Night Goblin” and a judge for the music show “Shadow Singer”. He also participated in the romance reality show “Shadow Singer”.
Aron
Aron Kwak was born on May 21, 1993 in Los Angeles, California. Not only he is super talented, but prior to pursuing the entertainment career, Aron was already accepted into the prestigious New York University and intended to pursue Journalism as a career. He auditioned in the Pledis USA Personal Auditions in 2011.
Even debuting, he already showcased his dancing skills by appearing as back up dancer with the band After School Blue’s single “Wonder Boy”. After debuting, he became a host at the Arirang Radio’s Music Access radio program for two years. He also hosted his own radio show called “Aron’s Hang Out” on SBS PopAsia.
Baekho
Kang Dong-ho was born July 21, 1995 in Jeju Province, South Korea and goes by the stage name Baekho. It was Uee, his fellow artist in the agency, that gave him that stage name due to his resemblance to the famous Slam Dunk character Kang Baek-ho. When he was a teenager, he was scouted by a talent scout of Pledis Entertainment.
While training, he already appeared in a music video such as “Play Ur Love”. In 2011, he then appeared on the South Korean reality show Hello Counselor. Aside from appearing as a backup dancer for After School Blue, he was also featured in his agency’s Christmas release entitled “Love Letter”.
Minhyun
Hwang Min-hyun was born August 9, 1995 in Busan, South Korea. Similar to Baekho, he was discovered by a talent agent of the Pledis Entertainment company. Prior to debuting as a member of the all boy band NU’EST, he trained under the company for two years. He was also a part of the Produce 101 Season 2 group ‘Wanna One’.
Apart from being a popular idol, entertainer, he is also known in the world of modeling. During his active years with the band, he appeared on the runway as a model for Park Yoon Soo in the 2012-2013 Seoul Fashion Week.
Ren
Choi Min-gi, who goes by the stage name Ren, was born November 3, 1995 in Busan, South Korea. After auditioning in Pledis Entertainment, he got accepted as a trainee and finally debuting in 2012 as a sub vocalist. Apart from his flair in performing on stage as an idol, he has a lot of talents under his belt. For one, he modeled on the runway for the designer Park Yoon-so for the Fall/Winter Seoul Fashion Week. Also, he starred in the Japanese film “Their Distance” in 2015.
He also contributes in the writing of songs for the group, writing the lyrics for “Paradise” and “You and I”. He started to expand his acting when he joined The KKondae Live as a regular cast member in 2018 and the Hogu Chart the following year.
The group Nu’est totally grabbed 2020 by its horns – releasing their eight EP “The Nocturne” in May with the single “I’m in Trouble” and their second Japanese album “Drive” last October. Now, will you excuse me as I review the majesty of their first Japanese album before enjoying the latest one! Bye!
