The announcement of NU’EST’s disbandment just three weeks before their 10th anniversary was a painful shock that no one could have seen coming, but no one felt that heartbreak more than NU’EST and their fandom L.O.Λ.E. Following the release of their last album ‘Needle & Bubble’, their final gift to L.O.Λ.E, we here at Kooky have decided to put together a special article to celebrate and remember the legacy they created. This is the story of JR, Aron, Baekho, Minhyun and Ren.

Debut - 1st Single 'Face' - 2012.03.15

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Right from the start, NU’EST were quick to leave a strong first impression with the release of their song ‘Face’, a song whose catchy melody would easily get stuck in your mind. In the music video, the members appear as strong charismatic rebels, and this would become a signature look for them as they continuously portrayed handsome and charming visuals throughout their career rather than pandering to the popular ‘pretty boy’ look of the industry. NU’EST were quick to set themselves apart and embrace a different style, a respectable and daring move especially as rookies.

Growth - HELLO (여보세요) - 2013.02.13

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Just one year later, NU’EST returned with ‘Hello’, a song that seemingly showed a new and slightly matured side to the group. Whilst they stayed true to their strong edgy visuals, the contrast between that and the softer emotional vocals were captivating to many. This song was also one of the early signs of the group’s versatility, which they also showed through their many individual activities outside of music such as Baekho and Ren acting and Aron becoming a DJ in the coming years.

New Heights - NU'EST W ‘Where You At’ - 2017.10.10

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Though NU’EST had a unique style and sound, unfortunately in their early career they failed to garner recognition in the industry - that is until the members decided to participate in Produce 101 Season 2. Whilst only Minhyun was selected to be in Wanna One, by the end of the show the exposure also helped to increase the interest in NU’EST themselves. As such, the remaining four members decided to promote as a unit NU’EST W, repromoted some of their older songs such as ‘Hello’, and actually achieved NU’EST (W)’s first ever music show win on M!Countdown, the same show on which they had debuted 5 years prior, with the song ‘Where You At’.

Reunified - NU'EST ‘BET BET’ - 2019.04.29

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Despite their time apart, the group united after 2 years , renewing their contracts with their label Pledis Entertainment, and came back stronger than ever. With the new found popularity garner from the group’s prior ventures, they also went on to get their first music show win as a complete group with their song ‘BET BET’ some 7 years after their debut. Their new popularity was also evident as it was just before this time that they’d also had their first solo concert titled ‘Segno’, a clear demonstration of the growth of their fanbase: L.O.Λ.E.

10 Years With L.O.Λ.E. - 2022.03.15

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And it’s clear that the members themselves have not forgotten how everything they achieved was thanks to no one other than their fans L.O.Λ.E. On February 28th, less than 3 weeks before the groups 10th anniversary, fans were stunned when an official disbandment notice was uploaded. However, the members of NU’EST were quick to upload their handwritten letters expressing their love and gratitude to their fans and it was announced that they would be releasing their final album, ‘Needle & Bubble’ on NU’EST’s 10th anniversary.

The album feature remastered tracks from throughout their career as well as a new title track ‘(Spring) Again’, a song that was far more subdued and emotional compared to their previous title tracks, and paired with bright dreamy visuals whilst still keeping true to NU’EST's unique handsome charm. The song lyrics talk about how the members will continue to happily reminisce their memories of the past, but they also acknowledge their fear of the future. Each member is alone for most of the MV but they come together as five one final time as they make a declaration to L.O.Λ.E.:

'Me forgetting you,

That won't' happen until I stop breathing'

They remind their fans that no matter what, this is not goodbye because they will still be together each Spring, each March. It is a gentle but sincere declaration that they will never forget their roots as NU’EST or their fans support.

Though it is always sad to say goodbye, when something ends it makes way for new beginnings. The music video ends with a glimmer of hope as a new life springs from the ashes of the past.

Rather than being sad about goodbye, it's clear the members want their fans to be expectant for the shining future.

Here’s to NU’EST, their legacy, their future and their L.O.Λ.E.

Congratulations on 10 incredible years.

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