NU'EST return to success

Making a debut always brings joy to every K-pop trainee, but it doesn’t guarantee music business success. The five-member group NU'EST released their first single “Face” in 2012, and became rising stars, but as time went by their popularity dropped. When they moved to promote their songs in Japan in 2015 they lost their fan base. Before their career came to the end, they decided to participate in Produce 101 Season 2. The guys impressed viewers with their great personalities and music ability throughout the TV show. 

After the show, NU'EST has grown. The first single “Bet Bet” from their latest album Happily Ever After was No.1 on well-known TV music charts. 

As part of an eight-country Asian tour, the guys didn’t miss Thailand. Their two-day shows — “2019 NU'EST Concert: Segno in Bangkok” were held at ThunderDome on July 20 and 21. A day before their show, the guys - JR, 24, Aron, 26, Baekho, 24, Minhyun, 23 and Ren, 23 - met with Thai press. Here are some highlights of the interview. 

What do you think about Thailand?

JR: We miss [fan club] Thai Love the most. I felt thankful for them showing their support by waiting for us at the airport. Their screams were very loud and made me feel confident that our show will be fun.

What kind of Thai food do you like?

Ren: I like pad Thai a lot.

Baekho: When people knew I would be in Thailand, they told me that a dish I must have was crab stir fried with curry powder. 

What does the concert title “Segno” mean to you?

Baekho: Segno refers to a sign that marks the beginning or end of a musical repeat. We haven’t performed in Thailand for a long time and now we’re back. It’s like we’ve started doing new things. I’m happy about it.

Can you tell us more about the latest single, “Bet Bet”?

Minhyun: The song says I will do everything for my girlfriend. I will give my life for her. The lyric is intense and the performance is powerful and cool. We think our fans will like it too.

JR, why did you say Love is the sixth member of NU’EST during a concert in Seoul?

They complete us. They’re members who we must have. For us, they’re our centre, our image and the ones who bring us happiness the most.  

Minhyun, can you tell us about your acting in the musical play, “Marie Antoinette”?

I’m thrilled to play the character Count Axel Von Fersen. This is a new opportunity, so I take it seriously and have been to rehearsals very often. I hope I show what I’ve learned at the play.      

How do you release stress?

JR: Each member has different ways. I like to play mobile games a lot, so I don’t have to feel stressed.

Baekho: Aron has a unique way to release stress. He likes to watch videos of our performances and our activities. Then, he captures our funny facial expressions or movements and shares photos in our group chat. 

Why did you choose to sing the Thai song, “Pi Sao Krub (Hi, Sister)” at the concert?

Minhyun: This song is specifically for our Thai fans. We think everyone knows the song and can sing along with us. We hope our Love will like the song.