Asian Junkie Asian pop. Without discretion.
NU’EST has been around for about a decade now but really only took off a few years ago after Broduce 101 when JR, Baekho, Minhyun, and Ren participated on the show and Minhyun eventually made it into WANNA ONE.
Unfortunately then it seems like their star turn as a group will have only lasted those final few years, as Pledis Entertainment announced today that only Baekho and Minhyun will return to the company as JR, Aron, and Ren leave.
“Hello. This is PLEDIS Entertainment. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to all the fans who have shown boundless and unwavering support for NU’EST over the past ten years. The exclusive artist contract with NU’EST will conclude as of March 14. Our company and the members of NU’EST went through careful consideration and discussions on the future of the individual members, what would be the best path for everyone, and how they can present their best selves. JR, Aron, and Ren have decided to start afresh after leaving our company. Baekho and Minhyun will renew their contracts. We respect and support the decisions of every member as they are the result of careful and extensive consideration and discussions. NU’EST is a valuable group that holds a special place in our company as the first boy group of PLEDIS Entertainment. The group has been loved by many with their stylish music, performances, and the way in which they write their dramatic narrative with their fearless attitude since their debut. We would like to extend our sincere and heartfelt gratitude to JR, Aron, Baekho, Minhyun, and Ren who have always put their best foot forward over the past ten years. NU’EST will cap off their official activities as NU’EST of PLEDIS Entertainment with their album that will be released in March. PLEDIS Entertainment wishes the best for the members’ new leap forward and growth and will continue to cheer for their bright future ahead of them. We would like to express once again our gratitude to L.O.Λ.E who have always stayed by NU’EST’s side. We ask you to give your unchanging love and support to the members as they embark upon the next chapter of their careers. Thank you.”
Emphasis mine.
While it’s not an official disbandment notice for the group in theory, that’s what it is effectively given that two members will remain with Pledis and they wouldn’t be able to do NU’EST activities until after that contract expires if Pledis are already making it clear that the group is done under their company.
Update
The members have written letters to their fans, which seems to confirm NU’EST are disbanding.
