Longevity in the music industry is a challenging feat, and with the consistent growth of K-Pop, there are a lot of artists hoping their music can be explored for years to come. After debuting together in 2012, the PLEDIS Entertainment group NU’EST has regularly risen to the challenge, always prepared to show their evolution.

With all five original members together (another major point worth celebrating) NU’EST is revealing the next era of their work and a monumental 17th single, “Inside Out” the lead track on their new album Romanticize. Now that they have a slew of releases under their belt, success in the industry, and the respect of their peers, the group has shifted into the adept side of music, and ahead of the new album release, we attended NU’EST’s media showcase where we were able to get to discover the goals behind Romanticize and looking back on how they’ve grown. 

Considering it’s been seven years since the group’s last album release, there’s understandably still that faint twinge of nervousness that’s paired with anything that generates excitement. “We were very nervous” JR admits, “This was an album we spent a lot of time preparing and we worked really hard on [Romanticize].”

NU’EST’s return is lead by the single “Inside Out” which feels like a sweet spot for the group, as a comfortably crafted up-tempo track that relies on their chemistry and vibe ― as opposed to the safe choice to follow current production trends. “It’s all about facing heartache and pretending to be nonchalant” the group’s own Baekho revealed, adding, “before these emotions are eventually revealed.” In terms of their perceived highlights of the lead track and music video, Ren divulged, “Sexy shoulder moves!” with a slight laugh, and moments later provided a demonstration of the choreography. Aron on the other hand explained, “There are also a lot of unit-choreographed moments to look forward to!” which is almost an understatement considering the well-rounded appeal of the newly dropped music video.

The new phase of NU’EST welcomes the concept of romance, but the group notes that there’s a greater emphasis on reforming the idea of romance as something more than two people in love, and more atmospheric appreciation. Baekho best explains the notion as something that comes with experience, telling us, “Many assume romance is love. Through our album, we wish to break that stereotype. As time has gone on, the members have gotten better at expressing that in the solo tracks.”

Which of them best represents that motif? “I think it’s me!” Ren chimes in, eagerly raising his hand with a grin. While a few of the members nod in agreement, Minion adds, “I realized each member reflected their uniqueness on this album so it’s hard to choose.” That uniqueness isn’t something that comes without effort, with the group noting that countless hours were spent crafting Romanticized ― detailed by Ren with an example of a night spent recording without stopping. “We wanted to contain a lot of stories and [we] thought this was the perfect way to start a full-length album.”

The album is filled with group endeavors and solo efforts to really utilize all of the strengths we’ve learned about the group, but also a chance to mix in changes that the group is experiencing through maturation. With a few nerves, a lot of hard work, and plenty of determination, there’s no denying that NU’EST is ready to embrace the response of their fans labeled L.O.Λ.E with this new chapter. “We feel pressure with every comeback,” Minhyun once again acknowledges to the room before teasing, “ but we’ll come together and work hard to bring a lot of fun content and communicate with our fans.” 

NU’EST’s new album Romanticize is out now, so make sure to stream the album and check out the music video included above!