The group were just short of a major anniversary.
Koreaboo
1 hour ago
Recently, speculation about KATSEYE Manon‘s current hiatus has been a hot topic.
KATSEYE’s Manon Seemingly Exposes The Truth Behind Her Hiatus In “Heartbreaking” Update
HYBE announced that Manon would go on a temporary hiatus, but she issued a contradictory statement afterwards. This soon sparked a larger discussion on the treatment of other idols under the company, including the belief that the company has not done this to any male idols.
i’ve never seen hybe kick a man out https://t.co/6l8P7Hndrx
— ؘ (@hyeudini) February 22, 2026
Many quickly pointed out this was not true, using the case of an entire boy group disbanded by the company.
In 2012, Pledis Entertainment announced the debut of their first boy group, NU’EST, made up of JR, Baekho, Minhyun, Aron, and Ren. The group officially debuted with “Face” on March 15.
NU’EST | Pledis Entertainment
The group released several albums before members appearances on Produce 101 season two helped to take NU’EST’s popularity to another level. This surge even helped the group earn their music show win, seven years after debut.
However, amid the preparations for their 10th anniversary in 2022, the group’s disbandment was suddenly announced. This came after Pledis was acquired by HYBE, which sparked rumors that the company had caused the disbandment to happen.
Blame HYBE? NU’EST’s Disbandment Receives Mixed Reactions From Fans
Later, while appearing on a podcast, members Aron and Ren spoke about the time around the group’s disbandment. At one point, Aron says “after the decision was made for us,” which to many fans implied that the group were pushed into a situation where disbandment was necessary.
joel asked how do they feel being independent after 10y being in a team w/ nuest
mingi: felt anxious, worried “not only that night before the news but every single day leading to that”
aaron : was unsure how he has to do everything alone now “once the decision was made for them” pic.twitter.com/4dspyAewbD
— nuesvtws (@nuesvtgemini) April 8, 2022
The recent happenings have brought up how NU’EST disbanded, angering some with the reminders.
if nuest were meant to disband tell my why the fuck their stingy ass company (pledis) rented out buses with their faces on it for their 10th yr anniversary… like why spend on nuest if u want to disband them so bad
— c ◡̈ (@theaaronkwak) February 24, 2026
kpop stan if you don’t know anything what happened before, during & after nuest disband…..yall should just shut up & your zero opinions deserve in trash. My boys went through hell during that phase & had a really hard time to regulate their emotions. pic.twitter.com/bVSFUZmlXd
— 🌷🍨𓂃˚ ᡣ𐭩˙ᵕ˙ᰔᩚ ˚ (@Gee5tar_0908) February 25, 2026
people in big 2026: MAYBE….
just…
maybe…
it wasn’t nuest decision to disband…
aaron 3 years ago: so once the decision was made for us and pig man bang kicked our ass out of the company
— leni :} (@bugiggles) February 25, 2026