Aron (singer)
{{short description|American singer (born 1993)}}
{{use mdy dates|date=January 2020}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Aron
| native_name = {{lang|ko|아론}}
| image = 뉴이스트(NU'EST) 아론(Aron) 디스패치HD 05.png
| image_size =
| caption = Aron in July 2019
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1993|5|21}}{{cite web | url=https://www.genie.co.kr/detail/artistInfo?xxnm=80441273 | title=아론 (뉴이스트) | trans-title=Aron (NU'EST) | language=ko | work=Genie Music | accessdate=2020-01-19 | archive-date=March 2, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220302130554/https://www.genie.co.kr/detail/artistInfo?xxnm=80441273 | url-status=live }}
| birth_place = Los Angeles, California, United States
| other_names =
| education = Loyola High School
| occupation = {{hlist|Singer|rapper|media personality}}
| website =
| signature = ARON 사인.png
| module = {{Infobox musical artist|embed=yes
| genre = K-pop
| years_active = 2012–present
| label = {{hlist|Pledis}}
| past_member_of = {{hlist|NU'EST|NU'EST W}}
| module2 = {{Infobox Korean name|child=yes|headercolor=transparent
| hangulstage = 아론
| rrstage = Aron
| mrstage = Alon
| hangul = 곽영민
| hanja = {{linktext|郭|英|敏}}
| rr = Gwak Yeong-min
| mr = Kwak Yŏngmin
}}}}
}}
Aaron Kwak (born May 21, 1993), formerly known by the stage name Aron, is an American media personality, singer, and rapper based in South Korea. He began his professional career in 2012 as a main rapper of the South Korean boy group NU'EST. Following his contract's expiration with Pledis Entertainment in 2022, Aron established his solo career as a freelance radio and television host, appearing in various South Korean programs.
Early life
Aron was born on May 21, 1993, in Los Angeles, California.{{cite news | first=Grace Danbi | last=Hong | url=http://mwave.interest.me/en/kpop-news/article/33310/nuest-aron-is-a-new-radio-dj | title=NU'EST Aron Transforms into a Radio DJ | work=Mwave | date=2013-04-05 | accessdate=2020-01-10 | url-status=dead | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729105216/http://mwave.interest.me/en/kpop-news/article/33310/nuest-aron-is-a-new-radio-dj | archivedate=2017-07-29}} He attended Loyola High School and was on the varsity golf team, earning the Rookie of the Year Award in 2008 from Daniel Murphy High School.{{cite episode |title=The Brainiacs 뇌섹돌 인.증. 아론, SAT 성적표&영어 공부법 공개! |trans-title=The Brainiacs: Aron's SAT score report & English studying method revealed! |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cMrM7qqWYrg |number=170 |series=Problematic Men |date=2018-08-28 |access-date=2020-01-14 |time=2:00-2:10 |location=South Korea |network=TVN |language=ko |quote=Jun Hyun-moo: A Catholic boys' school... / Aron: Yes, [my mom] sent me there on purpose. / Text: Loyola High School: Private Catholic boys' high school with 153 years of history in Los Angeles. |archive-date=September 4, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180904104624/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cMrM7qqWYrg&gl=US&hl=en |url-status=live }}{{cite episode |title=The Brainiacs 골프, 수영, 배구까지 섭렵한 아론?! 뇌섹남들도 감탄 |trans-title=The Brainiacs: Aron, diversively talented in golf, swimming, and basketball?! The Brainiacs admire him |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S3nK1D0h0wk |number=170 |series=Problematic Men |date=2018-08-28 |access-date=2020-01-14 |time=0:35-0:45 |location=South Korea |network=TVN |language=ko |quote=Text: Daniel Murphy High School, 2008 Varsity Golf, Rookie of the Year, Aaron Kwak / Aron: Rookie of the year. / Jun Hyun-moo: Award for rookies? / Aron: Yes. / Hyun-moo: In 2008? / Aron: Yes. Freshman in high school, in 2008. |archive-date=August 31, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210831161747/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S3nK1D0h0wk |url-status=live }} He tested within the top 0.5% on the SATs with a score of 2180 out of 2400.{{cite news | url=http://osen.mt.co.kr/article/G1110976593 | title="출연요청 1위" '문남' 뉴이스트W 아론, 상위 0.5% 성적표 공개 | language=ko | work=Osen | date=2018-08-28 | accessdate=2020-01-10 | archive-date=January 14, 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200114192632/http://osen.mt.co.kr/article/G1110976593 | url-status=live }} Aron had been accepted into New York University and intended to major in journalism but ultimately did not attend after choosing to become a singer.{{cite episode |title=The Brainiacs 문남 역대 최고! 타일러&아론의 잉글리시 타임☆ |trans-title=The Brainiacs: Munnam Best Ever! Tyler & Aron's English time |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MpVM-CYBKr0 |number=170 |series=Problematic Men |date=2018-08-28 |access-date=2020-01-14 |time=1:15-1:30 |location=South Korea |network=TVN |language=ko |quote=Aron: So, um... I was accepted into New York University when I was in high school, but it wasn't like, the journalism... that part of the school, but I-I went in as undeclared, and I was going to study journal... journalism... So, I got accepted, but I never went. |archive-date=February 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200229025954/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MpVM-CYBKr0 |url-status=live }}
Career
=Pre-debut=
While attending the LA Korean Festival in 2009, Aron was invited to take part in the Pledis USA Personal Auditions, where he performed "So Sick" by Ne-Yo and participated in a one-week trial boot camp in South Korea.{{cite episode |title=OUR K-POP IDOL JOURNEY |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PLjcS4Ous_8 |number=2 |series=Korean Cowboys |date=2022-04-01 |access-date=2022-04-17 |time=3:16-4:20 |location=South Korea |quote=Aaron: I was casted in 2009 in LA at a festival called JangTuh. [...] I got casted and there and I went to an audition. I sang "So Sick" by Ne-Yo. [...] But um, they actually called me — very similar to you — like, a week later, saying, "We wanna fly you out to Korea, you know, put you on, like, a training system for a week, and then, you know, like, we'll decide if we wanna sign you or not." So, I think that winter I went to Korea — came to Korea for like a week or two — trained, and I signed my official contract. And then [I] went back to the States, finished high school, came to Korea, trained for nine months, and debuted as a member of the K-pop group NU'EST. |archive-date=April 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220417224524/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PLjcS4Ous_8&feature=youtu.be |url-status=live }}{{cite news | url=https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=311&aid=0000985942 | title="러브의 심장 저격"…'주간아' 뉴이스트, 완전체로 돌아와 재미도 5배 [종합] | language=ko | work=Xport News | date=2019-05-01 | accessdate=2020-01-10 | archive-date=May 14, 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200514030206/https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=311&aid=0000985942 | url-status=live }} He subsequently signed with Pledis Entertainment. After finishing high school, he returned to South Korea and trained for nine months. Prior to debuting, Aron appeared as a back-up dancer in After School Blue's "Wonder Boy" in 2011. He participated in Pledis Entertainment's Christmas single "Love Letter" and was also featured in an alternate music video for the song as a member of Pledis Boys.{{cite news|title=애프터스쿨 보이즈, 5인조 연말데뷔..팀명 미정|url=http://star.mt.co.kr/stview.php?no=2011062912012594236&outlink=1&ref=https%3A%2F%2Fsearch.naver.com|accessdate=June 12, 2017|publisher=Star News|language=ko|archive-date=August 5, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170805141755/http://star.mt.co.kr/stview.php?no=2011062912012594236&outlink=1&ref=https%3A%2F%2Fsearch.naver.com|url-status=live}} He performed with After School with the rest of Pledis Boys, now dubbed "After School Boys", at the SBS Gayo Daejeon.{{cite news | url=https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=086&aid=0002088401 | title=플레디스 보이즈, 애프터스쿨과 SBS '가요대전' 출격 | language=ko | work=Naeil | date=2011-12-29 | accessdate=2020-01-10 | archive-date=July 16, 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200716193319/https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=086&aid=0002088401 | url-status=live }}
=2012–2022: NU'EST=
{{main|NU'EST}}
Along with four other Pledis Boys, Aron debuted in the boy band NU'EST in 2012 as a sub-vocalist. From April 8, 2013, to April 19, 2015, he hosted Arirang Radio's Music Access radio program. In 2014, he was featured as a guest artist on the song "Got it Figured Out" by Chad Future.{{cite web | url=https://www.genie.co.kr/detail/songInfo?xgnm=82658620 | title=Got It Figured Out (Feat. Nu'est Aron) | language=ko | work=Genie Music | accessdate=2020-01-10 | archive-date=May 25, 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200525015347/https://www.genie.co.kr/detail/songInfo?xgnm=82658620 | url-status=live }}{{cite web | url=https://music.bugs.co.kr/artist/80190290 | title=Chad Future(채드 퓨처) | language=ko | work=Bugs! | accessdate=2020-01-10 | archive-date=January 14, 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200114192801/https://music.bugs.co.kr/artist/80190290 | url-status=live }} From August 14, 2015, to April 24, 2016, he hosted his own radio show, Aron's Hangout, on SBS PopAsia.{{cite news | author=Aron | url=https://www.sbs.com.au/popasia/blog/2015/08/13/nuests-aron-host-his-own-sbs-popasia-radio-show | title=NU'EST's Aron to host his own SBS PopAsia radio show | work=SBS PopAsia | date=2015-08-14 | accessdate=2020-01-10 | archive-date=May 19, 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200519082419/https://www.sbs.com.au/popasia/blog/2015/08/13/nuests-aron-host-his-own-sbs-popasia-radio-show | url-status=live }}{{cite news | author=Aron | url=https://www.sbs.com.au/popasia/blog/2016/04/24/nuests-arons-hangout-season-finale | title=NU'EST's Aron's Hangout - The Season Finale | work=SBS PopAsia | date=2016-04-24 | accessdate=2020-01-10 | archive-date=December 8, 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191208153846/https://www.sbs.com.au/popasia/blog/2016/04/24/nuests-arons-hangout-season-finale | url-status=live }}
From 2017 to 2018, Aron promoted with the other NU'EST members as the sub-group NU'EST W in the absence of Minhyun, who was exclusively promoting with Wanna One at the time.{{cite news | url=http://news.kstyle.com/article.ksn?articleNo=2074424 | title=NU'EST、Wanna One参加のミンヒョン除き4人組ユニット『NU'EST W』としてデビュー！ | language=ja | work=TV Report | via=KStyle | date=2017-07-18 | accessdate=2020-01-10 | archive-date=January 14, 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200114192809/http://news.kstyle.com/article.ksn%3FarticleNo%3D2074424 | url-status=live }} During the group's activity, he wrote the lyrics for his solo songs, "Good Love" and "Wi-Fi."{{cite news | url=http://news.kstyle.com/article.ksn?articleNo=2079105 | title=NU'EST W、ニューアルバム「W, HERE」のトラックリストを公開…ソロ曲＆SEVENTEEN ウジがプレゼントした楽曲も | language=ja | work=Osen | via=KStyle | date=2017-09-26 | accessdate=2020-01-10 | archive-date=January 14, 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200114192806/http://news.kstyle.com/article.ksn%3FarticleNo%3D2079105 | url-status=live }}{{cite news | url=http://news.kstyle.com/article.ksn?articleNo=2105451 | title=NU'EST W、ニューアルバム「WAKE, N」ハイライトメドレーを公開…4人それぞれのソロ曲にも期待 | language=ja | work=Osen | via=KStyle | date=2018-11-22 | accessdate=2020-01-10 | archive-date=January 14, 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200114192623/http://news.kstyle.com/article.ksn%3FarticleNo%3D2105451 | url-status=live }} He was also featured as a guest artist on the song "Loop" by Raina.{{cite news | url=http://www.newsen.com/news_view.php?uid=201708021314434110 | title='투맨쇼' 뉴이스트 아론 "인기 믿기지 않아, 멤버들 자랑스럽다" | language=ko | work=Newsen | date=2017-08-02 | accessdate=2020-01-10 | archive-date=June 19, 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200619095118/https://www.newsen.com/news_view.php?uid=201708021314434110 | url-status=live }}
From 2020 to 2021, Aron hosted the radio show "To.Night" on Naver NOW with bandmate Ren.{{Cite web|last=Park|first=Sang-jin|title=뉴이스트 아론&렌, 네이버 NOW.'To.Night' 첫 방송|trans-title=NU'EST Aaron & Ren, Naver NOW.'To.Night' first broadcast|url=http://www.kjdaily.com/read.php3?aid=1601856618525780208|url-status=live|language=korean|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210411193312/http://www.kjdaily.com/read.php3?aid=1601856618525780208 |archive-date=April 11, 2021 }}{{Cite web|last=Park|first=Dong-sun|title=뉴이스트 아론·렌, 네이버 NOW. '투나잇' 종영소감 전해…"또 다른 소통, 행복한 시간"|date=January 5, 2021 |trans-title=NU'EST Aaron, Ren, Naver NOW. Delivering the end of 'To.night'... "Another communication, happy time"|url=http://www.rpm9.com/news/article.html?id=20210105090008|url-status=live|language=korean|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210105091704/http://www.rpm9.com/news/article.html?id=20210105090008 |archive-date=January 5, 2021 }}
It was announced on February 28, 2022, that NU'EST's exclusive contract with Pledis Entertainment will expire on March 14, 2022, and that Aron (alongside members JR and Ren) will leave the agency, therefore concluding their 10-year career as a group.{{cite web|last=Kim|first=Ye-na|title=뉴이스트, 10년 활동 마무리…JR·아론·렌, 소속사 떠난다|url=https://www.yna.co.kr/view/AKR20220228152400005|website=Yonhap|date=February 28, 2022|access-date=February 28, 2022|language=ko|archive-date=February 28, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220228095707/https://www.yna.co.kr/view/AKR20220228152400005|url-status=live}}
= 2022–present: solo activities =
On March 21, 2022, Aron announced he was hosting a podcast titled Korean Cowboys with South Korean television personality Joel Lane.{{cite web|last=Treñas|first=Cessi|title=5 former K-pop idols who became YouTubers or podcast hosts, from GFriend's Yerin and Nu'Est's Aron, to Produce 101 darling Hong Eunki of Rainz and Ladies' Code's Ashley|url=https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3174771/5-former-k-pop-idols-who-became-youtubers-or-podcast|website=South China Morning Post|date=April 19, 2022|access-date=July 23, 2022|archive-date=June 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220616013916/https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3174771/5-former-k-pop-idols-who-became-youtubers-or-podcast|url-status=live}}
In May 2022, Aron was introduced as a host for the second season of Real Korea 5, a lifestyle channel. Within the same month, Aron held his first solo fan meeting at the Yonsei University's Centennial Memorial Hall to celebrate his 30th birthday with the fans.
In July 2022, Aron became a co-host of the Arirang TV talk show After School Club.
In November 2022, Aron opened his private messaging service thru Wonderwall's "Fromm".
Discography
{{For|Aron's works with NU'EST|NU'EST discography|NU'EST W}}
=As featured artist=
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;"
! scope="col" rowspan="2" | Title ! scope="col" rowspan="2" | Year ! scope="col" colspan="1" | Peak chart ! scope="col" rowspan="2" | Sales (DL) ! scope="col" rowspan="2" | Album |
| KOR {{cite web|url=http://gaonchart.co.kr/main/section/chart/online.gaon?nationGbn=T&serviceGbn=ALL|title=Gaon Digital Chart|publisher=Gaon Music Chart|access-date=January 14, 2020|archive-date=March 9, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170309051712/http://gaonchart.co.kr/main/section/chart/online.gaon?nationGbn=T&serviceGbn=ALL|url-status=live}} |
|---|
| scope="row"|"Got it Figured Out" {{small|(Chad Future feat. NU'EST's Aron)}} | 2014 | — | — |Chad Future: The First Mini Album |
| scope="row"|"Loop" ({{lang|ko|밥 영화 카페}}) {{small|(Raina feat. Aron of NU'EST)}} | 2017 |55 |
|Loop |
| colspan="6" align="center"|"—" denotes releases that did not chart. |
Filmography
{{See also|NU'EST#Filmography}}
= Television shows =
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" |
| scope="col" | Year
! scope="col" | Title ! scope="col" | Role ! scope="col" class="unsortable" | {{abbr|Ref.|Reference(s)}} |
|---|
| scope="row"| 2022–present
| Host |{{cite web|url=https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=018&aid=0005276618|author=Baek Yoon-ki|title=뉴이스트 출신 아론, '애프터 스쿨 클럽' 새 MC|trans-title=Aaron from NU'EST, new MC for 'After School Club|publisher=Edaily |via=Naver|date=July 25, 2022|access-date=July 25, 2022|language=ko}} |
= Radio shows =
= Web shows =
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" |
| scope="col" | Year
! scope="col" | Title ! scope="col" | Role ! scope="col" | Notes ! scope="col" class="unsortable" | {{abbr|Ref.|Reference(s)}} |
|---|
| scope="row"| 2022-present
| Korean Cowboys | Co-host | Podcast | {{cite web|url=https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=410&aid=0000856452|author=Kim Na-young|title=뉴이스트 아론, 자체 제작 팟캐스트 '코리안 카우보이스' 론칭|trans-title=NU'EST Aaron launches self-produced podcast 'Korean Cowboys|publisher=MK Sports|via=Naver|date=March 28, 2022|access-date=March 28, 2022|language=ko|archive-date=March 28, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220328034149/https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=410&aid=0000856452|url-status=live}} |
Awards and nominations
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable"
|+ Name of the award ceremony, year presented, category, nominee of the award, and the result of the nomination ! scope="col" | Award ceremony ! scope="col" | Year ! scope="col" | Category ! scope="col" | Nominee / Work ! scope="col" | Result ! scope="col" class="unsortable" | {{abbr|Ref.|Reference(s)}} |
| scope="row" |The Fact Music Awards
|2018 |Fan N Star Hall of Fame Award |Aron |{{won}} |
|---|
References
{{Reflist|30em}}
{{commons category}}
{{NU'EST}}
{{Authority control}}
Category:Rappers from Los Angeles
Category:Singers from Los Angeles
Category:American expatriates in South Korea
Category:American rappers of East Asian descent
Category:American K-pop singers
Category:Korean-language singers of the United States
Category:Pledis Entertainment artists