(Last updated May 2020)
IMPORTANT!!! I have moved to Korea since I created this blog, and I have discovered that many videos – especially ones that are uploaded by fans with English subs – have been blocked on Korean YouTube and other websites. So unfortunately, I cannot watch most of these videos or verify the links anymore. This also means I cannot add as many videos as before because they simply are not available in my region. I’m sorry if you click on something and it’s no longer there, but there’s not really any way for me to check! – Katherine
Although NU’EST is a popular group now, they were relatively unknown for a long time after their debut. Because they didn’t go on many variety shows, I’ve compiled all of their pre-Produce 101 appearances that I could find into this post. It might be hard to find complete episodes of their earlier shows, as there aren’t many subbed versions.
2012: “Face” and “Action”
Making of a Star: NU’EST Landing Operation
MBC Every1
2012
8 Episodes
NU’EST’s first reality show that aired during their debut promotions. (Not every episode is available or easy to find.)
NU’EST appeared with Hello Venus, who were affiliated with Pledis (and therefore their label seniors) at the time.
Weekly Idol
(주간 아이돌)
MBC Every1
2012
Episode 54
A popular variety show that shines the spotlight on one or more idol groups every episode. There are well-known corners that often involve dance challenges or aegyo, but the guests always play games or complete missions to earn prizes.
2013: “Hello” and “Sleep Talking”
NU’EST MTV Diary
SBS MTV
2013
5 Episodes
NU’EST’s variety show that aired during their promotions for “Hello.”
Let’s Dance
(렛츠댄스)
1theK
2013K-pop groups teach several key dance moves to the song they’re currently promoting. (This is for “Sleep Talking.”)
Pops in Seoul
(팝스 인 서울)
Arirang
2013
A long-running Korean music program geared towards overseas viewers and featuring different segments every day of the week. “Secret Box” is a segment when a group answers questions from fans that are written on sticky notes covering the interview room.
2014: “Good Bye Bye”
Pops in Seoul
(팝스 인 서울)
Arirang
2014
A long-running Korean music program geared towards overseas viewers and featuring different segments every day of the week. “Secret Box” is a segment when a group answers questions from fans that are written on sticky notes covering the interview room.
Weekly Idol
(주간 아이돌)
MBC Every1
2014
Episode 164
A popular variety show that shines the spotlight on one or more idol groups every episode. There are well-known corners that often involve dance challenges or aegyo, but the guests always play games or complete missions to earn prizes. NU’EST appeared with Fiestar, a girl group who had also debuted in 2012.
A Song For You
(어송포유)
KBS
2014
Season 3, Episode 6
A “global request show” where K-pop groups watch video letters from fans and fulfill their requests. In Season 3, the episodes took place in various areas of Korea to show popular tourist attractions. NU’EST made a joint appearance with C-CLOWN.
Latin Dream Show
MBC Music
2014
NU’EST’s variety show that follows them as they travel on their South America concert tour. (I can only find a subbed version of the first episode).
2015: “I’m Bad”
#hashtag
(해시태그)
1theK
2015
K-pop groups write hashtags describing themselves and answer questions related to them, as well as fan requests sent in through social media.
2016: “Overcome” and “Love Paint”
NU’EST Private Life
(뉴이스트의 사생활)
Heyo TV/imbc
2016
4 episodes
To be honest, I haven’t watched the shows in their entirety. But from what I remember, I think it’s a live request style variety show.
Sources: YouTube*, 1theK, Arirang, heyo TV, imbc, KBS, MBC Every1, MBC Music, SBS MTV
*Making of a Star episode uploaded and subbed by EliteSubs1. NU’EST MTV Diary episodes uploaded by harjii and subbed by THENUEST. Pops in Seoul segment (for “Sleep Talking”) uploaded and subbed by cfMINyfTEUK. Latin Dream Show episode uploaded and subbed by ghostlady1102. NU’EST Private Life episodes uploaded and subbed by Onibugi Subs (EP1), janinekwon (EP2), and ᄂᄋᄉᄐTIME SUBS (EPS 3 and 4).
Katherine Does K-POP 