Introduction
Aaron Young-min Kwak (Hangul: 아론 영민 곽; Hanja: 郭英敏; born May 21, 1993), better known by the stage name Aron, is an American singer. He debuted in 2012 as a sub-vocalist and sub-rapper of South Korean boy group NU’EST.
In 2017, NU’EST halted all promotions because all NU’EST members (except Aron, whose leg is injured) are participating in the second season of 'Produce 101'.
Earlier Life
Aron was born and raised in Los Angeles. He was previously accepted into New York University, which is number four on 2013′s list of dream schools in the US, but he decided to pursue his dreams to be a singer.
Career
Pre-debut
He took part at the “PLEDIS USA Personal Audition” and earned the highest points. He attracted the scouts with his vocals and became a Pledis trainee.
Prior to debut, Aron made numerous appearances in their labelmates' music releases as a member of Pledis Boys. He is shown as a backup dancer in After School Blue's Wonder Boy and appeared in their label's Christmas release Love Letter, along with releasing their own music video for the song.
NU'EST
On 15th March 2012, Aron debuted as a member of NU'EST.Aron is versatile; he not only plays guitar well, but also has excellent rapping skills, satisfying the senses of those who listen.
In February 2013, Aron injured his right thigh muscle a day before the group's comeback performance during showcase rehearsal. However, Aron still stood on the comeback stage of Mnet 'M countdown.'After few months, Aron was taken to the emergency room again due to acute enteritis in July. He was unable to walk and could not take part in the “L.O.Λ.E Tour” in Taiwan on 21th July.
From 8 April 2013 to 19 April 2015, Aron became a radio DJ for Arirang's Music Access.The program had been more popular and posted an average of 3,000 stories a day on the bulletin board after Aron became the DJ. Then, Aron took up a position as a DJ on SBS PopAsia with his own show Aron's Hangout on 14 August 2015. On 22 April 2016, Aron ended his position as a DJ at SBS PopAsia's Aron's Hangout.
Aron was the main character on the music video of NuSoul's 'The Ceiling' to support his debut. In 2014, he featured Chad Future's 'Got it Figured Out.' He made appearance on the f(x) Amber ′Shakes That Brass′ music video.
In 2017, NU’EST halted all promotions since JR, Baekho, Minhyun and Ren participated in the male version of 'Produce 101'. Aron took rest due to his leg injury.
Discography
Songwriting
| Year | Artist | Album | Song | Part | Note |
| 2014 | NU'EST | Re:BIRTH | 어깨빌려줘 (Feat. 계범주) | Lyrics | Lyrics with JR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Action | Lyrics | ||||
| 2016 | NU'EST | CANVAS | Love Paint (every afternoon) | Lyrics | All NU'EST members participated in writing the lyrics |
Soundtrack appearances
| Year | Artist | Title | Album | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Chad Future | Got It Figured Out | The First Mini Album - EP | Feat. Aron |
Filmography
Music video appearances
| Year | Artist | Title | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | A.S.Blue | Wonder Boy | |
| Son Dam-bi & After School | LOVE LETTER | Feat. Ara, Hyelim, Minhyun, DongHo | |
| 2012 | Happy Pledis | LOVE LETTER(PLEDIS BOYS VERSION!) | |
| 2013 | Kye Bum Joo | The Ceiling | |
| 2014 | Chad Future | Got It Figured Out | Feat. Aron |
| 2015 | Amber | SHAKE THAT BRASS |
DJ
| Year | Name | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 2013-2015 | Arirang's Music Access | |
| 2015-2016 | SBS PopAsia 'Aron's Hangout' |