The term “nugu,” meaning “who” or “who is that” in Korean, has been part of the K-pop lingo gaining widespread use among listeners in the 2020s. In a highly saturated sea of idol groups, it has been used to refer to lesser-known artists as “nobodies.” Although it was first used to deride obscure acts, the word has been gaining more positive connotations over time, and is now used to describe under-appreciated groups waiting to meet their heyday.

Not even chart-topping success can drag these K-pop artists out of obscurity 

Boy band NCT Dream will hold meet and greets on May 24 and 25, its agency SM Entertainment said on Wednesday.

윤승진

NCT Dream to hold meet and greets in May at Inspire Arena

Boy band NCT's Mark is set to hold special listening sessions in four Asian cities — Seoul, Tokyo, Shanghai and Bangkok — on April 7 in light of his first solo full-length album “The Firstfruit,” to be released on the same day.

NCT's Mark to hold listening session for first solo album 'The Firstfruit'

Boy band NCT Wish will release its second EP “poppop” on April 14, its agency SM Entertainment said on Thursday.

Boy band NCT Wish to release second EP 'poppop' on April 14

Mark of K-pop boy band NCT will hold a listening party for fans on April 3, four days before the release of his first solo full-length album “The Firstfruit” on April 7. 

김지예

NCT's Mark brings it all home with exclusive listening party ahead of solo album release 

Members of K-pop bands actively flaunting their talents as singers with their solo tracks.

윤소연

(G)I-DLE's Yuqi, NCT's Mark and more K-pop singers release solo music

Mark of boy band NCT is set to release his full-length debut album on April 7, his agency SM Entertainment said Tuesday.

NCT's Mark to release debut solo album next month

Former NCT member Moon Tae-il was indicted without detention for special quasi-rape, according to a report by Hankook Ilbo on Tuesday.

NCT's Taeil indicted by prosecutors over alleged sexual assault

Girl group Meovv, Rei of girl group IVE and Johnny of boy band NCT are taking the global fashion and beauty scene by storm as they land global ambassador roles for luxury brands around the world.

K-pop stars land global luxury brand ambassador roles

SM Entertainment girl group aespa will drop a new EP and boy band Riize will release a full-length album in the first half of this year, their agency said Tuesday. 

SM Entertainment reveals upcoming releases for first half of 2025

Boy band NCT 127 will hold two concerts at the Tokyo Dome on May 21 and 22, its agency SM Entertainment said Tuesday.

NCT 127 to perform at Tokyo Dome on May 21 and 22

Jaehyun of boy band NCT will release a new EP titled "Unconditional" on Oct. 24.

NCT's Jaehyun to release 'Unconditional' EP

Filming for the Mays Entertainment drama "I Believe You," starring NCT's Jaehyun, has been on hold for four months due to investor issues, leaving cast and crew unpaid.

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Not even chart-topping success can drag these K-pop artists out of obscurity