Nuera Announces ‘POP IT LIKE’ With EXO Lay as Executive Producer for Eight-Month Comeback

A stage thick with the surge of youth echoed at Yes24 Live Hall in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul. At 6 PM on the 9th, Nuera's third mini album POP IT LIKE — consisting of four tracks, including the title track — was released, and at 8 PM the same day a release showcase was held for a special time with fans. Present were members Kihyun, Junpyo, Hyunjoon, Yuseob, Lin, Pan, and Miraku, reaffirming that this is a spin-off project expanding the album’s narrative. The album expands Nuera’s existing world of the “agents on missions” concept in a more diverse direction. The four tracks are POP IT LIKE, SILHOUETTE, A-LIST, and WE ARE YOUNG.

The title track POP IT LIKE opens with a bright rhythm and mood, progressing into a trap-influenced flow. The performance drew attention as well, with choreography by the renowned dance crew We Dem Boyz and the music video completed by SL8 Production. The members stated their intent to showcase youthful energy and a free-spirited edge through this song.

Lay, a member and producer of EXO, served as the executive producer. Hyunjoon said, “Lay supervised the overall production and even crafted the key choreography. He also oversaw recording direction, and the ad-libs and melody lines he created on site made the track more colorful.” Junpyo recalled that Lay gave feedback during practice, which prompted everyone to reinterpret the song from scratch. Pan added that Lay sent a congratulatory message, saying, “Now you’re the best.”

Lay’s involvement extended beyond music. Hyunjoon noted that Lay assisted with the point choreography and performance work, along with recording direction, contributing ad-libs and melody lines. As a result, not only the title track but the B-sides gained more expressive possibilities. Nuera expressed a desire to reach more people globally through this activity.

During the release showcase on the release day, the members expressed deep gratitude to their fans, Nova, and the reformed team’s appearance after a long hiatus stood out. Given an eight-month gap, expectations for each member’s growth and the new concept were high. Hyunjoon stated, “We want to repay the fans for waiting so long.” Kihyun added, “This album will show Nuera’s distinctive image with even stronger confidence than before.”

The music video was elevated by SL8, who also worked on Seventeen’s ‘God of Music,’ aespa’s ‘Spicy,’ and Stray Kids’ ‘CASE 143,’ and with the participation of the dance crew We Dem Boyz, the expectations for performances grew even more. Nuera aims to expand their presence on the global stage and broaden interactions with fans. Nuera emphasized that they want to continue music that connects generations, hoping to reveal a new facet on the world stage this year.

The worldwide simultaneous digital release of Nuera’s third mini album POP IT LIKE was at 6 PM. The release showcase held at the same venue closed as a special moment with fans. Nuera plans to continue beyond the “agents on missions” concept, delivering music and performances infused with free energy to broaden Nuera’s universe.