According to TenAsia on February 10, Lay has teamed up with NouerA, who debuted last year, in a strategic collaboration aimed at boosting the group’s global influence. Drawing on his extensive experience as an artist, Lay has taken on overall producing and directing duties, overseeing the group’s upcoming release in its entirety.
Through this partnership, NouerA aims to broaden its musical spectrum on a global scale while maintaining the team’s unique identity. The group has expressed determination to showcase expanded musical styles and more diverse performances with Lay’s guidance.
Lay has steadily built his credentials as a producer in recent years. Last year, he produced music for girl group R.E.D, and in 2026, he further expanded his portfolio by moving into boy group production. NouerA heightened anticipation for their return by unveiling comeback content on their official social media channels on February 10, confirming the release of a new mini album. The news of Lay’s involvement has added to fans’ expectations.
Although Lay, who is Chinese, has had relatively limited activities in Korea in recent years, he reunited with EXO last month after two years and six months, receiving an enthusiastic response from fans. EXO recently made a successful comeback with their eighth full-length album, led by the title track “Crown,” which achieved five music show wins.
NouerA has drawn international attention even before their official debut. The group was invited to the “Billboard No.1s Party” held in Los Angeles, marking their first appearance before global music industry figures. They were also selected as a “2025 K-pop Rookie” by Billboard and Billboard Korea, underscoring their early presence in the global market.
Debuting in February last year under Noua Entertainment, NouerA recorded approximately 160,000 first-week sales with their debut album, Chapter: New is Now, and they went on to surpass 200,000 first-week sales with their second mini album, n: number of Cases, released in June. Comprised of four Korean members, two Chinese members, and one Japanese member, NouerA is a truly global team.
Sources: Daum | 텐아시아