Onew’s New Chapter: Leaving SM Entertainment After 14 Years with SHINee

In the wake of his fellow member Taemin’s departure, SHINee’s Onew is also charting a course for new beginnings. Reports on March 5 KST indicate that Onew, too, is nearing the conclusion of his long-standing contract with SM Entertainment within the first half of this year.

“We are currently exploring various possibilities for our future endeavors,” a representative commented on Onew’s imminent departure from the agency.

Onew, a pivotal member of SHINee since its inception in 2008, has been an integral part of the group’s success with chartbusters like “Replay”, “Ring Ding Dong”, and “Sherlock. His musical journey expanded into solo realms with his debut album ‘Voice’ in 2018, showcasing his versatility as an artist.

His career has been a blend of solo and group projects, highlighted by his first solo concert last year, a testament to his strong fanbase connection. However, following the concert, plans for SHINee’s 8th full-length album, meant to celebrate their 15th debut anniversary, were put on hold due to Onew’s health concerns.

Onew’s impending departure from SM Entertainment opens up a world of opportunities for him to continue influencing the music industry, both as a solo artist and a member of the iconic SHINee.