SHINee’s Onew has recently shared the personal journey that led to his decision on his SM Entertainment departure after an impressive 17-year tenure.
SHINee Leader Onew Discusses SM Entertainment Departure
At the start of 2024, both Onew and fellow SHINee member Taemin announced their departure from the company, a revelation that took many fans by surprise given the duo’s long-standing association with SM Entertainment. Now, five months later, Onew has opened up about the reasons behind his choice to move on.
During a candid appearance on KBS 2TV’s show “The Seasons”, Onew discussed the challenges he faced during his time with SM Entertainment, particularly the immense pressure that came with performing in front of large audiences. Despite his success, Onew revealed that this pressure had been a long-standing struggle for him. However, over time, a shift in his perspective inspired him to embrace new opportunities and consider different paths in his career.
Onew expressed a desire to connect more deeply with people and to use his voice to make a positive impact, even in small ways. He acknowledged his imperfections but emphasized that he is now focused on giving his all in his solo endeavors. This shift in mindset played a crucial role in his decision to leave SM Entertainment, where he had spent the majority of his career. He noted that after being with the company for so long, he began to feel “too comfortable,” which spurred his desire for a fresh start.
“To be honest, after being in such a great company for so long, I started to feel like I was getting too comfortable,” he said. “So, I decided to take on more challenges and see what else I could do. It’s only been three to four months since I left.”
Following his departure from SM, Onew signed an exclusive contract with Griffin Entertainment, a newly established agency that offers him the chance to explore new creative avenues. Despite this significant change, Onew reassured fans that SHINee remains intact as a group. He likened his move to branching out while still staying connected, highlighting his commitment to both his solo career and his enduring bond with SHINee.
This new chapter in Onew’s career marks a period of personal growth and artistic exploration, and fans are eager to see where his journey will take him next.