Good news, SHAWOLs! K-pop boy group SHINee marked their 15th year in the idol industry by deciding to continue their artist journey with SM Entertainment.
The news was confirmed by member Key in his guesting at Ddeun Ddeun, the web series of Yoo Jae Suk and Ji Seok Jin.
In the episode, Jae Suk expressed his shock at how SHINee is entering their 16th year as idols. It was followed by Seok Jin asking if the group had already renewed their contract for the third time.
To which Key said that their contract renewal with SM Entertainment happened recently. Additionally, he also said: “Even if we leave, we’ll leave together. Together, always.”
SJ: woah! That’s incredible..
Kibum: together… always!!!Our 5HINee☹️🤍
— ㅎㅅㅎ (@xtmtaemin) September 12, 2023
SHAWOLs’ reaction
After the episode aired, SHAWOLs quickly took to social media to express their happiness on the news.
Many are applauding the group’s longevity, given that it’s rare for the idol industry to hit the 15-year mark. Much more for a group to retain all of its members since they debut. Additionally, it’s also rare for all of the members of a group to stay under the same label. However, all of these feats were achieved by SHINee.
And I love how Kibum i not sugarcoating or saying like..
“We are not leaving SM ever”..He’s clearly saying,
“whether we stay or leave SM, it will be us together”.And many times the members have alr shown how they love SHINee themselves.#샤이니 #SHINee @SHINee #5HINee https://t.co/GcOrkqHxwr
— 📝On Leave. DESK on Profile. Leave 📩 (@MyCodeDoodles) September 12, 2023
This is why I don’t worry about SHINee leaving SM, coz I know and trust that if they ever do, they’ll do it together, and will still be together and protect SHINee (and each other).
SM or wherever, doesn’t matter to me. Where SHINee go, I go.#샤이니 #SHINee @SHINee #5HINee https://t.co/GcOrkqHxwr
— 📝On Leave. DESK on Profile. Leave 📩 (@MyCodeDoodles) September 12, 2023
"Even if we leave, we’ll leave together." Somehow, I already knew this certainly. I hope they know we'd leave with them wherever they go. I ain't no sm stan, I'm a shawol, and I'll follow shinee, wherever that may be. https://t.co/BxkZVeI7oQ
— MOON🌙 | Good & Great!! (@EauDe_BlueMoon) September 12, 2023
Aside from these milestones, though, what really warmed the hearts of the fans was Key emphasizing that they’ll always be together.
For their fans, it’s another testament to the tight-knit bond among the members. Many also took it as a reassurance that SHINee members will stick to each other on any part of their career.
Moreover, fans also looked back on the group’s idol journey and reaffirmed their support for SHINee.
However, there were also some fans who hoped that the recent contract would mean that SM Entertainment will treat SHINee better. It can be recalled that early this year, SHAWOLs complained about the agency’s lack of care for the group.
The long-lasting career of SHINee
SHINee debuted as a five-member group in May 2008 with the EP Replay. In December 2017, member Jonghyun passed away.
As of 2023, all of the remaining four members: Onew, Key, Minho, and Taemin, have finished their mandatory military services and made their respective solo debuts.
In celebration of their 15th anniversary, the group is also releasing the documentary film My SHINee World. Said film will reportedly chronicle the group’s growth from their debut days. It will also feature live performances from the group’s sixth solo concert SHINee World VI PERFECT ILLUMINATION. A final release date for the documentary has yet to be announced.
In June, the group released their eight full album HARD.
Featured image: SHINee poses while preparing for their album ‘Hard.’ Credit: Facebook/SHINee
