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Look: Shinee’s Key Drops Teaser for ‘Good & Great’

Save the date, SHAWOLs! Key of K-pop group SHINee will be making his comeback as a solo artist. 

On Monday, August 21, the all-rounder released his first teaser for his second solo mini album Good & Great. In the poster, Key appeared to be playing an intern as seen on his ID badge titled “Masterkey.” 

Additionally, Good & Great is confirmed to be released on September 11. 

 

Meanwhile, said album will feature a total of six songs of diverse genres, with the song “Good & Great” as its title track.

The upcoming album will be his first solo release in seven months following Gasoline in February. Moreover, the repackaged album Killer is part of Key’s retro trilogy album. It also includes his first mini-album BAD LOVE and second full-length album Gasoline. 

After his solo releases, Key mainly focused on participating in SHINee’s group activities. The act held a series of concerts titled “SHINee World VI: Perfect Illumination” and a fan meeting for their 15th anniversary. 

Aside from that, SHINee also made a group comeback in June with the album Hard. It served as the act’s first new music in over two years, following Taemin’s military discharge. 

However, only members Minho, Key, and Taemin participated in the album’s promotional activities because Onew took a hiatus due to health issues. 

Featured image: Key for teasers of SHINee’s ‘Hard’ album. Credit: Facebook/SHINee

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These Are the Planned Albums, Concerts for SM Entertainment Acts for the Rest of 2023

2023 is looking to be an interesting year for SM Entertainment as they unveiled their plans for the coming months. 

On Wednesday, August 2, the agency unveiled its earnings release report for the second quarter of 2023.

The said report includes updates of their consolidated business results for the past quarter, as well as event line-up previews for the coming months. 

According to the report, SM Entertainment logged 35.7 billion won in operating profit for the second quarter of 2023. Their net income also increased by 11.6%, reporting 28.3% billion won. 

Meanwhile, their quarterly revenue improved by 30% to 239.8 billion won. 

The increase in revenue is attributed to the resumption of offline concerts globally and more merchandise sold through pop-up stores related to album releases. 

Relative to the increase, SM Entertainment specifically mentioned aespa’s EP My World, which sold over two million copies. 

Additionally, groups NCT DREAM, TVXQ!, and Red Velvet held the most offline concerts worldwide, with 17, 12 and 11, respectively. 

What to expect for the rest of 2023 in terms of albums 

As for their upcoming music releases, eight SM Entertainment acts are slated to make a comeback in the third quarter. Meanwhile, 11 acts are scheduled the fourth quarter. 

Although the agency clarified that the lineup might change, here’s a rundown of what fans can possibly expect: 

3rd quarter:

For August, U-Know Yunho of TVXQ is confirmed to be releasing his third solo mini-album Reality Show on the 7th.

Meanwhile, Hyo, or Hyoyeon from Girls’ Generation, will be releasing a single.  Also for August, NCT might release an album and aespa with an English single.

Details for said releases have yet to be disclosed, but NCT will be having their first full-group concert NCT NATION: To the World on August 26, while aespa teased a release titled Better Things.”

For September, Super Junior’s Yesung, SHINee’s Key, and EXO’s D.O. will be releasing their solo mini-albums. 

RIIZE, SM Entertainment’s first boy group in seven years, is also expected to make their official debut in September with a single. 

4th quarter:

Although there are no specific months yet, SHINee’s Minho and Super Junior’s Ryeowook will be releasing a single in the fourth quarter.

Girls’ Generation’s Taeyeon and SHINee’s Taemin will also be making their solo comebacks with mini-albums. 

Moreover, TVXQ! and Red Velvet might release full albums, while it’s undecided whether NCT127 will release a full-length album or a single. RIIZE is also expected to make a comeback in the fourth quarter with a single. 

As for international releases, WayV will have a full-length album in Chinese, while aespa might release an English single or mini-album. 

NCT Tokyo is also planned to make their debut in the fourth quarter with a Japanese single. Although the preview noted that the artist’s name is still tentative.

NCT Tokyo will reportedly have six members, with four being chosen from the reality survival show NCT Universe: The Lastart. It is also said to be the final sub-unit of NCT. 

What to expect for the rest of 2023 in terms of concerts 

 

Meanwhile, six acts will be having concert shows for the next months.

Taeyeon is currently embarking on the Asia leg of her The ODD Of Love show, which will run until late August. Additionally, aespa is doing the America and Europe stops of their Syk: Hyper Line shows until September. 

From August to September, Chen will have his Polaris tour in Japan. After their Seoul shows, NCT will bring their NCT NATION: To the World concert to Japan in September. 

SHINee will stage their World VI [Perfect Illumination] shows in Japan between September to October, while Yesung will kick off his solo concert tour in Seoul in October.

On top of that, the agency will also bring their SMTOWN LIVE concert to Jakarta in September. TVXQ!, Super Junior, Red Velvet, NCT 127, NCT Dream, WayV, aespa, and RIIZE will be performing. 

Stay tuned here for more updates about these upcoming releases and concerts. Which of these are you most looking forward to?  

Featured image: SHINee releases album ‘HARD’ in June. Credit: Facebook/SHINee

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SHINee Returns as the “Princes of K-pop” with Highly Anticipated Comeback Track “Hard”

After a hiatus of over two years, South Korean boy band SHINee, widely recognized as the “Princes of K-pop,” has made a triumphant comeback.

Fans can rejoice and declare, “SHINee’s back,” reminiscent of the iconic phrase from their 2012 hit “Sherlock (Clue + Note),” as the four-member group released their eighth full album titled “Hard along with the music video for the lead single of the same name.

The single Hard is described as a “hybrid hip-hop track,” showcasing SHINee’s versatility and evolving musical style. Accompanying the single, the album features a total of 10 songs, including the anthemic pre-release track “The Feeling” unveiled on June 9.

Prior to the album release, SHINee held a series of concerts titled “SHINee World VI: Perfect Illumination” in Seoul over the weekend. However, due to health issues, leader Onew was unable to perform, with Key, Minho, and Taemin taking the stage.

This comeback marks SHINee’s first new music in over two years, following their April 2021 repackage album “Atlantis,” which was an extension of their seventh full album, “Don’t Call Me.”

During the hiatus, Taemin fulfilled his mandatory military service, making him the final member to complete his enlistment while his fellow bandmates pursued solo endeavors.

Managed by SM Entertainment, the boyband made their debut in May 2008 with the extended play “Replay.” Although originally a five-member group, the untimely passing of vocalist Jonghyun in December 2017 deeply impacted the group and their dedicated fan base.

Renowned for their experimental electro-pop sound and captivating stage performances,  they once again demonstrate their musical prowess and solidify their status as one of the most respected groups in the genre.

Stream the new track here:

Featured photo from NME

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SHINee’s Onew Assures SHAWOLs After Temporary Hiatus Announcement

Onew is making sure that his fans are not worried about his health. The SHINee member shared a message for SHAWOLs after his temporary hiatus was announced.

SM Entertainment Announces Onew’s Temporary Hiatus Due to Health Issues

On June 9, SM Entertainment released a statement regarding Onew’s temporary hiatus due to health issues. According to the agency, Lee Jinki visited the hospital for medical consultation and was advised to take a break.

“After careful and extensive discussion with Onew and the group, a decision was made to have Onew focus on recovering for the time being as he will be unable to participate in the upcoming concert and album activities,” the statement read.

SM confirmed that the upcoming SHINee concert and album activities will proceed with Key, Minho, and Taemin. However, Onew’s health is the agency’s top priority.

“We understand that SHINee’s promotional activities have been long-awaited by the members, fans, and our company. And we’d like to emphasize that this decision was made to ensure that SHINee may continue their activities in good health for a long time. We apologize for causing concern to the fans, and we ask for your generous understanding at this time,” the statement added.

Onew Shares Sweet Message For SHAWOLs Following Hiatus Announcement

Since then, SHAWOLs have been concerned about Onew’s health. However, Lee Jinki shared a message for his fans to let them know he will be alright.

I will come back after recovering well!” he wrote. “I apologize for worrying many people and would be grateful if you thought of this as a time to momentarily take a breather for the sake of SHINee, who I will be with in the future!”

“Given the timing, I thought a lot but as I was not recovering, I believe there was a misunderstanding or error,” Onew continued. “But I’ve made this decision in order to properly protect what I want to protect, and because the future is more important.”

“Anyway, please be happy and healthy!” he continued. “In order for us to meaningfully spend happy days and bits and pieces of life together, I will think and return in good health. I’m sorry for worrying you!”

Earlier in June, SHINee announced their next comeback with their eighth full album ‘Hard’ which will be released on June 26, 2023. The group will also hold a three-night concert series ‘SHINee WORLD VI [PERFECT ILLUMINATION]’. The concerts will be held at Seoul’s KSPO Dome on June 23, 24, and 25, 2023.

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SHINee Confirms June Comeback With New Album ‘HARD’

SHINee is getting ready for their next full album. Onew, Key, Minho, and Taemin are currently preparing for a June comeback with a new LP ‘HARD’. In addition to that, the group will hold their first offline concert in Seoul in almost six years next month.

SHINee Confirms June Comeback With Eighth Full Album ‘HARD’

The official SHINee Twitter account dropped the first teaser for ‘HARD’ along with a new logo and header. The new LP, which is set to be the group’s eighth full album, will be released on June 26, 2023.

This is awesome news considering that it has been almost two years since SHINee released any full-group content. The last group effort was the Japanese EP ‘Superstar’ back in June 2021.

SHINee clearly has big plans for their June comeback. SM Entertainment also confirmed that the group will hold a three-night concert series ‘SHINee WORLD VI [PERFECT ILLUMINATION]’. The concerts will be held at Seoul’s KSPO Dome on June 23, 24, and 25, 2023.

Taemin had already told SHAWOLs about the concerts during SHINee’s 15th-anniversary fan meeting. During the event, the “Move” singer confirmed that the group would be holding a concert next month. In addition to that, he teased that the upcoming June comeback will not be their only comeback this year.

SHINee recently held their 15th-anniversary fan meeting ‘Everyday is SHINee DAY: Piece of SHINE’ at the Jamsil Indoor Gymnasium in Songpa, Seoul. The event was initially set to be held at the Ilsan Korea International Exhibition Center [KINTEX].

However, fans were unhappy about the seating arrangements in the venue. After SHAWOLs boycotted the event, SM Entertainment decided to move the fan meeting to a new venue.

The three-night concert series ‘SHINee WORLD VI [PERFECT ILLUMINATION]’ will be held at Seoul’s KSPO Dome on June 23, 24, and 25, 2023. SHINee’s eighth full album ‘HARD’ will be released on June 26, 2023.

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SHINee 15th Anniversary Fan Meeting New Venue Announced

SHAWOLs have pushed SM Entertainment into submission. The agency has announced that SHINee’s 15th anniversary fan meeting is moving to a new venue. The change comes after fans boycotted the event over questionable seating arrangements.

SM Entertainment Officially Changes SHINee 15th Anniversary Fan Meeting Venue

SM Entertainment shared a new update on SHINee’s fan cafe. The agency confirmed that ‘Everyday is SHINee DAY: Piece of SHINE’ is moving to a new venue. In addition to that, the fan meeting will be extended to a two-day event.

It will be held on the 27th and 28th at Jamsil Indoor Gymnasium in Songpa, Seoul,” the statement confirmed. Moreover, SHAWOLs who are unable to attend can watch it online as Night 2 of the fan meeting will be streamed through Beyond LIVE.

It was previously announced that SHINee’s 15th-anniversary fan meeting ‘Everyday is SHINee DAY: Piece of SHINE’ will be held at the Ilsan Korea International Exhibition Center [KINTEX]. However, fans were unhappy about the seating arrangements in the venue.

SHAWOLS pointed out that there is a huge portion that blocks the view of the stage. This led to fans boycotting the event and demanding SM Entertainment change the venue.

The agency was then forced to issue a statement confirming they are making the necessary changes. SM Entertainment even went as far as to suggest that the event will be postponed so they could find a better venue.

“We sincerely apologize for causing concern to fans ahead of the 15th anniversary of SHINee and SHINee World,” the agency said.

SM continued, “We are waiting for an answer after confirming the new location. We will inform you as soon as the venue and detailed schedule are decided.

SHINee’s 15th-anniversary fan meeting ‘Everyday is SHINee DAY: Piece of SHINE’ will be held on May 27th and 28th at Jamsil Indoor Gymnasium. The second night of the fan meet will be streamed through Beyond LIVE.

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SM Entertainment Addresses Concerns Over SHINee Fan Meeting Venue

SM Entertainment has finally addressed fan concerns about an upcoming event. The agency issued a statement explaining the decision about the venue of SHINee’s 15th-anniversary fan meeting. In addition, the company announced that the event will be postponed to a later date. This way, they will be able to find a better venue for SHINee and SHAWOLs.

SM Entertainment Reacts To SHAWOLs Complaints About SHINee Fan Meeting Venue

It was previously announced that SHINee’s 15th-anniversary fan meeting ‘Everyday is SHINee DAY: Piece of SHINE’ will be held at the Ilsan Korea International Exhibition Center [KINTEX]. However, the news was met with outrage as fans complained about the seating arrangements in the venue.

SM Entertainment finally addressed the issue in a statement released on May 1. The agency explained they chose the venue due to capacity and availability on a weekend. The company further stated that they are discussing seating plans to avoid obstructing the view of some fans.

Despite the statement, fans continued to express their disapproval. SM Entertainment finally decided to issue a new announcement in an effort to please SHAWOLs.

“We sincerely apologize for causing concern to fans ahead of the 15th anniversary of SHINee and SHINee World,” the agency said. They then confirmed that the 2023 SHINee Fanmeeting ‘Everyday is SHINee DAY: Piece of SHINE’ will be postponed. The event was originally scheduled for May 27, 2023.

SM continued, “We are waiting for an answer after confirming the new location. We will inform you as soon as the venue and detailed schedule are decided.

SHINee recently reunited for the first time since Taemin’s military discharge. ONEW snapped a hilarious photo of the reunion which was shared on the group’s official Twitter account.

SHINEE has not yet announced their next comeback as a full group. However, an update could be dropped at the ‘Everyday is SHINee DAY: Piece of SHINE’ fan meeting.

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ONEW Shares SHINee’s First ‘Group Photo’ Since Taemin’s Military Discharge

ONEW just gave fans a glimpse at the highly anticipated SHINee reunion. Lee Jinki snapped the first “group photo” since Taemin’s military discharge earlier in April.

Taemin was officially discharged from mandatory military service on April 4, 2023. SHAWOLs immediately celebrated the return of SHINee’s maknae. Fans also anticipated the group’s reunion and a possible comeback with all four members.

ONEW Snaps SHINee’s First ‘Group Photo’ In Two Years

ONEW and Taemin both confirmed they met up with Key and Minho on April 25, 2023. However, they didn’t share a group photo right away. Luckily, the official SHINee Twitter account posted the first “group photo” taken by Lee Jinki.

It isn’t the conventional group photo fans were hoping for. Still, SHAWOLs amused themselves with the image by guessing which member is wearing which shoe.

This isn’t the first time that SHAWOLs had fun with guessing SHINee shoes. Back in 2021, Taemin had posted a group photo with his fellow members’ feet. Needless to say, fans have had a lot of practice with the guessing game.

For now, SHINee has not yet announced their next comeback as a full group. However, fans are already anticipating an announcement now that all members have completed military service. In the meantime, ONEW is promoting his first solo album ‘Circle’. Stay tuned for more updates on this story.

SHINee’s most recent comeback as a full group was in February 2021 when they released their seventh full album ‘Don’t Call Me’. The group also dropped the Japanese digital single ‘Superstar’ in May that year, right before Taemin’s military enlistment.

Taemin recently moved netizens when he paid tribute to the late ASTRO member Moon Bin, who passed away on April 19. The SHINee maknae reminisced about seeing Moonbin perform in a heartfelt Instagram story.

“I remember seeing you shining on stage. I hope you’re happy there, just as you’ve always been sparkling,” Taemin wrote.

Moon Bin passed away on April 19, just 11 days after what would have been late SHINee member Jonghyun‘s 33rd birthday.

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SHINee’s Taemin Pays Tribute To Moonbin in Emotional Post

Taemin is paying tribute to the late Moon Bin. The SHINee maknae shared a short but emotional message for the late ASTRO member. The message happens to be the perfect tribute to the young idol.

SHINee’s Taemin Shares A Touching Message for Moon Bin

The sudden passing of Moonbin left people stunned and several South Korean personalities have expressed their sympathy to his family, friends, and fans. It didn’t take long before Taemin himself learned about the news and immediately posted a tribute of his own.

Lee Tae-min shared the message as an Instagram Story on his official social media account. Although the message doesn’t mention Moonbin, it is clear that the SHINee singer posted the message for him.

“I remember seeing you shining on stage. I hope you’re happy there, just as you’ve always been sparkling,” Taemin wrote.

Netizens were moved by his words and began resharing the message on social media. Both SHINee and ASTRO fans loved how Taemin’s message paid tribute to Moonbin. The hopeful message resonated with everyone since it was hopeful and bright.

Taemin’s post was a welcome one considering he is someone who understands the pain of losing someone. The members of SHINee also dealt with the loss of a fellow member when Jonghyun died in 2017. The main vocalists’ passing was sudden and a complete shock to the K-pop industry.

Moonbin’s body was found in his apartment in Gangnam on April 19, 2023, at 8:10 PM KST. The cause of death is still under investigation.

The remaining members of ASTRO are attending Moonbin’s wake with the rest of his family. JinJin and Sanha were the first members to arrive at the site. Fellow member MJ, who is undergoing basic training for military service, filed for emergency leave so he could attend with the other idols. Cha Eun Woo is currently out of the country but has flown back to Seoul to attend the funeral.

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