SHINee's Onew halts upcoming concert and comeback promotions for health reasons
SHINee leader Onew will be taking a break from promoting their group's upcoming comeback album and concert this June.
SM Entertainment has made an official statement, citing health issues needing medical care and rest as Onew's main reason for halting group activities.
On June 9, SM said, "Recently, Onew visited the hospital after experiencing health issues and has since received medical examination and consultation. And it's been advised that Onew will be needing medical care and rest."
The statement said Onew will "focus on recovering for the time being" and will not participate in the upcoming concert and album activities."
The other SHINee members, Key, Minho, and Taemin will proceed with their group schedules together.
Onew has also addressed the issue and wanted to personally apologize to his fans. His recent Instagram post showed a photo of a cake with "SHINee's 15th Anniversary" written across it.
In his caption, Onew wrote a lengthy message for Shawols translated into English by fans.
"Hello. I am Onew. Because a lot of people are surprised, I decided that it's only right for me to say something so I wrote this."
"I'll be back after my health is recovered. I am so sorry for causing troubles to all of you and I'd be really grateful if you could think of this as a short break [for myself].
SHINee will still be with you in the future."
"I had a lot of thoughts about taking a break, considering whether it's the right time to do so. I also thought of the possibility of misunderstandings or false speculation about my condition. However, in order to protect what I have to protect myself, I made this decision since the future is even more important."
He continued, "I'll come back healthy and I apologize for causing worries to you. By all means, please be happy, and be healthy."
Many Shawols expressed their concern and support for Onew. One comment on his Instagram post received over 200 likes. It read, "Your health is the most important thing. Take your time and get well soon. Let's meet when you are healthy. We are always here for you. I love you so much. You don't have to be sorry at all. We all can understand your situation. It is fine. For a better tomorrow, you are focusing on your health. That is very important. You have taken the right decision only. Come back to us when you are healthy. We promised each other to take care of our health. Let's do that and be happy."
Another fan wrote, "Please don't apologize. Prioritizing your health and well being is very important."
On Twitter, fans also shared their words of encouragement and support not just to Onew, but to his SHINee members as well.
Back in March, Onew released his first full-length album Circle, with the title track of the same name.
SHINee is releasing a special 15th-anniversary song “The Feeling” tomorrow, June 10. The boy group will be returning with their eighth full-length album HARD on June 26. This marks their first group comeback in over two years.
While Onew is on a temporary break, Key, Minho, and Taemin are set to perform in a three-night concert, “SHINee WORLD VI [PERFECT ILLUMINATION]” at Seoul's KSPO Dome on June 23, 24, and 25.
KNOW MORE ABOUT SHINee AND THEIR 15-YEAR JOURNEY IN THIS GALLERY: