SHINee delights fans all over the world in 13th anniversary online party
May 25, 2008 is an important date for SHINee and their fandom SHINee World or Shawols, as it is the day that the group debuted in the K-pop industry and changed the landscape forever.
With the world still battling COVID-19, the group decided to hold an online party to celebrate their 13th anniversary via their Naver VLive channel.
Titled “SHINee Day” and hosted by Super Junior's Eunhyuk, the two-hour live broadcast was a rollercoaster of emotions as Onew, Key, Minho, and Taemin looked back on their journey, answered questions sent in by fans, and gave memorable performances of “Don't Call Me,” “Atlantis,” and “Aside.”
One segment had the boys guess which among their 113 songs were chosen by fans as their top five favorites. Claiming the top spot was “Body Rhythm,” which fans described as “the song that must be performed on stage” and “a masterpiece.”
“During Beyond Live, we wanted to perform this. We didn't perform this song though. There was no time. We wanted to make a good performance for this [but] we didn't get to do so. It's upsetting,” Minho explained before the group broke into an impromptu dance.
A compilation of fan messages was then shown, followed by a special send-off video for Taemin, who will be enlisting in the military on Monday, May 31. Featured in it were staff, dancers, and executives of their label SM Entertainment, including its founder Lee Soo-man, wishing the group maknae to serve well and return safely.
His SHINee members were also in the video.
“I've leaned on you at times although I'm the leader and have shown sides of myself that I lacked. I'm looking forward to your second chapter and think that you'll become an even greater artist,” said Onew.
Key shared, “You must be very tired and busy, but thank you for being strong. Rather than being worried about your enlistment, I'm most worried about your body and want to help you because I know how much of a burden it is to go through this schedule beforehand.”
Minho tells him, “I've seen you since sixth grade, and now you're enlisting, so I can't believe it. But I hope you're safe and healthy. I'm always on your side. I love you.”
When asked for a message to their fans, Taemin had this to say.
“Thank you for showing a lot of love. I will try to be a person who is complete and honest. Many things went by, we can't see each other in person, but soon we will be able to and we will perform. That moment will come, and I hope that comes soon. I always say this. Don't look at others, and just look at us. I don't want to see you leave us. Please stay by us! (laughs)”
Watch the broadcast replay here:
Over on Instagram, Key and Minho posted photos before and after the event.
SHINee made their much-awaited comeback after a two-year hiatus in February 2021 with the release of their seventh studio album 'Don't Call Me.' It was followed by a repackaged version, 'Atlantis,' just two months later. They will also release a new Japanese album, 'SUPERSTAR,' on July 28.
Know more about SHINee and why there are the Princes of K-pop in this gallery: