SHINee’s leader, Onew, will temporarily suspend his activities due to health issues.
According to SM Entertainment, Onew recently consulted with medical professionals and underwent examinations due to persistent health problems. The medical team advised Onew to prioritize stability and treatment.
The agency stated, “After careful discussions with Onew and the members, we have decided that he will not participate in the upcoming concerts and album promotions. Instead, he will take a temporary break.” They added, “Although SHINee’s activities have been eagerly awaited by the members, fans, and our company, we had to make this unavoidable decision to ensure that SHINee can continue its activities in a healthier manner. We kindly ask for your understanding. As the company, we prioritize the artists’ health, and we will support Onew’s recovery efforts to enable him to return in a healthy condition.”
Earlier, Onew had raised concerns among fans with his recent photos and videos on official social media, which showed a significant weight loss. Speculation arose that it was intentional weight loss in preparation for a comeback, but it was revealed that he had been going through a challenging time due to ongoing health issues.
Despite struggling with health problems, Onew maintained regular communication with fans. On May 15th, he posted on social media, “I love my students, Shawols. Have a happy day,” along with a picture of his face. On May 25th, to commemorate SHINee’s 15th debut anniversary, he sincerely expressed, “Let’s spend the next 15 years together, making a splendid future.” Two days before announcing his break on June 7th, he shared a picture of himself on social media, saying, “Have the happiest day in the world!” and wished his fans happiness.
After releasing his solo album ‘Circle’ on March 6th, which reached the top of domestic and international music charts, Onew successfully held solo concerts both domestically and internationally. Following the completion of his solo album activities, he focused on SHINee’s 8th full-length album. Prior to their comeback, he also attended SHINee’s solo fan meeting, ‘Everyday is SHINeeDAY: Piece of SHINE,’ held at the Jamsil Indoor Gymnasium in Seoul on May 27th and 28th.
Upon Onew’s announcement of taking a break, numerous fans from around the world sent messages of support, expressing their hopes for his recovery and well-being rather than feeling sorry for his absence.
Therefore, SHINee’s 8th full-length album, ‘HARD,’ scheduled for release on June 26th, and their 6th solo concert, ‘SHINee WORLD VI [PERFECT ILLUMINATION],’ held at the KSPO DOME in Seoul Olympic Park from June 23rd to 25th, will only include the participation of the members Key, Minho, and Taemin.
The agency stated, “We will inform you of Onew’s resumption of activities when the timing is determined, considering his recovery status. Key, Minho, and Taemin are putting their utmost efforts into practice to show a great performance to the fans before their comeback. We sincerely ask for your interest and love in SHINee’s June concert and 8th full-length album activities.”
‘HARD’ is SHINee’s new album, which will be released approximately two years and two months after their 7th full-length repackaged album, ‘Atlantis,’ announced in April 2021. SHINee marked the end of their group hiatus, labeled as the ‘Military Service Gap’ since April 4th this year when Taemin completed his military service. Earlier, leader Onew enlisted as an active-duty soldier in December 2018 and completed his service in July 2020. Key, who enlisted as an active-duty soldier in March 2019, completed his service in October 2020, and Minho, who began his marine corps service in April 2019, finished his military duties in November 2020.
This album, which opens a new chapter for SHINee on their 15th debut anniversary, has garnered immense interest from global music fans. With the title track ‘HARD’ leading the album, it is expected to showcase SHINee’s diverse musical colors with a total of 10 songs from various genres.
