Latest news with #SHINee
The Guardian
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
A moment that changed me: I was shy and cared too much what people thought of me. Then a group of K-pop fans came into my life
'You need to listen to this,' said my friend Helen over her birthday lunch in 2018. 'Have you ever heard of K-pop?' I hadn't – I didn't know it was short for Korean pop music, or about K-pop 'idols' (stars). She played me songs by the South Korean boyband SHINee and I was instantly captivated. It reminded me of the pop music I loved in the 00s, when I was growing up: the bombastic music videos, the repetitive electro-pop hooks, the bands where each member has a distinct role, like a family. It was pure escapism. Gradually, I started listening to more and more K-pop, until I took the plunge and did something I'd previously dismissed as 'cringe'. With my twin sister, Hannah, I went to a K-pop-themed 'cafe event' at the Gaza cafe in Soho, London. The get-together marked the birthdays of three members of the boyband GOT7. Their music videos played on TV screens and their album sleeves were displayed on the stairwell walls. Mounds of bingsoo – a Korean shaved-ice dessert – were served. I was surprised to find that the cafe event drew a relatively mixed crowd – including other Black girls, like me. I'd expected to stick out and felt apprehensive that I might leave feeling ostracised from a scene I'd come to adore. But everyone was friendly and welcoming, and we quickly bonded over our shared – albeit niche – interest. Growing up, I was often preoccupied by what other people thought of me; here, no one seemed to care. As a teenager, I often felt I stood out, despite my best efforts to blend in. By the time I reached my 20s, I was an overweight, dark-skinned 'four-eyes', and acutely aware of it. As a result, I did everything I could to make myself seem smaller: I wore dark clothes, pinned every strand of my afro hair flat to my head and hardly spoke at work. Yet at the K-pop party, Black girls wore bright makeup, band T-shirts and big smiles as they shared homemade photocards (trading cards, a little like football stickers), swapped badges and squealed when their favourite tracks were played. From there, my K-pop obsession began to snowball. I started listening to boybands such as MONSTA X, BTS and EXO, then girl groups such as Mamamoo and Dreamcatcher. Helen and I, friends since secondary school, launched a K-pop podcast called UK-pop (get it?). The fashion rubbed off on me too: black clothes stopped dominating my wardrobe as I added a red mohair scarf here, a Lucozade-orange balaclava there; I even bought a bomber jacket with pink flamingos all over it. I got silver braids in my hair and wore all my ear piercings at once – something I'd previously avoided, in case it looked 'too much'. I spent more than £400 on concerts, including a £160 ticket to see GOT7 at Wembley Arena which included 'hi-touch', where you high-five the group on the way out of the venue (I can distinctly remember my cologne-scented palm afterwards). Being a K-pop fan bled into my then job as a journalist; I interviewed idols and reviewed concerts. Other Black women who were into K-pop contacted me on social media, including Tasha and Shari, who became good friends offline. With my sister and Helen, we all began meeting up regularly to discuss the latest K-pop news, gigs we'd been to and idol scandals. We went for food at Korean barbecue restaurants, and went to K-pop exhibitions, films and festivals. I had finally found my tribe, a group of friends I could message day or night about anything – not just K-pop – and feel completely supported. In the decade since I first encountered K-pop culture, we've remained a tight-knit group, encouraging each other through new jobs, moving houses, family bereavements and many other big life decisions. We plan to visit Seoul together in the next couple of years – my last visit was in 2019, where my sister and I spent an afternoon going to see the headquarters of K-pop labels including SM Entertainment and JYP. Although my K-pop obsession isn't as intense as it was, an ATEEZ concert in January reminded me of why I fell in love with it so hard. Yes, I enjoy the music, but it's also down to the warm, funny people K-pop has brought into my orbit, close friends who have encouraged me to let my guard down. I'm now in my 30s and I still aspire to be more like the carefree girls in bright makeup I met at the Gaza cafe all those years ago. I've learned that people are not nearly as judgmental as I once feared – and if they are, so what? As K-pop megastars BTS would say: you can't stop me loving myself.
Time of India
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Artist' comeback announcement brings SHAWOLs to tears
SHINee, the SM Entertainment boy group, announced that they will be making their long-awaited comeback on May 25. The return has been highly anticipated by fans, especially following the departures of Taemin and Onew from SM Entertainment after many years with the company. This upcoming release already carries emotional weight for SHAWOLs. While reports suggest the new release will be a single, it's the title that has struck a deep emotional chord with fans. Ringing in the 17th anniversary of their debut, the single, titled Poet | Artist, holds special meaning, as it shares the name of the late Jonghyun's final album, released posthumously on January 23, 2018. SHINee 샤이니 【Poet l Artist】 ➫ 2025.05.25 00AM (KST)#SHINee #샤이니 #PoetlArtist #SHINee_PoetlArtist About "Poet | Artist" Adding to the emotional weight of the comeback, SHINee's official account unveiled details about the physical album, which will feature collectible items including photocards and plushies representing each of the five members. The group also released a "Fluffy SHINee" trailer, introducing the five plush characters that will accompany different versions of the upcoming single album. In a particularly heartfelt touch, Jonghyun's plushie is shown in an image where all the members are holding it together — a powerful symbol of unity and remembrance that deeply moved fans. SHINee 'Poet l Artist' Album Details (둘째 ver.) SHINee 샤이니 【Poet l Artist】 ➫ 2025.05.25 00AM (KST)#SHINee #샤이니 #PoetlArtist #SHINee_PoetlArtist SHAWOLs react With the long gap since their last group release and a title that feels like a heartfelt tribute, SHINee's upcoming comeback holds deep emotional significance for SHAWOLs, who continue to honour Jonghyun's legacy. Many took to X (formerly Twitter) to share their emotions, shedding tears over how much they miss Jonghyun while expressing their deep anticipation for the release. One said, "Always for their Jonghyun." always for their Jonghyun Another wrote, "I'll probably delete this later, but it's 1 in the morning and I'm absolutely bawling. I don't think Jonghyun has been so loudly mentioned since 2017. I genuinely don't even know how to feel right now. From the name to the five individual fluffies with ㅎㅅㅎ... I am so in shock." i'll probably delete this later but its 1 in the morning and im absolutely bawling. i don't think jonghyun has been so loudly mentioned since 2017. i genuinely don't even know how to feel right now. from the name, to the five individual fluffys with ㅎㅅㅎ. i am so in shock One commented, "The CD being like Jonghyun's 'MY LOVES'." the cd being like jonghyun's MY LOVES 🥺 Another added, "The dolls have each member's hand, while Jonghyun's has all the members' hands together — my 5HINee." the dolls have each member hand, while jonghyun's has every member's together🥹 my 5hinee Poet | Artist is scheduled for release on May 25 at midnight KST. With the date fast approaching, fans are eagerly awaiting more details about the single.
Forbes
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
'Lee Soo Man: King Of K-Pop' Documentary Premiere In Hollywood: Recap
(L-R): Taemin of SHINee; Kat and Chenyu of A2O MAY; Lee Soo-man; Sunny, Tiffany and Hyoyeon of ... More Girls' Generation; Shijie, Quchang and Miche of A2O MAY; Choi Siwon of Super Junior at the premiere of 'Lee Soo Man: King of K-Pop' in Hollywood On May 12th hundreds of attendees gathered at NeueHouse Hollywood in Los Angeles for the red carpet premiere of Lee Soo Man: King of K-Pop, a new Amazon Prime Video documentary exploring the life and legacy of Lee Soo-man, one of K-pop's leading pioneers. Hosted by A2O Entertainment, a new record label and entertainment agency founded by Lee, the star-studded event drew a crowd of notable artists, actors, influencers and other professionals across media and entertainment, including Lee himself and K-pop idols Choi Siwon of Super Junior, Taemin of SHINee and Sunny, Hyoyeon and Tiffany of Girls' Generation. HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - MAY 12: (L-R) Choi Siwon of Super Junior and Taemin of SHINee attend the ... More afterparty for the premiere of Prime Video's "Lee Soo Man: The King of K-Pop" at NeueHouse Hollywood on May 12, 2025 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Amy Sussman/GA/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty Images) (L-R) Girls' Generation - Sunny, Tiffany and Hyoyeon arrive at the Prime Video's LEE SOO MAN: THE ... More KING OF K-POP Premiere held at NeueHouse Hollywood in Hollywood, CA on Monday, May 12, 2025. (Photo By Sthanlee B. Mirador/Sipa USA) The film's director Ting Poo as well as its producers Teddy Zee, Jenny Turner, R.J. Cutler, Jane Cha Cutler, Elise Pearlstein and Trevor Smith were also in attendance. Prime Video's LEE SOO MAN: THE KING OF K-POP Premiere After Party held at NeueHouse Hollywood in ... More Hollywood, CA on Monday, May 12, 2025. (L-R: Jenny Turner, Elise Pearlstein, Ting Poo, Jane Cha, R.J. Cutler and Trevor Smith) HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - MAY 12: (L-R) Teddy Zee and Lee Soo Man attend the after party for the ... More premiere of Prime Video's "Lee Soo Man: The King of K-Pop" at NeueHouse Hollywood on May 12, 2025 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Amy Sussman/GA/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty Images) The evening kicked off with red carpet arrivals, followed by an advance screening of the feature documentary. Dwayne Abernathy aka Dem Jointz arrives at Prime Video's LEE SOO MAN: THE KING OF K-POP Premiere ... More held at NeueHouse Hollywood in Hollywood, CA on Monday, May 12, 2025. (Photo By Sthanlee B. Mirador/Sipa USA) Noah Gopen, Miranda Inzunza and Gingerbread at Prime Video's LEE SOO MAN: THE KING OF K-POP ... More Premiere held at NeueHouse Hollywood in Hollywood, CA on Monday, May 12, 2025. (Photo By Sthanlee B. Mirador/Sipa USA) (L-R) Matt William Knowles and Chikako Fukuyama at Prime Video's LEE SOO MAN: THE KING OF K-POP ... More Premiere held at NeueHouse Hollywood in Hollywood, CA on Monday, May 12, 2025. (Photo By Sthanlee B. Mirador/Sipa USA) Mad Tsai arrives at Prime Video's LEE SOO MAN: THE KING OF K-POP Premiere held at NeueHouse ... More Hollywood in Hollywood, CA on Monday, May 12, 2025. (Photo By Sthanlee B. Mirador/Sipa USA) (L-R) The Stereotypes - Jonathan Yip and Ray Romulus at Prime Video's LEE SOO MAN: THE KING OF K-POP ... More Premiere held at NeueHouse Hollywood in Hollywood, CA on Monday, May 12, 2025. (Photo By Sthanlee B. Mirador/Sipa USA) (L-R) IL Yeon Kwon and Teddy Zee at Prime Video's LEE SOO MAN: THE KING OF K-POP Premiere held at ... More NeueHouse Hollywood in Hollywood, CA on Monday, May 12, 2025. (Photo By Sthanlee B. Mirador/Sipa USA) Lee Soo Man at Prime Video's LEE SOO MAN: THE KING OF K-POP Premiere held at NeueHouse Hollywood in ... More Hollywood, CA on Monday, May 12, 2025. (Photo By Sthanlee B. Mirador/Sipa USA) A2O MAY, a new five-member girl group launched by A2O Entertainment, then took to the stage to perform their debut hit 'Under My Skin' (a remake of TVXQ!'s 'Mirotic' and Sarah Connor's 'Under My Skin') and their high-octane new single 'BOSS.' A2O MAY performing at Prime Video's LEE SOO MAN: THE KING OF K-POP Premiere held at NeueHouse ... More Hollywood in Hollywood, CA on Monday, May 12, 2025. Despite debuting only five months ago, A2O MAY has already set new records, becoming the first girl group from China to perform at a major American music festival (they recently played iHeartRadio's Wango Tango) and the first Chinese idol girl group to break into the U.S. Top 40 Radio chart with 'Under My Skin." HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - MAY 12: (L-R) Kat, Chenyu, Shijie, Quchang and Miche of A2O MAY attend the ... More premiere of Prime Video's "Lee Soo Man: The King of K-Pop" at NeueHouse Hollywood on May 12, 2025 in Hollywood, California. Other young rookie acts from A2O Entertainment also showcased their talent on stage, stunning the audience with their explosive dance moves and an easy swagger well beyond their years. (L-R) A2O Entertainment Rookies - Tai, Hanze Jiayi, Ayden, Maxitong, Baowei and Xili at the Prime ... More Video's LEE SOO MAN: THE KING OF K-POP Premiere held at NeueHouse Hollywood in Hollywood, CA on Monday, May 12, 2025. (Photo By Sthanlee B. Mirador/Sipa USA) The night wrapped up with a lively rooftop afterparty, complete with an open bar, photo opps and a DJ set by Hyoyeon. (L-R) Hyoyeon of Girls' Generation and Lee Soo Man djing at Prime Video's LEE SOO MAN: THE KING OF ... More K-POP Premiere After Party held at NeueHouse Hollywood in Hollywood, CA on Monday, May 12, 2025. Prime Video's LEE SOO MAN: THE KING OF K-POP Premiere After Party held at NeueHouse Hollywood in ... More Hollywood, CA on Monday, May 12, 2025. (Photo By Sthanlee B. Mirador/Sipa USA) Prime Video's LEE SOO MAN: THE KING OF K-POP Premiere After Party held at NeueHouse Hollywood in ... More Hollywood, CA on Monday, May 12, 2025. (Photo By Sthanlee B. Mirador/Sipa USA) Guests at Prime Video's LEE SOO MAN: THE KING OF K-POP Premiere held at NeueHouse Hollywood in ... More Hollywood, CA on Monday, May 12, 2025. (Photo By Sthanlee B. Mirador/Sipa USA) Lee Soo Man: King of K-Pop delves into Lee's remarkable career and profound impact on the Korean entertainment industry, from his beginnings as a popular singer-songwriter in Korea to his rise as the visionary founder and chief producer of SM Entertainment, one of the largest K-pop agencies in the world. The documentary also addresses the controversies that led to his ouster from SM Entertainment and traces his subsequent remarkable comeback as the founder and lead producer of A2O Entertainment. HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - MAY 12: Lee Soo Man attends the premiere of Prime Video's "Lee Soo Man: The ... More King of K-Pop" at NeueHouse Hollywood on May 12, 2025 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Amy Sussman/GA/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty Images) During his time at SM Entertainment, Lee created and refined the K-pop idol system that is responsible for shaping K-pop as we know it today. Under Lee's guidance, many of SM Entertainment's earlier artists like H.O.T. (widely considered to be the first K-pop idol group), TVXQ!, BoA and Super Junior popularized K-pop in overseas markets and laid the foundations for K-pop to grow into a global phenomenon. As the documentary notes, beginning with its boy band EXO, SM Entertainment also introduced 'concepts' (an overarching theme for an artist or one of their albums) and 'universes' (fictional worlds built around a particular K-pop group that often involve elaborate storylines) into K-pop storytelling that became widely adopted across the K-pop industry over the years. Lee Soo Man: King of K-Pop is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.
Time of India
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
SHINee to release a new single to celebrate the 17th debut anniversary
K-pop group SHINee will celebrate their 17th debut anniversary in a few days. In order to celebrate the auspicious event and provide fans with a present as well, the group is officially going to release a new single on the day of their anniversary. SHINee plans new activities for its 17th anniversary; a new single is in the cards In order to celebrate their 17th debut anniversary, K-pop idols SHINee have been planning activities to celebrate the event. According to reports from Soompi, the group will be holding an event called 'SHINee WEEK' from May 18 to 22. The segment will be available on their online streaming platform, and they will be sharing the group's first through fifth group concerts for fans to watch. The group's anniversary is on May 25, and that is also when they will be releasing their new single. The single will contain two song tracks, with one being the title. The songs will first be released on online streaming platforms around the world, while the physical copy will also be available for fans to purchase at a much later date. SHINee to hold 7th group concert in May The group had also previously announced that they will be holding their 7th group concert this May from May 23 to 25. The concert has been titled 'SHINee WORLD VII [E.S.S.A.Y] (Every Stage Shines Around You)' and will be held in South Korea at the KSPO DOME, Seoul. About SHINee The K-pop group SHINee has been active since 2008 with the song 'Replay,' which garnered a lot of praise from the public. Their next few singles, like "Ring Ding Dong" and "Lucifer," also went viral amongst the public and helped solidify their status in the Korean entertainment industry. The group originally debuted with five members; however, member Jonghyun tragically passed away in 2017. Ever since his untimely demise, the group has been active as a four-member group, which includes Minho, Key, Onew, and Taemin. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . And don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
SHINee to release a new single this month
13 May - SHINee is set to release a new single on 25 May, marking the 17th anniversary of their debut. The announcement was made by their agency SM Entertainment on 12 May, stating that the new single will include two songs, including the title track. The release is part of "SHINee WEEK," a celebration of the group's 17th debut anniversary. SHINee will also hold their seventh solo concert from 23 to 25 May at the KSPO Dome in Seoul, where they will reunite with fans who have supported them for many years. Additionally, they will also be releasing the recorded versions of their past concerts from 18 to 22 May as part of the SHINee week. Debuting in 2008 as a five-member idol group under SM Entertainment with the hit "Replay (Noona You're So Pretty)," SHINee has enjoyed domestic and international success with numerous hits such as "Ring Ding Dong," "Lucifer," "View" and "Sherlock." (Photo Source: SHINee IG, YNA)
