SHINee’s back :Princes of K-pop’s return is essential for 2021
for nearly three years, K-pop has been deprived of its princes. In 2018, SHINee had reigned for a decade, overcoming the seven-year curse – where bands often split at the end of their contracts – but were forced to go on hiatus due South Korea’s mandatory military service. As the year ended, Onew enlisted, and Key and Minho followed shortly months after.
With their service completed by various points in 2020, the news Shawols had been hoping for arrived hours into 2021 – the royal drought would soon be over. During SM Entertainment’s SMTown Live Culture Humanity virtual concert on New Year’s Day, a teaser reminded us of SHINee’s highlights so far, from the romantic R&B of debut single ‘Replay’ to the poetic and tender ‘Our Page’ and everything in between. “SHINee’s back,” a familiar whisper announced at the end, setting into motion the return of one of K-pop’s most vital boybands.
It’s rare for an idol group to not only still be active almost 13 years after their debut, but still be as relevant as SHINee. Even if acts renew their contracts, they’re not guaranteed to maintain their statuses, with fanbases dwindling as newer groups capture the public’s attention. One, Key, Minho and maknae (or “youngest member”) Taemin, though, remain one of the industry’s most exciting prospects, thanks to the legacy they’ve built as risk-takers and explorers.
According to Minho, no overall theme connects the music of “Don’t Call Me” as an album; they just were including the music that felt right to them. “Some songs are quintessential Shinee songs, but there are also other songs that are things we’ve never tried before. They fit today’s genres and musical mood.”
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