K-Pop veteran Onew aims to reveal his authentic self to the world, with his voice playing a crucial role in this pursuit. It undeniably stands as his greatest asset, which is reflected in the title of his 2018 debut EP, inviting listeners into his musical journey with a soothing melody.
At 35, Onew has been the leader of K-Pop group SHINee—often referred to as the Princes of K-Pop—since their debut in 2008. While he no longer sports the sleek black side-swept bangs, the red bomber jacket, and the oversized gold chains from "Replay," the now-redhead remains a steadfast presence in the group, both as a vocalist and a leader. Personally, he is soft-spoken and possesses a quiet determination, leading by example and often prioritizing his members above himself.
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Interestingly, his solo career has provided him with a break from the surrounding chaos, allowing him time for introspection. Achieving great artistry often requires self-awareness, and for Onew, the quest for personal happiness serves as his guiding principle in this journey. “I’m considering how I can most effectively convey who I am,” he remarked, seemingly transforming the daunting quest for happiness into a manageable goal of self-expression.
He yearns for vulnerability, authenticity, and development—as an artist, his goal is not merely to be known, but to be truly understood. Each song he releases represents a fragment of himself: a reflection of his journey, a record of his progress, and an illustration of his aspirations.
By nature introspective, he sincerely admitted that standing solo initially proved challenging for him. His voice is bright, airy, resonant, and soulful—all attributes it holds. However, when he first entered the industry, he regrettably acknowledged that he saw his voice as a drawback. “At first, there weren’t any voices like mine,” he shared, expressing his struggle to find a role model that mirrored his vocal qualities. “There was even a point when I thought, ‘Is this all I can do?’—it felt almost traumatic.”
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Navigating the development of his own voice and adjusting to public life—especially during his adolescent years—can be quite overwhelming. For many, the frustration stemming from such a circumstance often serves as a source of motivation. While time has been the main ally in his growth, Onew has grown comfortable with his voice: he conveys this sentiment confidently and feels at home within it. “My perspective has shifted, and I now consider it one of my strengths.”
He can undoubtedly hold his own in any musical context, and when performing solo, his confidence in his voice and musical ear becomes particularly evident. Whether he is on stage with his group or performing solo, a genuine smile lights up his face during every performance. It’s hard to picture him doing anything else, and he agreed, stating he “… probably would’ve pursued something related to singing” if not for his current path.
As a result, having the opportunity to interact with his international fans in person is a privilege he cherishes, and while he travels across the US, he appears increasingly astonished by the support he receives. He effortlessly reciprocates that energy and is particularly excited to present his latest title track, “Winner,” to his fans. “I want to remind everyone once again that ‘everyone is a winner’,” he stated. Some may regard this message as overly optimistic, yet it conveys a simple truth: Onew's life revolves around creating and performing. “I always express a desire to perform and see fans wherever possible, and I genuinely believe that I will meet them anywhere.”
His artistry is a point of deep pride for him, and he is just beginning to grasp the full scope of his talents as an artist, especially as a solo performer. There are still some facets of the role he is adapting to, particularly due to the establishment of his own agency around March 2024. With a close-knit team behind him, Onew is venturing into new areas of the creative process, allowing him to reflect on the differences between his solo work and his contributions to SHINee.
“I once believed the company played a significant role in forming a strong team, but since embarking on my solo journey, I have encountered many new experiences.” Not only is he a credited lyricist, but with the release of his 2024 EP ‘Flow,’ he is also a credited producer. “It hasn’t been simple,” he admitted. “Along with the responsibility came pressure at times.” However, the mutual trust he has fostered with his agency has eased his adjustment. “... By having open discussions with my new company, I was able to expand my viewpoint.”
Although generally gentle in demeanor, he should not be underestimated—each performance he delivers is approached with meticulous care. While he usually pays great attention to his music, he has recently discovered that, following the launch of his first-ever
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K-Pop veteran Onew aims to reveal his authentic self to the world, with his voice being at the heart of this goal. Undoubtedly, it is his strongest asset, and