(L to R: Key, Onew, Jonghyun, Taemin, Minho)

(L to R: Minho, Jonghyun, Onew, Taemin, Key). (Clockwise, starting at bottom center: Minho, Taemin, Jonghyun, Onew, Key).

SHinee:

I chose SHINee as my first kpop band to cover simply because I have always liked them. It is going to be difficult for me to widen my lens and look at them objectively, as I have always found them cute, funny, and typical of the genre, in a good way. Not to mention, Lee Taemin is my ultimate bias. :”)

When I write a review, I am going to start with a general overview and individual bios, with strengths, weaknesses, and general appearance of each member. (like it or not, appearance is a major part of kpop). In succeeding entries, I will cover the bands albums and musical style, each music video and its teasers, promos, and style, tv appearances and the band’s actions, and the overall rating I feel is garnered by the band. None of these ideas I have about kpop are meant to be the bottom line, but I feel that it is natural for me to express my opinions. I am certain that I will get hate mail from various fan groups, but I can’t say that it really bothers me. So, on to business:
<--more-->

SHINee (which I am done typing with its odd capitalization) was formed in 2008 by SME (S.M. Entertainment, never again to be typed). They debuted on Inkigayo with “Noona Neomu Yeppeo”. The members include Lee Jinki, Kim Kibum, Kim Jonghyun, Choi Minho, and Lee Taemin. Since 2008, they have released 2 albums, 3 mini-albums, and singles and music videos galore; they are known as the “younger brother” group, and affectionately stalked by older pedo-noonas. (all members are now legal though! Congratulations!). They have also recently debuted in Japan, in 2011, under EMI Entertainment.

History of Shinee: (too bad that’s not a class!) As previously mentioned, they debuted on Inkigayo in May 2008 with Noona Neomu Yeppeo. Their first award was Rookie of the Month at the Cyworld Digital Music Awards, and they have performed in many concerts, including several SMTown Live performances. MNet’s Choice named them “Hot New Stars” in 2008. After the release of their first album, The Shinee World, they won M! Countdown and received the Mutizen award. Also in 2008, they won Best New Artist and Best Style Icon awards. On November 15, 2008, Shinee beat out 2pm, 2am, and UKISS for Best Male Rookies at an MNet Music Festival.

In 2009, Shinee returned with Juliette and the mini-album Romeo, leading to a number win on Music Bank. They released Year of Us that year as well, which contained the infamous single Ring Ding Dong.

Their second full album was released in 2010; Lucifer. Two singles and music videos, Hello and Lucifer, were promoted at that time. Shinee also held their first world concert tour, beginning in Tokyo.

In 2011, Shinee began their path to a Japanese debut under EMI. They have now released several Japanese songs, including remakes of Replay and Juliette. Their next task will to be release a remake of Lucifer in Japanese.

Shinee also recorded an OST for Boys Over Flowers, one of the most successful k-dramas, and appeared on Hello Baby, YunHaNam, and 2pm’s own Variety Show, Idol Army.

As you can see, Shinee has a diverse history, full of success, on the cusp of more.

Now, to delve into the members. Shinee is composed of five members: Lee Jinki, Kim Jonghyun, Kim Kibum, Choi Minho, and Lee Taemin.

Lee Jinki: Better known by his stage name Onew, he is the oldest member of Shinee and its leader. He is considered one of the two lead vocalists, alongside Jonghyun. Onew was born in Gwangmyeong on December 14, 1989, making him 21. He was discovered in 2006 at an SM casting. He trained for two years before Shinee’s debut. He has also contributed to collabs with Lee Hyeon-Ji and Jessica of SNSD. Onew also performs in musicals, including Brothers Were Brave and Rock of Ages. He MCs on KBS and MBC’s Music Core frequently. He recently became a fixed member of the panel on SBS’s show Dalgona and took a cameo in a drama, Dr. Champ. Onew is known for his awkward but kind charms, clumsy manner, and frequent onstage errors, such as tripping or having his voice crack. However, most Shawols (the fan club) find him endearing and amusing. He can have quite a quirky sense of humor and boundless energy on most variety shows. His strengths tend to be singing and leadership, while his weakness tends to be dancing. (*cough cough Lucifer cough cough*). The “Onew Condition” is a common joke, wherein he spaces out and does something ridiculous, usually on live tv. Gotta love him. His ideal woman has a “nice voice” and “soft hands”. That sounds like something I would hope my doctor has, not my future love. Slightly creepy, Onew. He plays piano competently. To me, he has the best falsetto of the group.

Pre-debut, Onew appeared similar to his appearance now, though chubbier. JAs for plastic surgery rumors, it is said that Onew had corrections done to his teeth, but it was in response to an accident in a training session that injured his mouth and teeth. I watched videos of him pre-debut, and he has the same warm, gentle persona and looks that he does now.

Kim Jonghyun-another lead singer of the group, known for his excellent voice. He was born on April 8, 1990, making him 20, and raised in Seoul. He was discovered at another SM casting session in 2005. Before his debut, he sang a duet with the Chinese singer Zhang Liyin. Jonghyun has also written several of the group’s songs, including Juliette, though I cannot speak on his songwriting abilities as I cannot speak Korean. Jonghyun also works alongside Suju’s Kyuhyun, TRAX’s Jay, and Jino, in SMBallad, another group. He was cast in Immortal Song II, but only stayed for two episodes due to his schedule. His most recent project was recording an OST for the drama City Hunter. Jonghyun is renowned for his good looks, fit body, and excellent vocals. Personally, I like his voice quite a bit. He has also recently had a scandal of his own, a short-lived relationship with idol/actress/model Shin Se Kyung. (I really loved them together….). He can play the bass, guitar, piano, and is known to be dorky/funny and have very sarcastic wit and playful humor. I personally think Jonghyun is the funniest and most interesting to watch on variety shows, and has the best voice.

Pre-Debut, Jonghyun was also very attractive (except for that one really freaky baby picture...). He is known as one of the most natural idols in kpop, something I believe might hold true. Look for yourself:

Kim Kibum-better known as Key, he is one of the rappers, vocalists, and dancers of the group. He is known for his wild, crazy antics and natural “diva” behavior. He is loud, attention-grabbing, colorful, and humorous. Personally, I find him wildly entertaining, along with Jonghyun. (I will bring attention to this pair later). He was born September 23, 1991, making him 19, in Daegu. He was discovered at the same 2005 SM casting as Jonghyun. He is a gifted water-skier. (lol! Best mental image ever). He appeared as a dancer in Super Junior’s Wonder Boy MV, and was featured in DBSK’s Xiahtic. He also sang/rapped in songs by SNSD and TRAX. He is called Almighty Key because he has no specific focus, but rather works on all 3 functions of a group: rapping, dancing, and singing. His singing and rapping voice are very unique, and I prefer his rapping to Minho’s, generally. His dancing, while good, is not as good as Taemin’s. However, he, Taemin, and Jonghyun are the three beautiful faces of the group, and Key is known to be the most fashionable, or worried about style. He generally posts the most selcas, as well. Key is fluent (at least mostly) in Japanese and English. He is close friends with 2AM’s Jinwoon and KARA’s Nicole, and f(x)’s Amber. He has made appearances on Maknae Rebellion and Rising Idol, as well as being a guest DJ on SuKiRa. He sang “Barbie Girl” with Jessica once, which is possibly the best thing I’ve heard (for the lolz) and did a duet with IU as well. His dream girl is opinionated, smart, and determined. Or maybe a guy, you know. (Out of most idols, Key gets my second place vote for closeted. Only second, though)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NG5YbdO1cvY -his audition tape. I think that’s pretty impressive, when you factor in the pressure, his age, and the fact that he had no training at that time.

Key’s looks have always been excellent, as evidenced by his absolutely precious childhood pictures:

Choi Minho-Minho is the lead rapper of Shinee, and what some call “the useless member”. He is also the only member to undergo plastic surgery rumors, at least founded ones. However, if he did in fact get plastic surgery, it was not severe, because his earliest baby pictures show a strong resemblance to the Minho we know. While it is difficult for me to judge Korean rapping, I can tell that Minho is not up to the standards of, say, TOP or Yubin. However, he brings his own charisma and charm to the group that would otherwise feel incomplete. My defining moment of love for Minho came with the variety show Hello Baby that featured Shinee in full; Minho was by far the most precious with Yoogeun, the baby. (I suggest that show to every single person ever who likes sickeningly adorable interactions). Anyways, Minho was born on December 9, 1991, making him also 19, and raised in Incheon. He writes many of the raps himself (has no meaning to me….). He was discovered alongside Onew at the 2006 SM Casting; he modeled before and after debut as well. He appeared in SNSD’s hit Gee, and VNT’s debut MV Sound. He is a member of the cast of Dream Team Season II and has been in one drama, Pianist. He is attending part-time Konkuk University for film, arts, and culture. He is an MC, with Onew, on Music Core, and a member of the cast for 100/100 as well. He sang a duet with SNSD’s Yuri. He was voted Best Idol as Model. In interviews and on tv, he seems one of the quietest and most mature members, along with maknae Taemin.

His plastic surgery controversy surrounded his nose, the tip of which did appear to change in shape. Pictures below, judge for yourselves. Personally, I go with “yes” on this one; idols get plastic surgery more often than not.

Lee Taemin-my personal bias, the maknae, the lead dancer, and a vocalist. His dancing skills are well known and very good, and his vocals are decent as well. He was born July 18, 1993, making him 18, and raised in Seoul. He was discovered at the 2005 SM Casting. He has acted in a sitcom, with a ridiculously long Hangeul name that hurts my eyes. He appeared on Maknae Rebellion, naturally, and briefly replaced Minho on Dream Team II. In interviews and on tv, he sides with Minho as more mature and soft-spoken. He usually seems embarrassed by the attention he receives and especially with his ayego, which certainly has to be awkward to portray when you’re an 18 year old guy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ivxYp4nZ3aY –his audition tape. This is great for several reasons. 1. Taemin could dance, even then. Some of the dancing is awkward or flailing, but hey. He’s a kid. 2. There is a giant looming Suju poster in the back which is rather freaky and old. 3. That girl next to Taemin who just stops trying halfway through cracks me up.

His pre-debut pictures also show a cute guy, so I doubt any major plastic surgery was done, other than the requisite eyelid surgery, naturally. It is possible there was minor work done recently on his nose, but I’m undecided. He looks good either way, so smh