K-pop: SHINee's Minho, Key renew contracts with SM post-Taemin exit
K-pop group SHINee's Minho and Key renewed their contracts with SM Entertainment on Tuesday, reflecting their strong trust in the agency. This announcement came after fellow SHINee member Taemin left the company for Big Planet Made Entertainment after 16 years. In a joint statement, Minho and Key expressed gratitude toward SME, stating that they hope to "continue creating good synergy with SM and establish new and diverse beginnings as artists."
'We are who we are today because of SM'
Minho and Key extended their heartfelt thanks to their fans for their unwavering support. Pledging to continue delivering top-notch performances, the artists stated in an official statement: "SM and SHINee have spent every moment together from our beginning until now." "I think we are who we are today because of the agency staff that we have worked together with for a long time," they added.
SME promised full support for Minho and Key
In response, SME expressed joy over the continuation of their partnership with Minho and Key in a statement. The agency stated, "We are happy to continue our valuable relationship with Key and Minho." "With the strong foundation of trust leading to this renewal, we will provide our full support in various ways for Key and Minho to shine not only as members of SHINee but also as solo artists."
SHINee's journey and solo careers of Minho and Key
Formed by SME in 2008, SHINee initially comprised Onew, Key, Minho, Taemin, and Jonghyun. Tragically, they lost their main vocalist Jonghyun in 2017, leaving them as a quartet. They have released several hit albums since their debut EP, Replay. Both Minho and Key have launched successful solo careers while remaining integral parts of the band. Minho debuted as a solo artist with his mini-album Chase in 2022, while Key began his solo career in 2018 with the single Forever Yours.
Meanwhile, Taemin's group activities will still be managed by SME
The lead dancer of the boy band officially signed an exclusive contract with Big Planet on April 1, where he will pursue his solo music ventures while continuing his group activities under SM Entertainment. Taemin, the first SHINee member to embark on a solo career, released his debut EP Ace in 2014, featuring the lead track Danger. Since then, he has continued to captivate audiences with solo hits like Move, Criminal, and Guilty.
