Contract renewals for idol groups often become a topic of fierce discussion among fans, and the recent buzz surrounding SHINee — one of the genre’s most iconic groups — is no exception.
| SM Entertainment
Reports have indicated that Key and Minho are negotiating to renew their contracts with SM Entertainment, while Taemin and Onew appear to be considering their options outside the longstanding company. This situation has stirred considerable conversation among Korean netizens — but also unrest within the group’s fanbase.
| @bumkeyk /Instagram
Amidst these discussions, SM Entertainment has issued a statement noting the ongoing positive dialogues with Key and Minho regarding their individual and group activities while also revealing that the future of Onew and Taemin’s contracts will be decided based on their personal desires.
| @xoalsox/Instagram
The company reassured fans that regardless of the contractual situations, SHINee would continue its group promotions under SM Entertainment.
They will continue group promotions with SM Entertainment without change, but the contracts regarding their individual activities will be decided upon based on each of the members’ wishes. We are in the midst of positive discussions with Key and Minho regarding their individual activities as well as their group ones. Onew is exploring as he leaves himself open to various directions. Our exclusive contract with Taemin ends in March, and nothing has been confirmed about after his contract ends. We heard he is considering things from various angles.
— SM Entertainment
| SM Entertainment
In what appears to be an attempt to quell the growing concerns among fans regarding SHINee’s future, Minho took to Instagram with an important message.
| @choiminho_1209/Instagram
Through a simple yet heartwarming Instagram story post featuring an image of the sky, Minho captioned it with “Don’t Worry.”
| @choiminho_1209/Instagram
His gesture has been widely interpreted as an assurance to fans, suggesting that despite the ongoing contract renewal discussions, the future of SHINee remains bright.
if shinee world president choi minho tell me to not worry then i will not worry i trust him 525%
— hourly onew (@meusconceptions) March 6, 2024
Of course Minho would be the first to reassure us 🩵 he really feels like our rock sometimes, always the one to let us know that everything will be okay
— 짝꿍 니니 𝓖𝓤𝓘𝓛𝓣𝓨 (@jonghyvnkim) March 6, 2024
Minho ALWAYS makes sure to get thro to us whenever we are worried mad. He always makes sure to comfort us thro any message possible.
godddd, what would we do without minho. I think I am just gonna burst into tears right this moment. https://t.co/aMreeBZiu5
— Janani (@naan_jaan) March 6, 2024
don’t worry, we’ll be here for you too 🩵#SHINee #샤이니#ONEW #온유 #TAEMIN #태민 #JONGHYUN #종현 #MINHO #민호 #KEY #키 pic.twitter.com/XAeSMW0QJE
— blue 🩵 jinki bogoshipda 24/7 (@bubbabble) March 6, 2024
This subtle yet reassuring communication from Minho has been met with gratitude from fans online, who are navigating through this period of uncertainty regarding the group’s future. Minho’s message serves as a beacon of hope, suggesting that irrespective of the individual decisions regarding their contracts, the unity and resilience of SHINee as a group remains undeterred.
