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SHINee's Taemin addressed fans on January 13, 2025, expressing regret for his absence from SMTOWN LIVE 2025, which celebrated SM Entertainment's 30th anniversary at the Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul. The event, held over two nights on January 11 and 12, brought together many of the agency's stars, but SHINee fans were disappointed to see only Key and Minho perform while Onew and Taemin were notably absent.
Taemin used the fan interaction app Bubble to explain his situation, apologizing for not participating in the event. He shared that ongoing negotiations with his new agency, Big Planet Made (BPM), were the reason for his non-appearance. He wrote,
"I’m writing this for the fans who might be worried about SHINee. I’m sorry I couldn’t participate in SHINee during the SMTOWN concert. I wanted to finish negotiating with the company and join SHINee activities quickly, but it seems like it will take some time to get things sorted out. But we are making progress, and it seems like it will end soon."
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The singer reassured fans that progress was being made and emphasized his commitment to SHINee, urging them not to worry about the group’s future. Despite his heartfelt message, fans expressed frustration that the idol felt the need to apologize.
They blamed both SM Entertainment and Big Planet Made for their lack of coordination, which they felt was affecting his career and the group’s activities. An X user, @yuyuprmanager wrote,
"Y'all can hate 2 companies at once btw. SM ain't a saint but that doesn't mean BPM is any better."
Many fans took to X to share similar sentiments, criticizing both companies for the situation.
"Both companies are the WORSEEEE I knew BPM and SM were going to be a problem! They need to stop it and listen to the artist! .... my #SHINee .... I feel sorry for all but specially for #Taemin and #Onew," a wrote a fan.
"The real problem (aside from fandom discourse) is: BPM's mother company and SM are in a legal battle. A legal battle that has absolutely nothing to do with Taemin. But companies can be petty a*sholes and I am 100% convinced both SM AND BPM are not making this easy for SHINee," commented another fan.
"Love my babies but i truly hate sm and bpm," said an X user.
"BPM been shady for a while now. definitely wouldn't be surprised if they didn't let him join any group activities," wrote another user.
Meanwhile some fans also encouraged netizens to not fight over the idol's post.
"I hope people don't fight each other over Taemin's bubble. He wants people to see that Shinee loves Shinee and isn't going anywhere," wrote a netizen.
"Awww Taemin's bubble~ of course we will wait for SHINee, as patiently as we can," said another netizen.
More about SHINee's Taemin's message and recent activities
In his message on Bubble, the Guilty artist also stated his desire to protect SHINee and continue their journey as a group. He highlighted the shared dedication of all the members to keep SHINee's legacy alive and promised fans they would meet again soon. He wrote,
"The other members and I want to protect SHINee and continue our story together. So, if you think I don’t want to do SHINee or are worried you won’t be able to see SHINee anymore, please don’t worry. I hope what I say doesn’t become a burden to someone else. All the members love SHINee and have the same heart.”
Taemin, who signed an exclusive contract with BPM in April 2024, continues to balance his solo career under the new agency while maintaining group activities with SHINee at SM Entertainment. Both his move to BPM and Onew’s shift to GRIFFIN were seen as opportunities for the artists to explore their musicality.
SHINee is a second-generation K-pop boy group that debuted under SM Entertainment in 2008 with the hit single Replay. The group has since become known for chart-topping tracks like Ring Ding Dong and Sherlock.
Taemin, the group’s youngest member and first soloist, debuted independently in 2014 with his EP Ace, releasing hits like Move and Guilty.
As fans eagerly await clearer communication and resolution, they continue to show unwavering support for SHINee, hoping for smoother group activities in the future.
