*This article was originally published for SHINee’s anniversary in 2017 but has been updated/changed to reflect current times.
May 25th, 2018 marks the 10th anniversary of the legendary Kpop band SHINee! It’s hard to believe, but these amazing boys debuted a decade ago, and they haven’t ceased to slay since then! The past few months have been difficult ones for both SHINee and Shawol, but we wanted to look back at some of our favorite moments in SHINee history as we celebrate this amazing group!
SHINee was first introduced by SM Entertainment as a group that would become trend setters in multiple areas such as music, dance, and fashion. We can safely say that these five fabulous guys have certainly been successful in all these areas— plus more!
To celebrate the past ten years with this super talented group, check out these ten amazing, hysterical, or precious moments with SHINee!
1- SHINee’s Debut MV – “Replay”
In 2008, SM’s newest boy band was born! While many songs have come and gone, perhaps none hold such a soft spot in the hearts of fans as “Replay.” This was the song that would gain them many fans and begin their reputation as “noona-killers.” Jonghyun was already showing off those great vocals and young Key was absolutely flawless! Hearts melting in 3…2…1…
2- SHINee’s First Win – “Love Like Oxygen”
A few months after their debut, SHINee would go on to release their first studio album. With the title track of this album, entitled The SHINee World, these sweet rookies would go on to win their first ever music award. They took the win over senior group F.T. Island and couldn’t hold back their shocked tears. The album also went on to win Newcomer Album of the Year at the prestigious Golden Disk Awards that same year.
3- Sweet Mornings On “Hello Baby”
Fans only thought they couldn’t love SHINee more until this adorable show aired. As one of the most successful seasons of “Hello Baby” ever, the program was filled with one precious moment after another. All the members fell in love with little Yoogeun, but baby Yoogeun fell in love with “Minho Appa” most of all. Check out these sweet morning kisses and hugs! That’s one lucky baby!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PX0pBiqoW9g
4- Jonghyun’s First Win As A Songwriter
This list wouldn’t be complete without several videos of Jonghyun showing off that emotional, sensitive side that endeared him to so many. In one of the most precious videos on the list though, Jonghyun got totally overwhelmed when SHINee won on a music show with a song that he wrote. Still a rookie artist, this had to be a surreal moment. Senior group Super Junior might have lost out to SHINee that day, but they were so genuinely proud of him and tried to comfort him when he couldn’t stop his tears— thus leading to one of our favorite moments in SHINee history.
https://youtu.be/gTtV1seT1DE
5- Minho’s Epic “Dibidibidis” Rap
SHINee is known for being hilarious, and they never stop laughing at themselves either. They constantly throw their image to the wind in favor of having a good time. As a very young rookie, Minho delivered a less-than-stellar rap that still haunts him to this day— although it continues to provide fans with lots of laughter! However, the best moment came years later when he good-naturedly made fun of himself on SNL by reenacting his famous lines.
6- SHINee Finally Wins “Artist of the Year”
In 2013, SHINee was finally able to take home their first “Artist of the Year” award at the Melon Music Awards. Almost six years after debuting, they won the most coveted award out there. Once more, they couldn’t hold back their tears, but this time Key and Jonghyun weren’t the only ones crying! All the members, including the stoic Taemin, got choked up and ended their time onstage in one big group hug. Cue tears, Shawol!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DjraUUnKAb4
7- SHINee’s Crazy Antics Ft. Jonghyun and Minho
After all these teary moments, we need a distraction! That’s why one of my personal favorite SHINee moments has to be included. Key, Minho, and Taemin are laughing as they remember a lame, old commercial they filmed. Suddenly, Jonghyun comes through the door and doesn’t miss a beat as he joins in their antics. However, he slips on the floor and falls, leading the video to be filled with Minho’s hysterical, contagious laughter. Typical hilarious SHINee moment!
8- SHINee’s First Tokyo Dome Concert
What can we say? SHINee cries a lot! They’re a sensitive group and haven’t been able to hold back the tears on many occasions. Their sensitivity and humility is exactly why we love them! Cue this Tokyo Dome moment when they saw fans’ massive project of using signs to spell out “WE LOVE SHINEE” across the crowd of almost 50,000 people! Key, of course, can’t control his emotions, and as Jonghyun hugs him, he loses it too. More hugs, more tears, more preciousness. Undoubtedly, this is one of the most special moments in SHINee history as fans saw them overwhelmed to be accomplishing such a huge dream!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oUytfQx3eyQ
9- SHINee’s “Soul Swap” Skit
SHINee has always been brilliant at variety shows! When they appeared on the “Yang Nam Show,” they participated in a skit where they “swapped souls” with each other and were supposed to imitate the actions, voice, and more of another member. Taemin imitated Jonghyun perfectly, Onew became Key reincarnated, and the skit just got even more hilarious from there.
10- SHINee’s Continued Strength
While some people might find this an odd addition to the list, I wanted to include SHINee’s first concert without Jonghyun. The reason I chose to include it is two-fold. First of all, I thought it showed amazing strength and perseverance on SHINee’s part. In addition, it shows how special Shawol are to them since they wanted to continue on with the concert for their sake. Doing something difficult to help someone else is proof of your genuine love for that person, and I found it precious that Shawol meant this much to them.
However, the second (and the main) reason I chose this performance is because it shows that SHINee will forever be five. My heart still aches every day over the tragic loss of Jonghyun, and I continue to mourn him deeply. But this performance showed me that he is still present in SHINee and always will be. From the empty mic stand on the stage to the sweet words from the members, it’s evident that they are determined to never let themselves or fans forget Jonghyun, and I don’t know about you, but that brings me a measure of comfort and a sense of solidarity as we all look towards this common goal.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-SMZrSkPIc
Onew once said, “I want to become the SHINee that will exist in your hearts and be remembered forever.” I know they truly exist in my heart and will be remembered forever, and I’m sure that you readers also feel the same way. SHINee has been such an inspiration to many, a place in which to escape, an outlet, a happy place, a family and more.
Whether you’re a new fan or an experienced Shawol, there is no doubt we can all agree that these five amazing and talented guys deserve every bit of the success they’ve had over the past ten years, and we pray they will be able to continue strongly for many more years to come. And if they continue to bring us all joy and laughter along the way, then all the better!
Congratulations to our shining SHINee! Keep shining because Shawol will always support you!
lee1086 is the co-founder and director of What The Kpop. She is multi-fandom and happens to adore SHINee. She has been their fan since “Ring Ding Dong” and couldn’t be prouder if they were her own children. Her ultimate SHINee bias is Key…. no, Taemin. No… wait. Key. Nope, definitely Taemin. Actually…. well, she can leave that decision for another day! She is a huge fan of Super Junior’s Donghae and EXO’s Kai. In other words, she is total SM trash.
Media: As Credited