Throughout the entire history of music, there have been artists that have set themselves apart from others and solidified a legacy. There have been many lengthy debates over the years about the most talented and impactful idols in the K-pop industry, and one name always gets brought up in the discussion of solo artists. Lee Taemin debuted under SM Entertainment in 2008 as part of the boy group SHINee, and he made his solo debut in 2014. After a decade of promoting music as a soloist, he’s crafted a very distinctive image for himself and his work. While his role as an essential member of one of the most legendary groups in the genre made him an icon, his solo music and persona as a performer is what makes him so influential.
In 2014 Taemin released his first solo EP Ace, which peaked at #1 on Korea’s Circle Album Chart (known then as Gaon Album Chart) and #2 on Billboard’s US World Albums Chart. The track “Danger” was a way for Taemin to shed his image as SHINee’s youngest and show a more mature side of himself. The style of his solo releases, even the early ones, create a separation between SHINee’s Taemin and Lee Taemin the soloist. He was shaking off the boyish image he debuted with by showing more attitude and taking on edgier concepts. His music is also incredibly successful internationally, with releases (both Korean and Japanese) consistently charting in Japan as well. Fans have shown unwavering support no matter the genre or language.
Despite not having much creative authority over his music until recently, he still made every era his own. His style of dancing is smooth, graceful, and precise in a way that he could be recognized anywhere. Fans and idols alike were so captivated by his dancing in his 2017 release “Move” that the track took the K-pop world by storm. The internet was flooded with dance cover videos, and Taemin’s peers took turns performing the song for special live stages and variety show segments. While he was certainly popular before that comeback, something in the universe shifted with that release. “Move” seemed to solidify his position as a legend, and the song set the tone for the rest of his releases to follow. The moody and sleek ambiance of that track has stuck with him since, and he wears it well.
Eternal is the idol’s first release since his departure from SM Entertainment and new beginning with BPM Entertainment. This album marked a new era for Taemin, one where he has more artistic freedom and control. His personal aura has always broken through no matter how much artistic input he had in his music, but this is his first release that truly feels like it belongs to him. Without spoiling anything or turning this into a review, this is his most cohesive body of work so far. Taemin’s ability to guide the direction of his music and bring ideas to life that have probably been visualized for years creates a diverse collection of songs, and each track sounds like it was assembled with immense care.
This era has also proved that he doesn’t need the backing of a massive company to maintain relevance and star power, his talent speaks for itself. Global dance legends came together to perform “Horizon” with him on Music Bank. Beyoncé’s dance captain Ashley Everett and choreographer and dancer Kany Diabaté Ahn were two notable faces amongst Taemin’s crew of dancers. Kany previously worked with legends like Michael Jackson and Beyoncé, and has several K-pop choreography credits to her name. Ashley has also worked with iconic artists like Usher, Jennifer Lopez, and Ciara. They were amongst other faces familiar to K-pop fans, such as SM Entertainment choreographers and dancers Kasper and Shuri. The level of respect and adoration that his peers from all over the world have for Taemin is impressive to witness.
Taemin’s more recent music has a dark and almost gothic atmosphere that appears to come naturally to him, and it makes his work feel authentic and fleshed-out. The alternative elements to his music are more than decoration or a one-time concept to try out, they’re woven into his taste as a listener and performer. His 2012 performance of “Get Up” by nu metal band Korn ft. Skrillex is still one of the most surprising cover choices in K-pop. Taemin’s music and visuals often contain dark religious imagery, themes of guilt and desire, and a melancholic atmosphere. It would be interesting to see him lean even harder into those elements for an album. (Please, someone tell his management to get ahold of Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross. The world needs to hear a Nine Inch Nails-produced Taemin EP.)
“Idol of Idols” is a title that Taemin has been crowned with many times throughout the years when people have discussed K-pop, and it’s a reputation that has truly been earned. Peers in the industry credit him as an inspiration for their own careers as idols, and fans praise his artistry and skills as a performer every single chance they get. Taemin’s performances are entrancing, and his use of both masculine and feminine elements to bring his concepts to life make him incredibly fascinating to watch. His legacy of being one of the most skilled dancers in the industry, instantly recognizable voice, and ability to keep audiences on their toes a decade into his career has made him one of the most beloved idols of all time.
Listen to Taemin’s new album ETERNAL on Spotify and Apple Music!