K-pop superstar Taemin is set to take the genre to greater heights

In recent years, you can't look at a Billboard chart, the Hot 100 or the 200 without seeing a… K-pop artist.

It wasn't always this way. The genre was still in its infancy when young five-member group SHINee (pronounced shiny) danced and sang their way to countless hearts with the sweet R&B beats of their debut hit, “Repetition.” SHINee, whose name refers to “someone who has light shining on them,” quickly became a trendsetter, inspiring an entire generation of teenagers to embrace skinny jeans and high-top sneakers while their baby faces belied their mature vocals and confident stage presence.

They became known as the “Princes of K-pop,” helping to usher in a paradigm shift and setting a path for other artists to follow.

Sixteen years after their debut, the group Keep working together —It's no small feat in an industry fraught with danger and pressure. All five members embarked on successful solo careers and overcame personal tragedies, mandatory military service, and the pandemic with no signs of slowing down.

So it makes sense that the K-pop Princes would give rise to an “Idol of Idols,” as the youngest member, Taemin, is known.

Taemin has been a star for most of his life. Born Lee Taemin, he debuted with SHINee at age 14. Although he is the youngest member of the group, he was the first to embark on a solo career, topping Korean music charts with His 2014 album“Ace.”

Now 31, with each solo project she has built a distinctive vision that includes a genre-bending style, sultry, soaring vocals, metaphorical lyrics, and themes of religion and sexuality, all without sacrificing a pop sensibility. With successive releases, she delved deeper into these themes, evident in the first track “Soldier,“a beautiful ballad from his first solo studio album, “Press It”:

“If I can wash away my sins / I’ll get on my knees right now / Even if you strangle me, even if you destroy my body / I swear to heaven / I raise my hand / I just wanna be a soldier.”

Later topics such as his 2020 pre-military enlistment “Advice,” from the EP of the same name, leans towards a dark, addictive and quirky yet catchy atmosphere. He is a talented pianist who acts as the creative director of his own albums, collaborating with a mix of Korean and international talents on production.

Younger artists look to his magnificent dancing skills (a mix of Bob Fosse, Prince, and Martha Graham) for inspiration.

American listeners, in particular, are more receptive to music in a language other than English, so Taemin is poised to expand his audience. “I debuted before there was so much global attention on K-pop,” he says. “So I’m actually very grateful that I was able to stay active in the industry long enough to get to this point.”

With its recent move from entertainment giant SM to a smaller company, Great planet createdFans are anticipating the risks he might take.

Last week he announced his first solo world tour, Ephemeral lookand shortly after revealed her fifth mini album, “Eternal,” will be released on August 19. A pre-release trailer teases a dark duality filled with symbolism as a bride-like version of Taemin dressed all in white is replaced by a black-hooded figure in front of the cemetery gates.

Before taking the stage at KCON in July, we sat down with the pop icon.

Editor's Notes: The interview was translated from Korean. Interpretation services were courtesy of Lippin Group, with additional translation by Oren Kozikaro and fan consultation by Christina Dirkes.

How does it feel to finally begin your first solo world tour?

Going on a solo world tour is a very meaningful experience for me. Since I debuted, I saw many famous artists doing their own world tours; it was a great inspiration. I'm working very hard to be well-received by my fans. And with my new album, of course, every time I release an album it feels new and exciting, but with the release of this particular album, I found that I'm especially seeking that recognition.

The design of the tour announcement looks dark: a bit sci-fi, resembling an eye or iris. How does the design relate to the music of your upcoming album?

I was reflecting on the notion of perspective. When different people look at the same thing, whether it’s the image of the tour artwork or me, no matter the image, each person has their own unique perspective. Whether someone has seen me throughout my entire career or just at a glance, they may have certain preconceived images or notions about me, but at the end of the day, I am who I’ve always been. That’s the idea behind this tour and hence the title “Ephemeral Gaze.”

You often draw inspiration from literature and art when creating a project. Is there anything you've read or heard that inspired you for this album and tour?

I think I've found inspiration in a lot of places, but rather than saying I get inspired by music, I can find it in movies I watch, books, or everyday life. In the past, I was inspired by creative pursuits, but now I think I get a lot of inspiration from my own identity.

Looking around when the weather is nice and seeing how beautiful the landscape is can be an inspiration. I have also recently become interested in quantum physics and I use what I have learned through it to create fictional stories.

Are you reading textbooks?

[Laughs.] Youtube.

“I think K-pop is already getting a lot of love and attention. I’m a little greedy when it comes to improving,” Taemin says.

(Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times)

We are here at KCON 2024 today, and previously some fans tried to be on their Dream Stage for “Move.” What do you look for in a background dancer when putting on a performance?

If we're talking about professional dancers, everyone there has already mastered the necessary skills and technique. So I think it all comes down to teamwork between us. That's what I would pay the most attention to.

Last year, you came to KCON and performed on the main stage of Crypto.com Arena. How did it feel to return this year? Do you remember your first KCON performance with SHINee in 2016?

As far as Los Angeles goes, I remember a lot of things from when I was here with Super M. But I came here with SHINee in 2016… honestly, my memory is a bit fuzzy. I do have a memory of performing outdoors!

What are some ways you stay strong and protect your mental health under so much pressure?

I believe that mental and physical health are connected, so I prioritize exercise and being consistent, which I believe helps my mental health. Also, in my case, I feel like my cats Kkoong and Daeng are my driving force, since I am their father.

The K-pop industry has grown and changed a lot since your debut. Is there anything about the industry that you would like to change for the better?

I think K-pop is already getting a lot of love and attention. I get a little greedy when it comes to improving. I think during this time where the spotlight is on K-pop like this… I’ve had the opportunity to show more of myself to a wider audience.

You mentioned in an interview that you can see the fan base growing and not just maintaining one.

Of course! I am incredibly grateful for the huge amount of love I receive, and at the same time, I definitely still have the desire to receive even more. It would be a lie if I said I didn't. Because of that, I am always working on improving and expanding so I can continue to grow my fan base and receive even more love.

I'm very grateful, but I'm still hungry. (Laughs.)