SHINee’s Onew reveals reason for leaving SM Entertainment: “I was getting too comfortable”

SHINee leader Onew has revealed the reason behind his departure from SM Entertainment this year and how different it’s been since during a recent interview.

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Onew, along with SHINee bandmate Taemin, both decided not to renew their long-standing contracts with SM Entertainment earlier this year in March. He later announced that he had signed an exclusive contract with separate agency Griffin Entertainment the following month, marking the end of at least 15 years with his former representation. He has been operating as a soloist under Griffin since, although he continues to remain part of SHINee.

The K-pop singer appeared on the KBS television show The Seasons as a guest performer on August 16, with Zico as the show’s current host, per OSEN. During an interview segment of the episode, Onew revealed to both Zico and the audience the reason behind his decision to leave SM Entertainment.

“To be honest, after being in such a great company for so long, I started to feel like I was getting too comfortable,” Onew told Zico, as translated by Koreaboo. “So, I decided to take on more challenges and see what else I could do. It’s only been three to four months since I left.”

Onew added that this change in his career was sparked by a big change in mindset. “I want to meet more people, share my voice, and have a positive impact, even if it’s just a little. Although I’m not perfect, I’m performing with the mindset of giving it my best,” he said.

Despite his successful solo endeavours, Onew reassures his fans that SHINee will not stop making music together anytime soon. “I’m doing solo activities on my own, but SHINee is still together. I haven’t left; we’re still doing things together. It feels like moving out from the main house but still being part of the family,” he explained.

Elsewhere in his interview, Onew also added that he is currently enjoying a newfound freedom in managing his own A&R arrangements and responsibilities, which he hasn’t done before. “I think I’ve done a lot of things I haven’t tried before. It’s really fun,” Onew said with a laugh.

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