SHINee Onew’s Agency CEO Seemingly Calls Out SM Entertainment For Canceling Group Activities

On January 11-12, the SMTOWN LIVE in Seoul concert occurred at the Gocheok Sky Dome. For two nights, fans could see all their favorite SM Entertainment artists in one place.

SMTOWN FAMILY PHOTO📸
in SMTOWN LIVE 2025 [THE CULTURE, THE FUTURE] in SEOUL

마지막까지 함께해 주신 PINK BLOOD 여러분께 진심으로 감사드립니다.
앞으로도 계속 소중한 추억을 만들어 나가요! 💖#SMTOWN #SM_30thAnniversary#SMTOWN2025 #SMTOWN_LIVE #SMCU pic.twitter.com/KdPzkpbm72

— SMTOWN (@SMTOWNGLOBAL) January 12, 2025

This concert was even more special because it celebrated the company’s 30th anniversary and had many familiar faces join the lineup! For Shawols, just two SHINee members—Minho and Key—were able to participate this year, as they are the remaining members signed to SM Entertainment.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by 샤이니(SHINee) Official (@shinee)

Last year, Onew parted ways with SM Entertainment after 17 years and joined the newly established Griffin Entertainment.

To be honest, after being in such a great company for so long, I started to feel like I was getting too comfortable. 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.

— SHINee’s Onew

Since Onew departed SM Entertainment, he has consistently been omitted from SHINee activities organized by the agency. Onew’s current agency manager (CEO) recently shared a cryptic post on Instagram, seemingly clarifying the reasons behind SHINee’s canceled winter single, mini album, SMTOWN LIVE, etc. Many are interpreting his post as calling out SM Entertainment.

Winter Single
SM Music
Town Stage
Mini & Concert

Even this is a statement of conviction.
Are we a standby team? Everyone is getting cancellations for the same reason—how much longer are we supposed to wait? Isn’t there an issue?

Or, should we just stay quiet and live our lives without saying anything?

— GRIFFIN Entertainment CEO

Likewise, Taemin, who also left SM Entertainment at the same time as Onew but signed with BPM Entertainment, recently addressed why he did not perform at SMTOWN LIVE. He explained that there are still negotiations due to companies, but SHINee will ultimately continue with all the members.

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.

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. We are working carefully to prepare for SHINee, so let’s see each other soon with smiling faces. Have a good day and thank you always.

— Taemin

Read his complete statement below.

SHINee’s Taemin Speaks Up About Why He Didn’t Perform at The SMTOWN Concert