SHINee’s Taemin To Serve As A Public Worker Instead Of An Active Duty Soldier Due To His Depression And Anxiety

On January 14, 2022, it was announced that SHINee‘s Taemin would become a public worker during his military service. Taemin had previously enlisted on May 31, 2021. After a little over a year of service, he had been transferred to his new role due to worsening anxiety and depression.

SM Entertainment released a statement to address the matter and to reassure fans.

This is SM Entertainment. Taemin has been transferred to a supportive role in the Military Band of the Defensive Support Corps as of January 14, 2021.

Taemin had been suffering from depression and anxiety since previously and has been continuing to receive counselling and treatment during his service but recently, due to his worsening condition, it was decided that he could not continue both a regular service life and treatment at the same time, and following the military’s decision, he was transferred to a supportive role.

As such, he will be working as a public worker and doing his best there. We are sorry to worry you with the sudden news and the company will focus on Taemin’s treatment in the future and do our best, such that he achieves stability.

Thank you.

— SM Entertainment

Public workers are allowed to go home daily as they report to work like a normal 9-6 job. Hopefully, the regular hours and ample free time in the evenings will allow Taemin to receive his treatment and get well soon.