It’s a SHINee World out there!
Onew. Jonghyun. Key. Minho. Taemin.
Just mention their names and hearts of female K-Pop fans from 13 to 40 (and I mean, 40!) start fluttering. What is it about this K-pop idol group that makes young girls go crazy and mature women forget their poise and decorum?
SHINee (pronouced "shiny") is a 5-member K-Pop idol group recently given the title "The Beatles of Asia". SHINee is managed by SM Entertainment, the same company behind K-Pop stars like Girl's Generation and Super Junior. Composed of leader-vocalist Onew (21), vocalist Jonghyun (21), rapper-vocalist Key (19), rapper-flaming charisma Minho (19), and maknae-dancer Taemin (17), SHINee debuted in the K-Pop scene back in 2008.
In just a little more than 3 years, SHINee has conquered the hearts of not just Korean fans but fans from all over the world. The group has performed in Asia, the United States, China, and Europe and in each place they visit, shawols (SHINee's fans) welcome and support them wholeheartedly. How wholehearted? Well, there are reports and videos of European shawols crying out of excitement and happiness during SHINee's Paris performance as part of the SMTown world tour. If that's not wholehearted, what is? The boys are currently continuing their quest to capture more female hearts as they tour Japan (Hyperlink: http://ph.omg.yahoo.com/blogs/okpop/shinee-breaks-records-japanese-debut-044452451.html.
What is it about this young idol group that makes fans go crazy? Let me give you three reasons why SHINee is just….too much!
Too talented to ignore
When SHINee debuted in the K-Pop scene in 2008, they were considered one of the youngest acts to debut. At that time, the group's average age was 17. Their youth did not hinder them from success. The quality of their performances, which resulted from years of training, impressed the Korean public. Their debut song "Noona Nemu Yepppeo (Replay)" captured the hearts of older fans with its lyrics but also won hearts of younger fans. SHINee's live performances highlighted creative dance moves and impeccable vocals.
The members' talents do not stop with singing and dancing, though. Onew has performed on the Korean version of the musical "Rock of Ages" aside from having a reputation for being a good MC and lyricist. Jonghyun is known for his amazing vocals and songwriting talent having penned the group's title track "Juliette" for their second mini-album "Romeo" and other tracks in their recent album "Lucifer". Key is considered one of the most fashion-forward K-Pop idols and has a knack for learning languages which prove indispensable in SHINee's quest for worldwide recognition. Minho excels in athletic skills and has dabbled in several acting and modeling projects. Taemin, arguably the most popular member of the group, is considered one of the top dancers in the K-Pop industry.
Musically, SHINee is quite a versatile group. Although they started their career singing pop songs, the group has also released tracks in the R&B, electronica and dance genre. Onew recently showed his ability to sing opera by performing "Nessun Dorma" from Puccini's Turandot.
The accolades won by SHINee is also a testament to their talent. The group has won numerous awards including several best newcomer awards, Golden Disks awards, and popularity awards.
Too cute to resist
In 2008, their year they debuted, the SHINee boys had a reality TV show entitled "SHINee's YunHaNam". This show sealed the deal for many of their forever-loyal fans. Each episode showed the boys trying their best to impress an older woman. She, then, chooses one member to go on a date with. Imagine…being on a fantasy date with your favorite idol member?! Come on!
Those who saw "SHINee's YunHaNam" cannot deny that the boys' cuteness factor was irresistable. The brilliance of the show is how it highlighted the fact that they were young men trying to seem sophisticated to impress a girl. What a great backdrop for amusing awkwardness and surprising quips and situations. That's good entertainment.
The cuteness explosion did not stop there, though. In 2010, the SHINee boys also starred in another reality show entitled "Hello Baby" where they were tasked to be the father of an adorable 4-year old boy. Imagine a bunch of young boys trying to take care of an energetic and spunky child! As expected, hilarity ensued as Onew and Jonghyun, the older members naturally expected to be the most responsible ended up goofing around while the younger members Key, Minho and Taemin showed their fatherly sides.
Too hot to handle
For this particular point, I don't need to write anything. Just look at these photos (and maybe click the video) and you'll know what I mean.
