SHINee Onew Hints at Reason for Leaving SM Entertainment: 'Instead of Taking Advantage'
During his photoshoot for Marie Claire Korea, SHINee Onew answered questions related to him starting anew at Griffin after leaving SM.
On June 10, the fashion magazine took to its official social media platforms to share its pictorial with the "Prince of K-pop" as its digital cover for its June issue.
On the cover, the male icon showed off his outstanding ability to digest various concepts, from showing a sensuous pose to flaunting a hip charm with a playful expression.
He also showed off a fashion icon aura, serving both looks and irreplaceable power wearing either jackets, shirts or knits.
His expressions and poses were natural and simple, yet he was able to captivate both fans' hearts and eyes, proving his 16-year experience in the entertainment scene.
Meanwhile, aside from a pictorial, Marie Claire also revealed a snippet from its interview with the global star, especially talking about him starting anew under Griffin Entertainment, his new nest since leaving SM Entertainment.
Regarding his transfer to a new label after being loyal to SM for about two decades since his trainee days, Onew indirectly hinted at why he left the company, saying:
"I think I took on the challenge of taking the initiative from the beginning to end. I wanted to find things on my own, instead of just taking advantage of what was already given to me."
After leaving SM, Onew recently announced that he's embarking for a solo comeback. In the same interview, the singer gave "spoilers" about what to expect from his new album, saying:
"I'm not hesitant in trying various things to broaden my horizons. While I've been focusing on singing, I'm currently focusing on the sound of instruments and sources that form the basis of music. i'm looking for something that will form harmony with my voice."
In the past 16 years, Onew, referred to as one of the best vocalists in K-pop has been giving listeners hope and light through his voice.
When asked about the musical direction that he really wants to pursue this time, the male idol implied that he's open for various options, but his main goal has always been influencing fans positively through his music.
"I really don't know right now. But I hope many people will be influenced positively (by my music). It feels great to hear that (I was able to) shed a little comfort and hope to their lives. It is also the reason I'm trying to do more. Even if I break first, I think I might be able to give someone a little courage if I show them that I am also trying."
Meanwhile, Onew, who left SM held his first exclusive fan meeting, "2024 ONEW FAN MEETING - GUESS?" starting in Korea and Japan.
He will expand his career with the fan meeting by also greeting Shawols in other Asian cities including Macau on June 23, Manila on July 4, Kaohsiung on July 13, Singapore on July 21 and Kuala Lumpur on July 27.
READ MORE: SHINee Onew Will Attend THIS Event in Japan — And Shawols Are Already in Frenzy!
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Written by Eunice Dela Cruz
