Accepting his first solo MC role in 16 years, SHINee Taemin explained why he selected Mnet's "Road to Kingdom: ACE OF ACE" as the first music program he will lead. 

On August 8, Mnet unveiled a Q&A with K-pop icon Taemin. In particular, he first debuted in 2008 as a member of "Prince of K-pop" SHINee, and in 2014, he cemented his name as the OG "Ace of K-pop" as a solo artist. 

Despite 16 years of experience and a stellar career, he has yet to take on the challenge of being a solo MC, thus, when asked about his thoughts on joining the show, he revealed why he accepted the role. 

"I accepted to become an MC (of the show) because I am grateful that I can help and cheer on my juniors in the music industry. I am also thankful to these friends who look upon me as a good senior."

He continued by describing the atmosphere in the first filming, saying: 

"The atmosphere between the participating teams was so great. I could feel that they had a lot of respect for each other, so it was great to watch. Even within the framework of the competition, I think these positive attitudes provided me good inspiration."

ALSO READ: 'Road to Kingdom 2' Reported Lineup Draws Mixed Reactions: 'This Is So Unfair...'

Mnet's "Road to Kingdom: ACE OF ACE" is a survival show that aims to shed light on "underrated" or rookie boy groups with exceptional talent and potential. Rather than being a prequel to "Kingdom," this will be an independent show set to air in September. 

The lineup was already revealed in July, and it will be comprised of The New Six, The Crew One (ATBO, JUST B), 8Turn, ONEUS, Younite, CRAVITY, and TEMPEST.

In Taemin's perspective, the MAIN POINT of watching the show is:

"I could intuitively relate to the stories of the participating friends and their thoughts on their teams. I think I can't help but cheer them on when I see these parts."

Lastly, he also raised anticipation of his performance as an MC, cutely asking for a request from fans. He said:

"Please watch 'Road to Kingdom: ACE OF ACE' a lot, and please look at me favorably even though my hosting is a bit awkward. I think you'll be able to feel both laughter and emotion through the stages each team has prepared. Please cheer us on together!"

On the other hand, before fulfilling his MC role, Taemin will first grace the K-pop scene with his outstanding presence as a soloist through his 5th mini-album, "ETERNAL" on August 19. 

태민 (TAEMIN)
The 5th Mini Album
‘ETERNAL’

Trailer: Emotion ver.

🔗 https://t.co/y9e3izGYR1

2024. 08. 19. 6PM (KST) #TAEMIN #태민#ETERNAL#BPM #BigPlanetMade pic.twitter.com/8dnt9IJzaO

— 태민 (TAEMIN) (@TAEMIN_BPM) August 7, 2024

After his album release, he will continue to meet fans with his 2024 Taemin World Tour - EPHEMERAL GAZE, starting with his two-day concert in  Incheon on August 31 and September 1. 

He will then visit Kuala Lumpur (09.09), Taipei (09.14), Tokyo (09.21-23), Bangkok (09.28), Hong Kong (10.05), Fukuoka (10.19-20), Jakarta (10.26), Abu Dhabi (11.01), Singapore (11.09), Manila (11.24) and more. 

READ MORE: SHINee Taemin Explains Reason for Leaving SM Entertainment: 'So I Wanted To...'

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Written by Eunice Dela Cruz