SHINee Taemin Solo Lightstick Revealed — Here's the Design's 'Symbolism' You Might Have Missed
SHINee Taemin surprised Shawols with the first glimpse of his official solo lightstick! As Shawols fussed over its design, the fandom discovered its "symbolism" non-fans might have missed.
On August 14, Big Planet Made Entertainment (BPM) teased K-pop fans with the announcement of Taemin's solo fanlight.
In a teaser photo, its 2D design was unveiled, and its release date was marked as "coming soon." This truly delighted Shawols (SHINee fandom) and Taemates (solo fans) as the news was revealed ahead of his upcoming 2024 world tour.
태민 (TAEMIN)
Official Light Stick
2024.08.14
✨Coming Soon✨#TAEMIN #태민 pic.twitter.com/BdGBr1uNTm— 태민 (TAEMIN) (@TAEMIN_BPM) August 14, 2024
In addition, Taemin is celebrating his 10th solo debut anniversary on this day, Aug. 15, making it more special for both the K-pop icon and his supporters.
Meanwhile, looking at his lightstick design, keen-eyed fans theorized the "symbolism" of its details.
Starting with the centerpiece of the fanlight, fans claimed that this is a reference to Taemin's iconic "T-pose." In his signature song, "Move," released in 2017, he became known for this highlight pose, where he extends his arms, crosses his legs, and lifts his head above.
His ICONIC T-Pose is now not only incorporated into his logo but his lightstick too??? And they're releasing it the day before his 10 year solo anniversary? 😮#Taemin's artistic identity is so solidified at this point that he can be recognized from his silhouette alone 🙌 #태민 https://t.co/viJPJtgO9I pic.twitter.com/D04ff3CCCg
— Orange Taemint (@orangetaemint) August 14, 2024
At the time, it became a popular debate among fans about what the inspiration is for this pose.
As Taemin is known for incorporating his religious beliefs into his music and concepts, there are claims it refers to Jesus being crucified. Others linked this pose to Leonardo Da Vinci's Vitruvian Man (C.1490).
SHINee Art 'Reenactments' #TAEMIN #SHINee
— 𝐹𝓁𝑒𝓊𝓇 🌼 𝚂𝙷𝙸𝙽𝚎𝚎 𝚒𝚜 𝖆ℝ𝓉, literally! (@FleurdeNeige10) May 20, 2022
The iconic T-pose is often compared to the crucifixion Taemin is open about his Catholic faith, it makes sense to use this interpretation. Can the T-pose be more? How about da Vinci's Vitruvian Man 'everything connects to everything else' pic.twitter.com/C5bjpqsLFK
Moreover, Taemin is also a huge Michael Jackson fan; thus, fans also believe that the T-pose is a homage to the "King of Pop."
I get Taemin's faith plays a part in his musicality, but I really think this is a homage to Michael Jackson his idol, Taemin references Michael Jackson in his dancing and always refers to him as his role model in music. You have to be an MJ fan to catch it. pic.twitter.com/ahFM9B0DgJ
— Toya (@toya_eve) May 20, 2022
Whichever his real inspiration is, the T-pose represents his solo journey.
On the other hand, when the news about his solo light stick was released, some Shawols were saddened because the "Shating Star," SHINee's official lightstick, has been long used by fans on his solo concerts, on top of his exclusive concert fanlights.
But the fandom highlighted how Taemin reminds people that "SHINee is five," albeit subtly, and that he will always be a part of the group by using a diamond design for the button of his solo lightstick.
Taemin’s lightstick has a diamond button just like both of SHINee’s lightsticks 💎 pic.twitter.com/wRjiEu0upn
— ᴍ. 🗡 (@TAEMdoku) August 14, 2024
Meanwhile, after leaving SM Entertainment, Taemin will make his first comeback under BPM with his first mini-album, "ETERNAL," on August 19. This album is composed of diverse songs that contain his emotions and artistic vision.
Along with the release of the album, Taemin's first world tour 2024 TAEMIN WORLD TOUR - Ephemeral Gaze will be held from Aug. 31to Sept. 1 at the Inspire Arena in Yeongjongdo, Incheon. This concert will feature stages of songs from his 5th mini-album along with his previous hit songs.
In September, he will also take on his first MC role since debut through Mnet's "Road to Kingdom: ACE of ACE" Season 2.
READ MORE: SHINee Taemin Reveals Why He Accepted MC Role for 'Road to Kingdom': 'Because I Am...'
For more K-Pop news and updates, keep your tabs open here at KpopStarz.
KpopStarz owns this article.
Written by Eunice Dela Cruz