Why One SM Entertainment Demo Song Was Never Released Despite Being Re-Written Over 50 Times

In a recent episode of MMTG, SHINee‘s Taemin, Minho, and Key discussed everything from throwing up in the bathroom to their early days in the industry and the special way they used to film their music videos. They also revealed the reason why so many demo songs are rejected despite having very high potential to hit it big.

SHINee’s Taemin, Minho, and Key | @SHINee/Twitter

The topic was brought up after host Jaejae clarified that their 2011 song “Amigo” was rewritten over 18 times. Minho confirmed it and explained that it was difficult to find the perfect Korean lyrics. That reminded Key that there are “so many great demo songs” that are rejected because of the same reason.

• Jaejae: You received the [Amigo] lyrics 18 times?
• Minho: It was so hard to find the right lyrics!
• Key: You might not believe it, but there are so many great demo songs that we can’t release because we can’t find the right Korean lyrics!
• Jaejae: Really?
• Taemin: It’s true.

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In fact, there was one demo song in particular that they still feel regret over. It was called “Talking To An Angel,” and they believe it was so good, it would have still become a hit song if they released it in today’s day and age.

• Key: I still can’t get over that one song. There was a song called “Talking To An Angel.”
• Minho: It would still be a hit even if we released it today.
• Key: I really wanted to sing that song at the time.

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Key went on to share how they first heard it in 2007. It reached the point where f(x)‘s power vocalist Luna recorded the chorus. Clearly, they had a lot of hope for it.

f(x)’s Luna | SM Entertainment

The only problem was that they couldn’t find the right Korean lyrics to match the beat. Even veteran songwriters Kenzie and Kim Young Hoo tried their hand at it but ultimately couldn’t find the perfect formula.

Unfortunately, they ended up setting the demo song aside and moving on.

The song existed since 2007! I don’t know if it’s still there. Kenzie tried writing the lyrics. Kim Young Hoo also tried! We received 50 different Korean lyrics for the song and nothing! Luna recorded the chorus. Luna recorded the song! We tried so hard and we couldn’t save the song!

— Key

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“I never knew that,” Taemin reflected.

In the same interview, maknae Taemin recalled the time he vomited in his bathroom, and it wasn’t for a typical reason. Check it out here:

SHINee’s Taemin Threw Up In His Bathroom But For A Very Unusual Reason