SHINee’s Taemin Was “At His Limits” Before His Solo Debut

SHINee‘s Taemin is celebrated as an all-rounder, seamlessly transitioning between promoting with his fellow group members and establishing a successful career as a solo artist. He has earned admiration from his talented groupmates, industry peers, and fans worldwide.

SHINee’s Taemin | @xoalsox/Twitter

Before his solo activities elevated his already impressive career to new heights, Taemin had only a few lines in SHINee’s songs, with him having the least amount of lines in their debut song, “Replay.”

The SHINee maknae gradually gained a more significant vocal presence in their songs with each comeback, until he was ultimately selected as the first SHINee member to make his solo debut.

Concept photo for SHINee Taemin’s solo debut in 2014 | SM Entertainment

Taemin recently guested on Suga‘s Suchwita, and the BTS member noted how meaningful it was that Taemin was the first SHINee member to make his solo debut.

Suga was curious how Taemin went from having fewer lines in SHINee’s songs to leading the group in their solo activities.

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Taemin revealed that when he debuted at only 16 years old, he already had a clear plan for his future, and set out to “be the best” in four years when he turned 20.

He worked hard but broke down right before he turned 20 after SHINee completed their performance at the MBC Gayo Daejejeon.

(From left:) SHINee’s Jonghyun, Taemin, Onew, Minho, and Key at the “2012 MBC Gayo Daejejeon”

Approaching 20 years old, he felt he was “so lacking,” and instead of going home after the year-end award show, he went to the SM Entertainment practice room, where he said he “cried and screamed.”

He continued to put in extra hours in the practice room until SM Entertainment gave him a chance when he thought he was “at [his] limits.”

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Suga praised Taemin, saying that not everyone would have excelled with the opportunity Taemin was given, and thoughtfully added that the company likely saw how hard Taemin was working, earning his solo debut through his efforts and talents.

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Now, at 30 years old, Taemin has accepted himself as he is and has embraced his “own unique identity.”

Check out more from Taemin’s Suchwita episode in the article below!

SHINee’s Taemin Reacts To BTS’s Suga Saying He And Jimin Have “Similar” Vibes — Before Receiving An Unexpected Gift