TAEMIN

Lee Tae-min, known mononymously as Taemin, is a South Korean singer, dancer, and actor who has become one of the most influential figures in K-pop. Born on July 18, 1993, he first rose to prominence as the youngest member of the boy group SHINee and later solidified his status as a premier solo performer and a member of the supergroup SuperM.

Early Career and Debut with SHINee

Taemin's journey began in 2005 when he was discovered through the S.M. Open Weekend Audition Casting. After years of training, he debuted on May 25, 2008, as a member of SHINee. The group quickly became known for their complex choreography and vocal prowess, with Taemin initially recognized primarily for his dancing abilities.

In 2012, Taemin began expanding his creative reach beyond group activities. He released his first solo soundtrack contribution, "U," for the drama To The Beautiful You. During this period, he also participated in the Younique Unit, a dance-focused collaboration between SM Entertainment and Hyundai, and featured on Henry Lau's solo track "Trap."

Solo Debut and Artistic Growth

Taemin officially launched his solo career in August 2014 with the release of the mini-album ACE and its lead single, "Danger." The project showcased a more mature image and sound, distinguishing him from his work with SHINee. He followed this success in 2016 with his first full-length Korean studio album, Press It, which featured the title track "Press Your Number," produced by Bruno Mars. That same year, he made his Japanese debut with the EP Sayonara Hitori.

In 2017, Taemin released his second studio album, MOVE. The title track became a cultural phenomenon in South Korea, praised for its gender-fluid choreography and sleek, atmospheric production. This era cemented his reputation as a "performer's performer," capable of carrying a stage with minimalist yet powerful movements.

International Expansion and SuperM

Taemin continued to balance his Korean and Japanese careers, releasing his self-titled Japanese studio album in 2018 and the Korean EP WANT in early 2019. WANT achieved significant success on the Billboard charts, reaching number four on the World Albums chart. In August 2019, he released his third Japanese mini-album, FAMOUS.

Later in 2019, Taemin was announced as a member of SuperM, a "supergroup" formed by SM Entertainment and Capitol Music Group. The group, consisting of members from SHINee, EXO, and NCT, debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 with their self-titled mini-album.

Recent Projects and Military Service

In 2020, Taemin released a sprawling two-part project titled Never Gonna Dance Again. Act 1 and Act 2 were released in September and November respectively, featuring hits like "Criminal" and "Idea." These albums explored themes of identity and artistic rebirth, receiving widespread critical acclaim for their cinematic quality.

Before beginning his mandatory military service on May 31, 2021, Taemin released his third mini-album, ADVICE. After completing his service, he returned to the music scene in October 2023 with his fourth mini-album, Guilty. The release marked his first solo project in over two years, reaffirming his position as a leading soloist in the industry.