K-Pop’s Flaming Charisma Choi Minho

Photo: Marie Claire Korea

From SHINee to the big screen, Minho shows off that he is a man of many talents.

SHINee

Minho debuted in 2008 as a member of teenage contemporary R&B group SHINee. At only 16 years old, he became SHINee’s main rapper after training under SM Entertainment for two years. Last May, SHINee celebrated their 15 year anniversary followed by their first comeback since maknae Taemin's military enlistment. Since Taemin's discharge in April, SHINee has had a year filled with concerts, fan meetings, a film, awards, and a successful comeback. 

Solo Debut

After nearly 15 years as an idol, Minho finally made an official solo debut with the album CHASE. The album was released on December 6, 2022, three days before the idol's thirty-first birthday. He was the last SHINee member to release a solo album, completing what is known as the “plagiarism series”; ACE by TAEMIN, BASE by Jonghyun, FACE by Key, and VOICE by Onew. Minho also took part in filming and directing the title track music video “Chase”. Minho wanted to give fans an unconventional music video and show new sides of himself in the album. Unlike other SM Entertainment music videos, “Chase” is completely story oriented and does not include a dance performance. 

Acting

Aside from his status as a SHINee member and solo artist, Minho is well-known for his acting as well. Rather than seeing his work as an actor as separate from the music he makes, Minho has grown to view everything as a spectrum of his art and abilities. Minho starred in an episode of KBS anthology series KBS Drama Special in 2010, making his acting debut at age 18.  

Since then, he has been in over 15 K-Dramas and 10 movies ranging from guest to lead roles. Minho’s most recent work, Korean horror movie New Normal, was released on November 8, 2023. He has recently been seen filming for upcoming romance drama Melo House alongside Son Naeun. 

2024

Minho will release a new single on January 6 titled “Stay for a night.” According to SM Entertainment, it is an emotional song that Minho participated in writing. The following day, the 2024 Best Choi’s Fan-Con will be held at Jangchung Arena and is available for streaming on Beyond Live.