TAEMIN: The Idol’s Idol
Photo: BPM Entertainment
TAEMIN’s journey is one of those rare careers you can actually grow up alongside. He went from being just a kid who loved Michael Jackson to debuting in SHINee at just 14. And somehow, he keeps getting cooler and more creative with every new era. Now that he’s signed with BPM Entertainment, he’s stepping into a new chapter full of magic, mystery, and some seriously smooth dance moves. Watching him grow up on stage has felt like following your favorite character in a long-running series. You never really know what’s coming next, but you just know it’s going to be iconic.
The Beginning
TAEMIN was born in Seoul, South Korea, and it didn’t take long for his love of dance to reveal itself; practically as soon as he could walk, he was already moving to music with natural rhythm and energy. Encouraged by his mother, who recognized his talent early on, TAEMIN took a shot at pursuing his dream more seriously. He auditioned for SM Entertainment through their Open Weekend Audition, a notoriously competitive process, and managed to impress the judges enough to secure a spot as a trainee.
TAEMIN in SHINee
After intense training, TAEMIN made his official debut in 2008 as the youngest member of the now-iconic K-Pop group SHINee. At just 14 years old, he stood out not only for his age but also for his magnetic stage presence and exceptional dance ability. Even as a teenager, TAEMIN had a kind of charisma that couldn’t be taught. His sharp, fluid movements earned him nicknames like “Dancing Machine” and “Power Taem,” as fans and critics alike began to take notice of his precision and unique style.
As SHINee climbed the ranks to become one of K-Pop’s most legendary and trendsetting groups, TAEMIN’s star continued to rise. He wasn't just another idol following the beat—he was setting the tone. His performances felt like mini-dramas, packed with emotion, artistry, and intention. Over time, TAEMIN evolved into an artist widely respected in the industry, someone newer idols admired and aspired to be like. Whether on a massive stage or in a quiet moment of rehearsal, TAEMIN brought storytelling into every move, proving that dance, in his hands, was its own language.
The Story Continues
In 2014, he made his solo debut with ACE - The 1st Mini Album and the title track “Danger,” and honestly, the vibes were flawless. He showed a more mature and edgy side of himself, and people were hooked. Each release kept raising the bar, but “MOVE” in 2017 changed everything.
As if being in SHINee and going solo wasn’t enough, TAEMIN joined SuperM in 2019. Think of it like the K-Pop version of the Avengers, as top-tier idols teamed up, and TAEMIN was right in the middle of it. Their debut track “Jopping” introduced him to more international fans, and once again, he stood out as a total star.
Doing His Own Thing
TAEMIN came back strong in 2023 with “The Rizzness” off Guilty - The 4th Mini Album, and honestly, it was a whole vibe. The track was smooth, dark, and kind of seductive, like that velvety energy that lingers in your head. The choreography was just as hypnotic, and it didn’t take long before the song blew up online with dance challenges everywhere. Once again, TAEMIN proved that the second he steps on stage, the internet takes notice.
In March 2024, after an incredible 16-year run with SM Entertainment, TAEMIN surprised fans by announcing his departure from the company to fully focus on his solo career. It was a major moment, not just a career move, but a signal that he was ready to step into a new chapter on his own terms. While SHINee and his company beforehand will always be a huge part of who he is, this decision felt bold and personal, like he was reclaiming his voice as an individual artist. By April, he had officially signed with BPM Entertainment, and you could feel the shift almost instantly. There was this fresh energy in the air, a sense of freedom and curiosity, and fans could tell he was stepping into a space where he had room to explore, experiment, and evolve without limits.
Then he dropped ETERNAL, his first EP with BPM. It’s dreamy, bold, and totally him. “Sexy In The Air” sounds like summer turning into night, with groovy guitar, crisp beats, and choreography full of confidence.
“Deja Vu” is softer but still powerful, building into a floaty chorus that hits you right in the chest. The whole project feels personal, like he let us in a little deeper than before.
On August 31, 2024, TAEMIN kicked off his first solo world tour, Ephemeral Gaze. He started in Incheon and hit 37 cities, including New York, Chicago, LA, and Paris. Every show felt like a celebration of his journey, full of lights, love, and that signature TAEMIN presence. He wrapped it up on April 27, 2025 with two huge shows at the KSPO Dome in Seoul, and it honestly felt like the perfect finale to this new beginning. As a leave-behind, he has announced a DVD version of his tour recorded for fans to enjoy.
So here he is. TAEMIN, fully in this era he owns and has control over. He’s freer, bolder, and still one of the most—if not the most—magnetic performers out there. He’s mixing elegance with grit, always evolving, and somehow still surprising us after all these years. If this is just the beginning of his next chapter, we’re ready for whatever’s next.
Check Out These Tracks
“Heaven”
“Deja Vu”
“Criminal”
“Advice”
“WANT”
Edited by Lacey Diluvio