15 Years, SHINee's Onew Leaks Reasons To Leave SM Entertainment

Onew SHINee (Instagram @onew_griffin)

JAKARTA - Onew finally opened up about the reason for leaving SM Entertainment, the agency that built his name to become one of the K-pop generation icons. The SHINee group leader left SM after 15 years together and joined a new agency called Griffin Entertainment.

"To be honest, after being in a big company for a long time, I started to feel I was too comfortable," Onew said.

"So I decided to take the challenge and see what I can do. It's only been three to four months since I left," he said.

He felt there was a big change in his career, especially when he joined a new agency that was initiated differently from the agency that was already running.

I want to meet more people, share my voice, and have a positive impact, even though it's a little bit. Even though I'm not perfect, I appear with thoughts to give my best," explained Onew.

He, who focuses as a soloist, also ensured that SHINee's group would not end. But they began to focus on their respective solo activities.

"I do my own activities, but SHINee is still together. I haven't left yet, we're still doing things together," said Onew.

"It feels like leaving the main house but is still part of the family," said the singer whose real name is Lee Jin Ki.

As a soloist, Onew is also working on his music arrangement for the first time. I think I did a lot for the first time. It feels good," he said.