Revealing Facts of SHINee Onew: Career Journey as BEST Leader and TRUE Entertainer

Going through ups and downs with SHINee, Lee Jin Ki or Onew deserves the title of BEST male Kpop leader. His perseverance, kindness, and meekness make him a great leader for the group. However, did you know some trivia facts about SHINee Onew’s career in the Korean entertainment industry?

SHINee Onew: Facts on His Career Journey as BEST Leader and TRUE Entertainer

A One-Time On the Spot Audition Changed Lee Jin Ki’s Life

Lee Soo Man, SM Entertainment’s founder, spotted Lee Jin Ki at the Girls’ Generation debut showcase. Instantly, there was a one-time on-the-spot audition for the talented Lee Jin Ki. One day after the spontaneous audition, Lee Jin Ki signed the contract with SM.

Stage name: Onew (온유)
Real name: Lee Jinki (이 진기)
Position: Leader, Main Vocalist
Hometown: Gwangmyeong, Gyeonggi Province
Birthdate: December 14, 1989
Bloodtype: O
Height: 178cm (5’10)

Reasons Onew is the Best Leader

1. He leads with care and love

One of the reasons that SHINee members listen to Onew is that he a caring and loving leader. When a member has an accident on stage or feels uncomfortable, he will always check on that member.

“As the leader, he never thinks of himself as having a position higher than the rest of us. Instead, he puts himself in the middle of the group and makes us stronger.”

Minho

2. His meekness earns him respect

As a leader, he doesn’t force his ideas or opinions on the group. Instead, he will listen attentively to what other members think.

“Onew does not tell us what to do in a certain situation, but he tells us to follow what we think is right.”

Taemin

3. Onew is charismatic yet cute

Born on December 14, 1989, Onew is charismatic in his own way. He can be that strict leader but, at the same time, makes us want to cuddle him. We have no idea how he can have such duality.

“There are two types of charisma – sharp and warm. Onew has warm charisma.”

Minho

4. Onew is a servant-leader

There are chances for Onew to be a bossy leader. However, it’s not him. He is the kind of leader who loves to serve. Onew doesn’t mind tidying up after the group in a radio show or taking a chair for himself or other members. He’s such a perfect example of a humble servant-leader.

“If you look at Onew, don’t you always get a feeling of gentleness? But he also has another persona – he’s strict when it comes to working, and sometimes his wild side comes out. He continuously practices and believes he needs to do things right.”

Key

5. The ‘Leader of the Year’

In 2015, Onew won SBS Gayo Daejeon’s ‘Leader of the Year,’ and he thanked his fans during his speech. He also showed his appreciation to SHINee members who have taught him various things.

6. Onew is one of the smartest idols

Academically, Onew was the second-highest-ranking student in his grade when he was in his senior year in high school. Besides, he got the highest national score for their school during their high school SATs.

Furthermore, Onew has completed his master’s degree in the Graduate School of Industrial Technology Management, Department of Applied Music, at Chungwoon University.

7. Onew appreciates Shawols

Being a good leader not only for SHINee members, but Onew also earns respect from Shawols. It’s not surprising since Onew sincerely appreciates Shawols and every single thing Shawols does for him and the group.

“While I was in the military, you sent me so many letters. It kept me going during my military life. I received letters while I was doing musicals too, and each and every day was enjoyable. I wanted to make sure to express my thanks.”

Onew

8. Onew is the REAL Entertainer

Not only a good singer and leader but there are also many things to prove that Onew is the REAL entertainment!

Actor Onew

Aside from his activities with SHINee, Onew started his starred in various TV dramas. One of the most famous ones was ‘Descendants of the Sun’ in 2016. Actor Onew stole viewers’ attention as the cardiothoracic resident Lee Chi-hoon and won the ‘Newcomer Scene Stealer Award (Male)’ at the Scene Stealer Festival 2016.

Besides, actor Onew also starred as cameos in several TV dramas. For example, he appeared in the final episode of ‘Dr. Champ’ as a clumsy doctor. The other dramas that have Onew as one of the cameos are ‘Athena: Goddess of War,’ ‘Oh My God x2,’ ‘Pure Love,’ and the sitcom ‘Royal Villa.’

Furthermore, actor Onew showcased impressive acting skills in musical theaters. His first musical was ‘Brothers were Brave’ with singer Lee Ji Hoon. Then, he played the lead role, Drew, in ‘Rock of Ages’ in September 2010.

Surprisingly, to support Onew in ‘Rock of Ages,’ his fans had donated 1.444 tons of rice! Onew then decided to donate it to the Child Development Program and help feed North Korean children. In the same year, he also donated 770 kg of rice to the children in need in South Korea.

Onew is a skilled songwriter.

Together with SHINee Minho, Onew wrote ‘Your Name’ lyrics from the group’s second studio album ‘Lucifer.’ That’s only one among other songs with deep meaning that Onew wrote.

A respectable Master Ceremony (MC)

Starting his MC career, Onew captivated fans with his public speaking skill in ‘Night Star’ and ‘Show! Music Core.’ Since then, he accepted various jobs as MC, such as in ‘Dream Concert,’ ‘Incheon Kpop Concert,’ and Mnet’s special event in Taiwan ’Nihao Taiwan.’

So, what do you think? Would you please let us know your opinion: what more makes Lee Jin Ki aka SHINee Onew a great leader and why he was chosen in the first place? Please write your thoughts in the comments and stay with Kpoppost and our Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for more discussions and updates related to SHINee.

SHINee Onew Returns with a Solo Album

Onew made his solo debut on December 5, 2018, with EP ‘Voice.’ Shawols believed that this was a way for Onew to soothe his fans during his military service, which started five days after the release.

The great news is that in 2022, Onew is releasing another solo album. This is Onew’s first solo comeback after ‘BLUE’ in December 2019.

ONEW The 2nd Mini Album 'DICE'
#2 In the whale

➫ 2022.04.11 6PM (KST)#ONEW #온유 #SHINee #샤이니#DICE #ONEW_DICE pic.twitter.com/55wJHmACmr

— SHINee (@SHINee) April 2, 2022

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