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 (μ¨μ )
Real name: Lee Jinki (μ΄ μ§κΈ°)
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,β 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 βNihao 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 ourΒ Instagram,Β Facebook, andΒ TwitterΒ 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'
— SHINee (@SHINee) April 2, 2022
#2 In the whale
β« 2022.04.11 6PM (KST)#ONEW #μ¨μ #SHINee #μ€μ΄λ#DICE #ONEW_DICE pic.twitter.com/55wJHmACmr
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Omg thats awesomeeee and he is rlly cuteeeeeeeee ππππ₯Ί
ππΨ§ΩΩΩΩ Ψ§ΩΨΆΩ ΩΨ§Ψ¦Ψ―
Onew is the best captainπ
Right he is πβ€οΈβπ©Ή
I have witnessed all this through years but i felt emotional seeing ur lovely article β€π₯Ί he is the most talented and sweetest person everππ he is always so kind.. humble..polite to others to the point that u might think he isn’t an idol if u saw him on street! as shawols who saw him said, he would greet them and their family.. invite them to ride the elevator and stop it for them π₯Ί he is so supportive of his shinee members.. just like a family and he always proud of them.. he has a big warm heart but still can lead the boys with his strong hard working personality..he is a perfectionist..he once got injured but still went on to not ruin the stage..and always sacrifices for the grouo & for the sake of giving the best performance.. he has been called “honey vocal cords” cause of his sweet warm healing voice that u can’t help but being addicted to.. he is literally the best leader.. the best older brother and the best person ever.. thanks for the nice article π love from Egypt~β€
Thank you for this article, it shows just how multi-faceted Onew is, it also highlights the kind of leadership he is famous and respected for. β¨π
I’m just happy that Onew has always been consistent with the excellent work he’s done along with the members of SHINee. He’s been a truly kind and great leader to his members.
Let’s support his new album. It wi be released on April 11!
#ONEW #DICE #ONEW_DICE
ONEW Best Leader ππππππ€©β₯οΈ
He is truly the best!!!
Thank you for this article! Onew deserves this praise. He really is kind, thoughtful, and hard-working. Something else that stands out about him is that he is a great duet partner. He blends his distinctive voice seamlessly with whomever heβs singing with and brings out the best in his partnerβs voice. He did this a lot on Sea of Hope last year.
His humility and kindness is truly admirable π
Thanks for such a lovely article about our leader Onew. It couldn’t have come on a better time for him ^^
Please support his upcoming album DICE! It’s already shaping up to become a masterpiece!
He’s So Sweet, and Pure, and Has a Gentle, Caring, Thoughtful, Giving Heart. You can See that in Everything he Does. After Watching Him In Several Shows and Seeing All Sides of Him His Cuteness, Silliness, And even his Condition Onew Is Forever Smiling and Laughing He brings Such Warmth and Calming nature to those around him, it’s Precious How so many Idols Also Look Up to Him As He Is a Leader Among So Many. He can Guide, and Help anyone when needed. He’s So Kind, and Sweet to his Members, and Other Idols. He Is Strong and Supportive, and Adored by Everyone. He deserves This Because He’s Earned it. Onew is So Amazing and Will Continue to Fascinate With His Honey Vocals and Incredible Skills and Talent. Very Much Looking Forward to #Diceππ»ππ²πΆ
But the most importantly, he’s a kind man.
Yes he is a very kind man ππ