Onew, the leader of the iconic K-pop group SHINee, has captivated audiences for over 15 years with his warm vocals, subtle stage presence, and consistent artistry. Beyond his contributions to SHINee's innovative albums, Onew has carved a unique path as a solo artist, marked by introspection and creative exploration. This article delves into Onew's journey, exploring his approach to health, fitness, and his recent artistic evolution with the release of his EP 'FLOW'.
Onew's Enduring Legacy with SHINee
Having debuted with SHINee in 2008, Onew solidified his position as one of SM Entertainment's most respected entertainers. Onew led SHINee to become one of K-pop’s most consistent acts, releasing innovative albums that continue to push the genre’s boundaries. Known for his warm, rich vocals and subtle stage presence.
Solo Career: A Canvas for Artistic Growth
In ONEW’s solo work, the star consistently shows his artistry, which extends beyond his work as part of the group. His first full-length Korean album, Circle, was named Billboard’s best K-pop album of 2023, praised for its “shape-shifting musical journey” and sonic introspection it delivered after years in the industry. While Circle was a reflective work highlighting ONEW’s meticulous attention to detail (he was involved in every aspect of the album’s production, from mixing to mastering), ONEW did not contribute directly to the songwriting.
'FLOW': A New Chapter of Creative Freedom
The recently dropped FLOW, released under ONEW’s new label home in GRIFFIN Entertainment following his departure from SM last April, takes that creative involvement a step further. This time, ONEW takes the reins as a performer and a songwriter, writing all six tracks on the album. While he had previously written on heartfelt tracks like SHINee’s “Our Page” or “Beautiful Life,” and his solo cuts like “Illusion” and “Shine on You,” FLOW marks a full-circle moment where ONEW controls not only the sound but also the stories behind the music.
The album’s lead single, “Beat Drum,” is a clever declaration of adoration wrapped in a skippy, percussion-driven beat. With playful references to percussion, beating hearts, and how music is a love language for someone who dedicated nearly two decades of his life, ONEW displays his vocal delivery - ranging from his smooth, signature vocals to an unexpected rap-like verse - and ability to surprise listeners still today. Much like last year’s “O (Circle)” single, the song takes listeners on an unexpected journey, with its simple yet infectious singalong hook requiring multiple listens to appreciate in full.
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Ahead of the album’s launch on September 3, 2024, ONEW treated each FLOW track with care and creativity via “Highlight Clip” visuals. The dreamy synth-pop track “Hola!” sees ONEW floating through pink clouds, while “Maestro” showcases him as a conductor surrounded by bubbles and fish, enhancing the song’s fantastical, choir-like grandeur. “Shape of My Heart” continues the water theme with ONEW peering into a fish tank, contemplating time as a watch ticks inside. Meanwhile, the jazz-influenced “All Day” sees him in an office working while cups of coffee pile up around him, all to conclude with “Focus” with visuals of ONEW turning an hourglass over - perhaps symbolizing his new beginning in this career phase.
GRIFFIN Entertainment: A Sanctuary for Artists
Upon announcing his signing as the agency’s first artist, GRIFFIN Entertainment shared the following statement to introduce themselves to the world: “Drawing its name from the legendary guardian of priceless relics, GRIFFIN Entertainment is dedicated to safeguarding and nurturing our artists. We strive to provide a sanctuary where artists can thrive and let their distinct gifts and talents illuminate the world.”
No doubt, his decision to join GRIFFIN appears to be a conscious step toward greater professional freedom, allowing him to explore his musicality in new and exciting ways as the agency intends. ONEW’s group activities with SHINee remain unchanged under SM Entertainment, but his solo endeavors with FLOW hint at an established superstar ready to break new ground all over again.
Looking ahead, ONEW will hold his “Hola!” fan concerts in Korea and Japan later this year, offering fans a chance to see his latest work performed live. With FLOW, ONEW has crafted a release that feels deeply personal, universally accessible and satisfyingly inventive, blending his signature vocal warmth with new creative risks.
Onew's Diet and Exercise
While specific details about Onew's current diet and exercise regimen are not extensively documented, some information sheds light on his past approaches to maintaining his health and physique.
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Past Weight Loss Efforts
Onew once shared that during exercise, to lose weight, he woke up at 5 am and swim for an hour. Also, to lose weight, Onew walked to school which takes approximately 1 hour each day. When he gets home, Onew skips as much as 4000 times to lose weight!
General Health and Well-being
Beyond specific weight loss routines, Onew's overall lifestyle and habits contribute to his well-being. When SHINee goes overseas, Onew always carries medicines for himself and for other SHINee members because they often feel sick when riding a plane.
Personality and Habits
Onew has the expertise to freeze the atmosphere with whatever he says. People say that he is very funny while doing it. Onew likes to read books of different genres. He would really hate it if he is disturbed when reading a book. Reading helped Onew in writing lyrics. Onew often buys food from the food store when he was still a kid. He has two MP3 Players, since he wants to be prepared if ever one of it runs out of battery. He often brings meat from his parents’ meatshop and shares it with his classmates. He really likes having long time toothbrushes.
Onew's Views
Onew believes that you can change peoples lives by saying just one word. He doesn’t care a lot about dating or marriage. He might look soft and quiet, but his ambition is actually to be someone who is very humurous. According to him, he is not that special. Onew wants to be a scientist. Onew does not like it when other people call him by his real name. Onew’s motto in life: “I want to have, as much as possible, to have all kinds of experiences, because each experience will give birth to something new.” According Onew, a good person is a person who is very thoughtful of others. Although food is expensive, Onew always spends money on it.
Onew's Preferences
Onew finds spaghetti more interesting than Key. He always remembers his wonderful experience with tofu (dubu) when he was younger. His hobby is sleeping. His favorite Super Junior member is their leader, Leeteuk. For Onew, Minho looks like a character in a manga. Onew chose CHICKEN over YOOGEUN because chicken has already benn with him for 20 years. Onew wants to learn to draw good. Onew would like to speak to his wife formally. Onew wants to be like August in the movie, August Rush. Onew really like to eat snacks.
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