The time has come. I’ve been looking forward to writing the opinionated profile for SHINee ever since I started this blog and now it’s finally time. But even though I have been so excited I’ve also been slightly worried. Before I’ve said that even though I love all the members of the groups, I’m still fully capable of ranking the members. This is the exception. I know who my bias (and ultimate bias, at that) is, but after that I can’t decide. I love them all way too much to be able to rank them like that. But I will nonetheless give you my opinions and thoughts about the members, and here we go!
2. Onew
Wow picking the individual pictures will not be easy…
Birth name: Lee Jin Ki
Stage name: Onew
Birthday: December 14, 1989
Official height: 178 cm
Position: Leader, Lead Vocalist
Comment: I feel like Onew is incredibly unnecessarily simplified. This guy is witty, well-spoken and really smart but to most people he’s just a funny guy who falls a lot and who loves chicken. I think Onew’s hilarious, but in a much more clever way than just falling on his ass a lot. So I definitely think that it’s shame that he’s become such a simplified character, when he really is so much more.
I think he’s really attractive, like the rest of SHINee. I know that I could be seen as very biased here, but I think SHINee’s one of the absolute most attractive groups out there. Normally there’s at least one member that I don’t find that physically attractive, but SHINee lacks that one member.
Anyway, Onew has one of the most charming smiles I’ve ever seen. The way his eyes disappear and his face lights up is gorgeous to see. He also has very kissable lips. Sorry, not sorry, it had to be said.
We all know that Onew’s a pretty awkward dancer, and the worst dancer in SHINee, so there’s not much to say there. (Being the worst in SHINee still means you’re pretty good though)
That voice though! I love the contrast between Onew’s smooth voice and Jonghyun’s “sharp” one, it’s one of my favorite harmonies in kpop. Onew’s voice is beautiful, end of story.
I feel like Onew is a very good leader. (And yes, I could still be technically biased) He’s not as much of a hands-on type of leader, as for example G-Dragon, but he does do a good job reining in Jonghyun and Key’s loud personalities and Minho’s over-competativeness. And he did help Taemin a lot with his singing, and look how far that kid’s come! I’m not giving all the credit for Taemin’s improvement to Onew, but it’s still good that he made a difference, and helps out his members.
2. Taemin
Super old shot, I know. But I really loved Taemin during the ‘Lucifer’ era.
Birth name: Lee Tae Min
Stage name: Taemin
Birthday: July 18, 1993
Official height: 179 cm
Position: Vocalist, Main Dancer, Maknae
Comment: I’m going to say something now that most of you won’t agree with. I’ve never seen Taemin is especially feminine. (Except for when he’s been dressed as a girl, ’cause then it’s hard not to see it) I think his personality is quite stereotypically masculine, and he hasn’t looked girly since he was very young, and even then it was mostly just because of the styling. And while I do think he’s pulled off the cute concepts with plenty grace, I’ve never felt like he was truly comfortable with it. He was convincing, but not natural. I know people will disagree with me on this, and I might very well be wrong, but that’s my perception of things.
It’s no secret to anyone who’s ever met me that I’m a sucker for guys with long hair, so Taemin has never been as attractive to me as he was during the time of the ‘Lucifer’. (Even I want to forget those awful extensions from ‘Sherlock’ though)
Taemin is gorgeous even without long hair, and the manlier he gets, the more attracted am I to him.
Taemin’s never more attractive than he is when he dances though. I know way too little about dance to be able to actually evaluate how good different kpop stars are, but I think Taemin is great. To me he looks fluent, yet sharp and it looks like he was born to dance.
SHINee is a bunch of adorkable weirdoes, but if I had to pick one member as being the most “normal”, I would pick Taemin. He’s kind of quiet and a little shy, and there’s something very calm about him. Again, just how I perceive him, I might be completely wrong.
Taemin is an inspiration to me, especially since I watched that show (can’t think of the name) where he talked about his struggle to become a legit singer. This guy works really hard, and it’s all paid off. He was a quite bad singer when he first debuted, and now he can hold his own with Onew and Jonghyun. He’s not on their level just yet, but he’s doing incredibly well.
2. Minho
Birth name: Choi Min Ho
Stage name: Minho
Birthday: December 9, 1991
Official height: 184 cm
Position: Main Rapper, Face of the Group
Comment: ‘Flaming Charisma’ is the coolest nickname of all time. Or not. Either way. I used to not at all understand why Minho was even referred to as ‘flaming charisma’ until I saw a certain live performance of ‘The SHINee World’, and then I got it. Minho’s not exactly more charismatic than most off-stage, but sometimes when he gets on it, he just kills it. (Those are also the times when he’s his absolute sexiest self, by the way)
Minho is the rapper of the group, and I fully believe that he is that just because they needed a rapper and he needed a position. Sorry honey, but it’s true, isn’t it? We all know (and so does he) that the reason Minho was put in SHINee from the beginning was because they liked the way he looked. I feel bad for him because of that, because it must hurt to know that, and to know that everyone else knows it too. He said once in some interview that that’s one of the reasons why he works so overly hard, he’s trying to prove that he really does deserve to be there. Doesn’t that just break your heart?
As you might have figured out by my previous statement, I don’t think Minho is a particularly talented rapper. I do think he’s gotten a lot better though, and his raps nowadays don’t bother me at all, and sometimes I even like them. I also really appreciate that he writes so many of his raps himself.
I’ve been screaming at SM (through my computer) for years to let Minho sing more, and now they’re finally paying attention to me! Sure, his voice is still a little untrained, but I’ve always liked his tone (A LOT) so I see potential. And since Taemin’s really improved, isn’t it time to give some of those training resources to Minho?
Dance-wise, he’s steadily in the middle.
Minho’s gorgeous, in a very classical and masculine kind of way. I really like the way he looks, and the more masculinely they style him, the better. Put him in suits, always! He used to be a little too skinny for my taste before, but that’s not a problem anymore.
I’m not sure if this is a thing anymore, but I have to address it anyway. To all the people that say Minho’s worthless and shouldn’t be in SHINee, you can all go fuck yourselves. SHINee would feel empty with the loss of any of the members, and we shawols adore Minho. He’s nowhere near worthless. Yes, he doesn’t really stick out in the dance, singing or rap departments, but he’s still highly useful. You guys have misunderstood something huge about the kpop industry if you underestimate the value of a great visual such as Minho. Sorry for ranting, but this pisses me off, and I had to write at least a little about it.
2. Key
Birth name: Kim Ki Bum
Stage name: Key
Birthday: September 23, 1991
Official height: 181 cm
Position: Vocalist, Lead Rapper
Comment: Oh you almighty… Welcome back! As I mentioned in my review of Toheart, I’m finally feeling more secure in welcoming Key back to the world of people who can sing! I used to really like his voice in the beginning of his career, but it’s been a hard couple of dark years. But now he’s really back! (I hope) His singing in the songs from last year, was solid and he kept up with Woohyun in Toheart’s songs way better than I expected, so I’m very pleased. The return of the almighty is finally here.
I’ve always liked Key’s way of speaking. He doesn’t sugarcoat his words and he speaks his mind even if many people might not agree. I like to think that I’m like that too, so that plus the fact that we’re both so afraid of heights, makes me feel a little more connected to him.
When it comes to comparing his rap skills to those of main rapper Minho, I think they’re actually on a fairly equal level, though I might give some extra edge to Minho. That might just be because I prefer rappers with darker voices though. Either way, Key is an alright idol rapper, but his rapping isn’t anything special.
Dance wise I’ve always seen him as being second after Taemin, but it feels like it’s been a while since I’ve really payed attention to his dancing. I’m sure he’s still good though.
I love Key’s ability to pull off pretty much anything he or SM throws at him. His hair’s been too many fabulous colors, and despite some awkward stylings, he’s still pulled it off. The way SM styles him isn’t always my cup of tea, but he always makes it look less stupid than it would on anyone else, at least. I’m not a huge fan of his personal style, but it is bold and I commend him for that.
Key has such a cute face. I wouldn’t exactly call it feminine or androgynous, but it is quite young-looking, which gives him a very innocent look a lot of the time. Even though I always find Key attractive, his innocent look makes it very rare for me to find him sexy, but it has happened a few glorious times.
1. Jonghyun
Birth name: Kim Jong Hyun
Stage name: Jonghyun
Birthday: April 8, 1990
Official height: 174 cm (I’m laughing my ass off at all these heights)
Position: Main Vocalist
Comment: This is the one. My ultimate bias, the guy I know I’m destined to be with and perfection in my eyes. Okay, maybe not perfection, but it’s pretty damn close. Jonghyun’s never disappointed me and the more I find out about him, the more I love him. A good example of that would be when he showed his support for the Korean LGBT community not too long ago. Seeing as how Korea is still very backwards when it comes to things like this, and kpop stars are really supposed to be just pretty faces who sing pretty songs, I’m really proud of him for supporting what’s right.
I really like Jonghyun’s personality. I know some people think he’s too loud and obnoxious, but people think that about me too, so that works just fine. He’s really funny as well. I also like the feeling he gives off that he’s very comfortable with his sexuality, I really like that in a man. And in a woman. In everyone really. I mean, what is there to be uncomfortable about?
He possesses one of my absolute favorite voices in kpop, and in the rest of the world of music too. I could listen to him all day, every day.
I think he’s the second worst dancer in SHINee after Onew, but he’s still a good dancer, for sure.
Jonghyun’s pretty much the definition of gorgeous to me. He is cute, handsome and incredibly sexy, all at the same time.
Even though I don’t really care about anyone’s religion (as long as they keep it to themselves), it does feel good to know that he’s an atheist just like me (I know that this isn’t completely confirmed, but I’m going with what pretty much everyone say). It’s just another way for me to feel like we’re meant to be, and don’t you dare try to burst that bubble!
Yeah, well, there’s not really much more I want to write about him right now. BLINGER FOR LIFE!
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This just turned into the longest post I’ve ever written, but I guess that makes sense. SHINee’s that group where I’m madly in love with each and every member, even though Jonghyun will forever hold that number one spot. I hope you enjoyed this post even though there wasn’t much of a ranking.
If you have a suggestion, opinion or request for Tuesday’s review, Friday’s list of the week or next Sunday’s random post, then leave a comment or email me at topofthekpops@gmail.com!
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Top of the Kpops 
Gee Alva, bias much? LOL Just kidding. I like SHINee a lot, I may not like every single member the way I like Taemin, but this group produces nothing but perfection. You mentioned Onew as an awkward dancer but he’s pretty good at hiding it, the five them on stage together can do no wrong. I agree with what you said about Taemin never being feminine, I feel the same way. Even if he TRIES to act girly, and with long hair, he’s still very manly. He WANTS to be manly, he HATED the whole girly act even though he’s so good at it. Taemin dancing is the best thing in the world, although Eunhyuk is my favorite kpop dancer ( I’ll elaborate on that when you write opinions on SJ) I still think Taemin is a gifted dancer, he’s a whole different person, I mentioned it in your other posts.
Minho, never noticed him until To the Beautiful You, he’s a good actor, beautiful face, and I finally saw his “flaming charisma” lol.
Key completely blew me away with his Bonnie and Clyde performance, it was a whole different side of him I’ve never seen. His musical talent definitely shined a different light. In bonnie and clyde, He was so vibrant and open and wild, not the Key I usually see on stage or variety shows.
And last but not least, Jjong….. he’s loud and obnoxious and talks wayy too much but also sensitive, compassionate and romantic.
And that voice…. how could you not love that voice of his, it’s so powerful yet soft at the same time.
I see the shawol in you, lol and SHINee is a dream group that every company wants, SM did good with them.
Haha well… I might be slightly biased, yes. But I really can’t help it! Even though I can find faults in these guys, they all still blow me away and I love them all to death. To me they’re the perfect kpop group 😀
I feel slightly bad about writing such a short response when you wrote such a long comment, but you mostly just agreed with me so there’s not really much for me to write lol.
I agree with what you said about Taemin and Onew, very much. Even though Onew can be awkward, it doesn’t really show. SHINee dancing together is perfection. And no, I’m not at all biased!
I haven’t watched any of Minho’s dramas, but I’ll get there. I’m right now watching my seventh Korean drama, and ‘To the Beautiful You’ is definitely on the list, so I’ll see it eventually. (My list is really long though, so it might take a while)
Haha I would have failed if you didn’t see the shawol in me!
oohh, we have the same bias!! the very first time i saw the group, i was immediately taken by Jjong. i don’t even know why but he just did. then he started working out and wearing wife beaters and i just diiieeeeed. he was also the very same reason why i slowly drifted apart from the group (Hello era/Shin SeKyung era). i was heartbroken. he was my very first bias to have admitted of dating and i didn’t know what to do. but that was then…i have found my way back to the group again though, my feelings for him now is more of an ex-crush. haha. my mom likes him too but only because she said he looked like “a Filipino guy. not too Korean looking”.
Key’s “transformation” was very shocking to me. as i have said, i “drifted” apart from the group for a while and that was when he really revealed his true diva self to the world so when i “came back” to the fandom, i was shocked!! he changed so much! i like how sassy he is though. some fashion choices are questionable yes, but his sassiness is cute.
Taemin my brother-in-law. my sister ADORES him (except when he went on we got married) and became her motivation for doing well in Wu Shu (my parents said they’ll buy two tickets for the group’s Singapore concert if she places top three in the Regional competition – she did and we both got to go). she’s already in College now but still as crazy over him as ever.
i will forever remember Onew as the sweaty during debut, sometimes absent minded leader, clumsy & chicken loving one. and that smile. haaaayy. haha.
and dibidibidis my name is Minho, i don’t really have much to say about him. i don’t like him that much but i don’t hate him either. he was cute in Hello Daddy though.
the first group i have seen from the very beginning up until now. the first group that me & my sister shared the same love for. the very first KPop group i saw in person.
I have said it before that SHINee will always, always be special to me.
Yeah, I wasn’t too happy about him dating either… I would probably be a little sad now as well, but mostly supportive, since I want him to be happy. Back then I was just pissed. Oh god, what had this man done to me… Mostly good things, I suppose. Haha I had no idea he looked Filipino! I suppose that’s because I’ve only ever had one real life Filipino friend.
I’m not sure if I’ve ever viewed Key in any other way… He’s one of my most beloved divas 🙂
The only thing I got from that paragraph was that you got to go to one of their concerts. I’m way too jealous to comment on the rest.
Haaaay! His smile is lovely, absolutely stunning.
Haha oh Minho… That entire rap was… Perfect. Nothing short of perfection. And yes, he was adorable on hello baby. That guy will be a good father one day.
I wasn’t a fan of SHINee right from their debut, but they were one of the first kpop groups I saw, and the first one that I really fell in love with. And I fell for Jonghyun within like three seconds. You don’t choose the bias, the bias chooses you.
Yeah, me too. Forever living in the SHINee World.
I’d been always looking for this kind of opinionated personality of shinee!! I’m always curious if someone had the same thoughts on this but we definitely did! 😄😄 I do agree with you, all of your points reflect what I have in mind. Tbh, I’m a hard fan of onew for years and rarely follow others’ updates. Just like you.and jonghyun, I found Onew and I had many things in common in terms of personality. We know he’s thoughtful and reliable, and I see him as one of the most beautiful persons out there (for his personality), but for some reasons I think he also has ‘dark side’. I always believed it ’till his cigarette and mid-finger scandals popped up and WOWed all shawols (in shocking way ofc), I always believed it but once his dark side came up I was just in a huge shock lol.
He never disappointed me but one thing: when he get a bunch of scandals, I was questioning his awarenes of people’s need of his explanation and apology. Did SM asked him to just keep silent? or he decided that by himself? the explanation and apology only came from SM on behalf of him, that onew said sorry and bla bla bla
When celebrities got scandal, they usually apologized by themselves, whether in broadcast live or SNS, but onew???
I started questioning his ‘responsiblity-sense’ ever since.
Uh sorry for bringing this topic up.. but srsly I’m not hating him so don’t don’t get my words wrong
Hmm well…. I honestly don’t think it matters much that he didn’t apologise himself, because I don’t think those were things that he needed to apologise for. It had nothing to do with fans, and it was not such a big deal. So while I agree that it’s strange that SM didn’t make him apologise, I don’t think it’s a problem.
Hi. I’ve only been a SHINee fan since December 2014, and the reason I’m here is because I really want to know what Jonghyun is like in real life. Yes, I am a Blinger. When I first found out about SHINee, I thought Jonghyun was cute and had an amazing voice. That’s it. But then I started to find out more about who he was on the inside. I know you can’t judge a person’s personality based on what people are saying on the internet, but I really hope it’s all true. People say that he’s extremely talkative and I personally find that extremely attractive.
After I started watching live performances, I found out that he is extremely charismatic and sexy onstage. I’m not saying that he’s not sexy offstage, because he most definitely is. Then I saw his emotional side, which just made him 10x hotter. And if I’m being honest, if Jonghyun ever got a girlfriend, I wouldn’t get upset. A little jealous, but not upset. I would actually be really happy for him, because lots of celebrities cant date because of their busy schedules. That’s all I have to say for now. If someone could tell me more about what he’s like on the inside, I’d be really thankful. I’m sick of being in the dark ( sorry for the long post, and if there are any grammatical errors, I humbly apologize for that as well).
I definitely agree with you, and he seems amazing. And I’d be so happy for him if it came out that he was dating. He deserves the best life has to offer him.
Thanks for the reply, fellow Blinger 😉.
No problem at all 😉
Thanks for the comment!
No problem 😉😊😁.
Not to be a buzzkill, but I do not agree with this report completely. It says that that Onew’s dancing needs work, well fuck all of y’all. Onew is way better than Minho in terms of dancing and Taemin’s voice is nowhere closer to either Jonghyun nor Onew, might be on par with Key. Key has a feminine face and I mistook him for the sole diva in the group until I did my research. Say what you want, SHINee can be something without the dance and the fashion, but it will be nothing without the vocals and that comes mainly from Onew and Jonghyun.
I don’t agree with myself anymore that Onew’s dancing is that bad, but I still think he’s the weakest dancer in the group. If you disagree, that’s fine. It’s all about perception. And I did say that Taemin isn’t as good of a singer as Jonghyun and Onew, but that doesn’t mean he hasn’t improved greatly, and I’m very proud of him regardless.
Hello
Loved your article as your bias is mine too , I just adore jonghyun but I’m objective about them all , I agree mostly with you except for Taemin, sure he is not near Jong-hyun vocal nor Onew but he is smarter , he knows his strength points and show it , he accompanies his singing with dancing and it makes the magic .. I have an opinion that might angers many of SHINee fans , I believe that Jonghyun talents were bigger than a boy band , he is alone a whole orchestra , I always had an opinion about his voice that it’s the most versatile and most complete can move up and down so easily and his high notes are flawless .. so when you put him within the group you make injustice to him , my opinion so shoot me if you don’t like it 🙂 , still , SHINee is my favorite band and the most distinguished in K-pop .
I miss Jjong…I remember reading this a few years back and agreeing completely. I don’t know why I’m saying this on here… I guess because I used to read all your blogs but 😭 JONGHYUN!!! You’ve heard already, I know I’m really late but it took me a while to find this. I’m glad SHINee is still fighting. I hope they’ll do well(I know they can!). He was both our biases so I can relate 😭…