SHINee's Taemin and Onew disperse and Karina apologizes for her relationship... Eventful SM, what to do in crisis?

SHINee's Taemin and Onew are expected to leave SM Entertainment (hereinafter referred to as SM). It is said that Key and Minho are working on renewing their contracts, but it is something that cannot be confirmed as it has not been signed yet. In addition, the group Espa Carina soothed the public's anger by leaving an apology to fans regarding their relationship with actor Lee Jae-wook.

SM said in an official statement on the 5th, "Taemin's exclusive contract ends at the end of March, and Taemin's future has not yet been confirmed, so I heard that he is considering it from various angles." He added, "Onew is open to exploring various directions." He said.

In addition, regarding the four members' SHINee activities, it was said that "SM will continue without change." At the same time, regarding Key and Minho, he said, "We are discussing positively with our company regarding their individual activities."

According to multiple music industry officials, Taemin's exclusive contract with SM will end at the end of March, and he is expected to move to Big Planet Mate, headed by producer Park Jang-geun, in the future. Big Planet Mate drew a line with regard to Taemin's recruitment, saying "nothing has been decided," but as rumors have been rife since early this year that Taemin would transfer to Big Planet Mate, unless there is a major upheaval, he will make a fresh start at Big Planet Mate. It seems like it will happen. There is no specific information about Onew's future actions, but it seems unlikely that he will renew his contract with SM.

In addition, SM said that they are "discussing positively with us" regarding Key and Minho's individual activities, but the industry consensus is that there is a good chance that the matter will be overturned as it has not yet been stamped.

There is a very high possibility that Taemin and Onew, who have been with SM for 16 years since their debut, will leave SM and split up. No matter what the four members' future moves are, SM owns the IP of 'SHINee', so if they agree on activities, it is expected that SM will proceed.

Meanwhile, on the same day, Espa Carina apologized to fans who were angry about her relationship. In a handwritten letter, Karina said, "First of all, I am sorry for surprising you so much, and I am cautious towards my children who must have been very surprised," and added, "I am upset when I think about how disappointed my children who have supported me must have been and the stories we shared together. “I know this very well. I feel even more sorry because I know how you feel,” she said, apologizing for her relationship with Lee Jae-wook.

He said, “I want to make up for the hurt my children have suffered. I have always been sincere to them, and even now, each and every one of them is very precious to me.” He added, “This is a short post, if not too short to express all my feelings, but thank you for reading and I will do my best to help you in the future.” “I want to show you that I am more mature and work hard without disappointing you. Please watch over me,” he said.

On the 27th of last month, Karina admitted to the dating rumors that arose with Lee Jae-wook, saying, "I'm learning more." Although there was congratulations on the romantic relationship between the young man and woman, some people were not happy about it, pointing out that Karina, a leading member of Espa who debuted four years ago, fell in love too quickly. At the same time, unconfirmed rumors, such as Lee Jae-wook's transit love rumor, continued to spread, causing embarrassment.

At the same time, SM, the agency of SHINee and Aespa, also began to cry. We are having an eventful first half of the year due to SHINee's transfer rumors and the blow to Espa's image due to Karina's love affair. The bigger problem is that it seems difficult to find room for recovery and rebound related to this crisis.

Choi Ji-ye, Ten Asia Reporter wisdomart@tenasia.co.kr