SHINee's Onew is back as seen on his new profile photos shared by his new agency, GRIFFIN Entertainment on Wednesday, April 3.
Onew, whose real name is Lee Jin-ki, took to Instagram to share the milestone in his career along with a caption that made his fans, SHAWOLs, emotional.
"You've been waiting for a long time, right? Thank you!" he wrote.
Onew has been on hiatus due to health issues since June 2023, thus preventing him from participating in SHINee's 8th album promotions and concerts.
View this post on Instagram
Shortly after, the newly established agency GRIFFIN Entertainment announced that they had signed an exclusive contract with Onew, expressing their full support for the K-pop superstar's fresh start.
As the first artist on the label, Onew unveiled new profile photos.
아티스트들의 안식처가 되는 곳, 그리핀 엔터테인먼트입니다.
— GRIFFIN Entertainment (@griffinenter) April 3, 2024
그리핀의 1호 아티스트, 온유를 소개합니다.
We strive to provide a sanctuary where artists can thrive and let their distinct gifts and talents illuminate the world.
We would like to introduce Griffin's first artist - ONEW. pic.twitter.com/swuktInIhu
Earlier in March, SM Entertainment confirmed that Onew and Taemin did not renew their contracts while other members, Key and Minho, renewed theirs. However, the agency noted that the two will continue their group activities with SHINee under the label.
On April 1, Taemin announced that he had signed a contract with Big Planet Made Entertainment, also sharing new profile photos.
Debuted in 2008 and dubbed as the "Princes of K-pop," SHINee are best known for their iconic song “Replay,” and other hit tracks like "Juliette," "Ring Ding Dong," "Everybody," and "Sherlock.”
