15 Years On, SHINee Are Still Performance Kings
In honour of SHINee’s 15th anniversary, I’m highlighting some of my fave performances from one of the best groups in the world.
There’s no doubt SHINee is one of the best groups in the world. Debuting in May 2008, the boy group celebrated their 15th anniversary in the past week — a huge achievement in K-Pop or, well, any music industry. One of the reasons SHINee has had such staying power are their incredible live performances. Each member is amazing in their own right, and when they come together they create something even more special.
To celebrate 15 years of SHINee, I wanted to dive into some of their best live performances, with the help of some dedicated fans…
‘Replay’ on SBS Inkigayo
This was SHINee’s debut stage and it’s impossible to watch it without smiling (seriously, I dare you to try). It’s a bop on every level. And the members — then aged between 14 and 18 — are all so goddamn cute! More importantly, they’re incredibly talented, even at this early stage.
“It’s so magical to me,” Melbourne Shawol Ana tells me. “Despite how much has changed, their performances show that same energetic magic, full of the most beautiful sincerity.”
‘Amigo’ at SMTOWN Live in Tokyo
It’s always exciting when groups perform different versions of their songs live, and this “rock” version of ‘Amigo’ is one of the best examples of the new dimension it can add. Fully showcasing SHINee’s range, the performance is absolutely electrifying — and that’s even before the members start FLYING THROUGH THE AIR. Iconic.
‘Spoiler’ at SHINee World Concert III
The opening song for this concert tour sets the tone in the best and most impactful way, giving a taste of what’s to come and showing just how good SHINee can be.
“The performance starts with Jonghyun getting, quite literally, catapulted onto the stage, and the other four members following suit as their lines are introduced. The energy is so high, you can feel it radiating through your screen, all while pyrotechnics enhance your viewing experience dramatically,” says a Shawol who goes by Cheese Stick online. “It is a performance that makes you thirst for more.”
‘Dynamite’ at SHINee World Concert IV
‘Dynamite’ is the right name for this explosive performance (sorry, I had to). It’s intense, high-energy, fun and really, really hot. If you’re particularly sensitive to hip thrusts (it’s me, I am) then this choreo will leave you feeling quite fragile. And, oh yeah, there’s also the part where Minho RIPS OFF HIS SHIRT and performs the rest of the song half-naked?!
“This one gives you a great taste of everything,” says Eb, a Shawol in Sydney. “Jjong’s legendary vocals, Onew’s honey vocals, Key serving cunt, Taem with the best hair of his life and then there’s Minho and his abs. Top 5 best ab reveals.”
‘Sherlock’ at SHINee World Concert IV
SHINee has done a number of incredible ‘Sherlock’ performances, but this one is peak perfection, from the fun visuals (and fireworks) to the powerhouse live vocals and, most of all, the impressive choreo executed beautifully.
“The run/leap choreography is how you should start your day every morning,” says Eb. “Also, the source of the iconic ‘SHINee’s back’ gives me goosebumps every time.”
‘Excuse Me Miss’ at SHINee World Concert IV
Okay, okay, okay, another one from this concert but what can I say — the guys were particularly on fire during this tour. This performance is just dreamy and fun and — okay, yes, again, pretty damn hot. Key is completely mesmerising taking centre stage, but it’s Jonghyun and Taemin’s dance duet that’s absolutely scream-inducing. Melbourne-based fan Diem told me that when she was introduced to this performance, she watched it every morning for a month straight. “What I love most about this performance is the intensity between Jonghyun and Taemin’s eye contact… sexier than the body waves, bum wriggles, and Minho’s hip thrust combined.”
(Note: the bum wriggles and hip thrusts are pretty great, too, though.)
‘Ring Ding Dong’ at SHINee World Concert V
‘Ring Ding Dong’ is an addictive song — the kind that burrows into your head and takes up residence for at least 5-7 business days. Seeing it performed live takes it to a whole other level — forget your head, it sinks into your heart and gets your blood pumping in time with the beat. This particular performance of the song is SHINee at their confident make-it-look-easy-when-it’s-really-not best. Minho’s platinum hair also means a lot to me, personally.
‘Don’t Call Me’ on Studio Choom
While Studio Choom doesn’t have a live audience for the performers to play to and feed off, their videos allow viewers to focus on and fully absorb the choreography and dance performance of guests, offering a different experience that can enhance your appreciation of both the songs and the artists. This is never more true than with SHINee’s ‘Don’t Call Me’ performance — it displays the members’ impeccable dance skills and irresistible charisma to perfection.
‘Kind’ on IU’s Palette
If ‘Don’t Call Me’ on Studio Choom allowed SHINee’s dance skills to shine, then their turn on IU’s Palette does the same for their vocals. This stripped-down performance of ‘Kind’ sees the members sit in a row on stools and simply sing — although really, there’s nothing “simple” about it. The performance is both moving and memorable, showcasing the unique vocal talents of each member (with a particular shout-out to Onew’s high notes).
P.S. This is obviously by no means an exhaustive list, so sorry if your fave is missing (honestly, there are enough iconic moments to fill a book!). Feel free to @ me to discuss the many other iconic performances of SHINee!
’ICKY’ by Kard: The title track off the co-ed group’s mini album of the same name is sexy and fun with a music video to match, setting the vibes perfectly for the rest of the album. I have to give a special mention to track ‘CAKE’, which takes the sexy and fun to a whole new level, as summed up by this tweet.
’BONVOYAGE’ by Dreamcatcher: ‘BONVOYAGE’ is the title track from EP Apocalypse: From Us, the closing chapter of the girl group’s Apocalypse series. With its balladic verses that show off the members’ vocal skills and its intense rock-influenced chorus, the song has drawn a lot of comparisons to anime theme songs, and it’s easy to see why. As a ballad girlie, the verses are my personal highlight.
‘LOSER’ by AB6IX: AB6IX’s latest EP, THE FUTURE IS OURS: LOST, features five songs, including title track ‘LOSER’, which comes complete with an entertaining music video that has an aesthetic of ‘cemetery, but make it sexy’ (I for one am a big fan of the jaunty shorts). Music-wise, my fave song on the album is middle track ‘REALITY’.
BOYNEXTDOOR, Hybe’s latest boy group (under Zico’s label Koz), has officially debuted with their single album ‘WHO!’ and its triple-threat title tracks (and accompanying music videos) ‘But I Like You’ (which I mentioned last week), ’One and Only’, and ‘Serenade’. The songs are bright and boppy and seem destined to take over TikTok. Here’s a quick intro to the members of this new group if you’re keen to get to know them:
Sungho is the leader and a vocalist. At 19, he’s the oldest member (by about a month) and says he’s trying to take good care of the others. He also describes himself as a “logical and plan-ahead kind of guy”.
Riwoo is also 19 and a vocalist, plus an enthusiastic dancer. He describes himself as having a “relaxed charm” and says he’ll be a good big brother to his fellow members.
Jaehyun is another 19-year-old, completing the ‘03 line in the group. He’s a vocalist and a rapper who is into sports and says he can be counted on to bring happy vibes.
Taesan is 18 and a vocalist and rapper who describes himself as an “all rounder”. He says he’s shy but likes expressing himself creatively — through music, taking photos, and customising his own clothes.
Leehan is also 18, joining Taesan in the ’04 line. He’s a vocalist who grew up in Busan and loves being in the water. Although one of the youngest members, he says he acts as a “counsellor” to the others and is good at taking care of people.
Woonhak is a vocalist and, at 16, the maknae of the group. He describes himself as a perky people person who loves music, fashion, and working out — plus making others feel good.
With love,
Jenna
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'Replay' is such a timeless song. Years later, I still get a wave of happiness listening to the track whenever it shows up on my playlist. I also have to say that SHINee had some of the campiest hairstyles in K-pop. I kind of miss that era.