Taemin, otherwise known as the “Idol’s Idol,” is about to make Coachella history, becoming the first Korean Male K-pop Soloist to perform at the iconic festival. Having him perform is significant because idols of this generation look up to Taemin because of what he represents as an artist and person. Many also have stated that he’s the reason they wanted to pursue careers as idols.
The Beginning:
Taemin first debuted on May 25, 2008, as the youngest member of SHINee with their debut song “Replay.” This became a massive hit, reaching number one on the Gaon Digital Chart. That was only the beginning, as the group would release more comebacks like “Lucifer” and “Sherlock.” In which Taemin began to be noticed for his sharp, fluid movements with each comeback.
In 2014, he would make his official solo debut with the EP, “Ace.” Becoming the first member of SHINee to release a solo album, but also the first active member of a SM Entertainment group to have a solo debut. His debut would create an image different from the one the group gave. In 2017, Taemin released “Move,” a moment that would define his career. “Move” became iconic, challenging gender norms and showcasing a mature concept through its choreography. Many fans and celebrities were covering the dance, creating the “Move Disease.”
SuperM: The Avengers of K-Pop:
In 2019, SM Entertainment and Capitol Music created SuperM, a group meant to target the Western music market.
The group combined members of seven different SM Entertainment groups to create the iconic supergroup. Members included Taemin (SHINee), Baekhyun & Kai (Exo), Taeyong & Mark (NCT 127), and Ten & Lucas (WayV).
The self-titled debut EP, SuperM – The 1st Mini Album, was released on October 4, 2019. Consisting of five tracks, with the title being “Jopping.” Their release became a hit, debuting at #1 on the Billboard 200 albums chart.
SuperM would make another comeback, this time with a first full-length studio album titled “Super One.” This album included 15 unique tracks, each with its own genre. The album also included iconic hits like “100,” “Tiger Inside,” and the title “One (Monster & Infinity).” The album would debut at No. 2 on the Billboard 200. As of now their has been no other comeback from SuperM.
Before his military service, he would have one final comeback with his third EP, Advice. The EP included five tracks, including the title of the same name. The meaning of “Advice” is to reject the “advice’ of those who want you to fit a mold. This album also included a collaboration with Taeyeon, with the track “If I could tell you.” Fans took this release as one final gift before he left, making the release special to the fandom.
After returning from his military service, Taemin officially left SM Entertainment in March of 2024. Ending 16 years with the company, but deciding to be a part of SHINee still. He moved to Big Planet Entertainment, releasing two major music endeavors. The first was his fifth mini-album, ETERNAL, which signaled his first release under the company. His second major release was his single“Veil.” The track gained popularity as it charted No. 3 on the World Digital Song Sales Chart. The song displayed a different side to him, as the dark and gothic concept became a focal point of his “2025 TAEMIN ARENA TOUR ‘VEIL’” in Japan. He would also promote the song on the Kelly Clarkson Show in November of 2025.
Recently, Taemin left Big Planet Made (BPM) Entertainment on February 24, 2026, after a year and 10 months there. He terminated his contract early due to unpaid earnings and issues with his contract. A month later, he officially signed a new contract with Galaxy Corporation, a tech firm focused on AI and robotics in entertainment. Galaxy Corporation is known for its other artists, including G-Dragon, Song Kang-ho, and Kim Jong-Kook. He has already released his first single under the new company, “Long Way Home.” This single marks his first English-language single and has already been performed on The Jennifer Hudson Show. Now he’s gearing up for his first Coachella performance and has all eyes on him to see what he’ll do at the major festival. If interested in watching his set, he will be performing on Saturday. April 11th and 18th at 7:30 pm to 8:20 pm during both weekends at the Mojave Tent, and will be streamed on YouTube.
NACE MEDIA | Isabella
