SHINee’s Taemin is back after a two-year and five-month hiatus, and he’s packing heat with his new mini-album Guilty. During a press conference on the 30th, Taemin dished on the album’s concept and his growth as an artist.
“Throughout the album preparation, I found myself reminiscing a lot, like looking back on my life. I did a lot of soul-searching to show a more mature and evolved version of myself,” Taemin shared. “I believe that I have my own identity and clichés, and this album encapsulates both those familiar aspects and new elements.”
He isn’t just serving vocals on the album. The “Guilty” music video features mesmerizing choreography, a highlight with Taemin placing his hands inside his clothes to grasp his chin. He’ll leave behind his boyish charm for a bolder shade of sexy. “Showing one’s skin could be embarrassing, but it makes people wonder, right? I wanted to toe the line to make myself appear charming in a way that satisfies curiosity without making it awkward. This move was choreographed by Casper,” explained Taemin.
The album’s choreography also boasts the talents of Bada from Mnet’s Street Woman Fighter 2. “Bada’s choreography is also included in this song. She knows how to make things appealing to the public. I entrusted the choreography to her upon my agency’s recommendation but ended up relying on her a lot,” the singer revealed.
Surprisingly, this new song has been in the works for two years and five months. “I suggested doing this song with my members as group SHINee before we started ‘Don’t Call Me’ promotions. But the members said, ‘Taemin, this suits you better.’ So, SHINee ended up doing ‘Don’t Call Me,’ and I decided this was something I had to do myself, especially because it’s a song with a story,” he said.
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Is there an artist he’d like to do the dance challenge with? Taemin mentioned Hoshi from SEVENTEEN. “He’s an incredible dancer and he really likes me,” Taemin smiled. “We’ve already filmed a challenge together, but we’ve talked about working on an album or a song if the opportunity arises. I have my eyes on him since he’s an amazing performer.” Then, with a light chuckle, he added, “I’d also love to see more male artists with abs doing the challenge.”
