"Listening and watching Taemin’s music and performances are like looking at a piece of contemporary art.
"Although he can easily be categorized under popular music and K-Pop, Taemin’s music is much different from regular idols who create easy to follow songs for their fandoms.
"Actually, you could say that the properties are completely different. Taemin’s music is a mix of cutting-edge sound and retro aesthetics, and his movements are on a different level even in the eyes of someone who is not skilled in dance.
"But these little details can only be seen by those who know the difference, those who are ready to appreciate a higher level of artistry.
This by no means is an evaluation that is only for the idol scene. He is one of the most unique and exemplary solo artists in the entire Korean popular music scene."
- Kim Young Dae, Korean ethnomusicologist and critic
From a shy member of SHINee to a confident solo artist in his own right, this 24-year-old Korean is fearlessly blazing his own trail
The duality of Lee Taemin – a member of legendary K-Pop group SHINee, and a successful soloist – is well known to his legions of fans. His performances are intense and highly visceral experiences, heavily influenced by Michael Jackson: he sings hooky electronic pop songs like Drip Drop with a inviting, breathy urgency, while utilising cinematic instrumentals and vocals (Flame of Love) to showcase his skills as a modern dancer. In contrast to his stage persona, however, the 24-year-old is down-to-earth, sweet and sometimes shy – traits which, given that he’s been globally famous for nearly a decade, have become particularly cherished.