Following departure rumors, which were then confirmed by SM Entertainment and various news portals, SHINee Taemin took to SNS to address his exit from the label after 16 years.

On March 5, Korean news outlets reported that SHINee Taemin and Onew have parted ways with the agency after their contracts expired. The company confirmed Taemin's departure at the end of March, while Onew is expected to leave in the first half of 2024.

As a response to this, Taemin also released his official position and attested Shawols (SHINee fandom) about the group's future activities.

SHINee Taemin Speaks Out on Departure from SM Entertainment After 16 Years

Through the fandom-communicating platform Bubble, Taemin communicated with the fans on March 6 to express his feelings about the news.

"Were you surprised by the sudden article? I wanted to tell you guys carefully because I didn't want to cause any worry about it as much as possible, but it ended up like this.

I think I'll be making a new start soon. To be honest, I'm still cautious to bring up this story due to the timing, but it didn't seem polite to stay silent without saying anything to someone who cherishes and loves me like this.

I've been thinking about it since last year, and so I decided to leave the company after having a good talk with the members, too."

ALSO READ: EXO Baekhyun Garners Flak Following News of SHINee Taemin's Departure From SM Entertainment

"I'm grateful to everyone who has helped me so far, and I'll continue to see them as I go. Thank you for trusting my choice and for supporting me.

I have always been Lee Taemin and I will always be, anytime, anywhere. We have been together for a long time. I believe there will be better things and I'll make sure it does. As a member of SHINee and as Taemin, I ask for your continued support in the future."

What Will Happen to SHINee After Taemin's Departure From SM?

According to reports, Taemin is considering Big Planet Made Entertainment as his new nest after contract expiration with SM at the end of March. Onew, who will most likely not renew his contract, is also considering various options.

As for Minho and Key, the two '91-liners will remain in SM Entertainment for both group and individual activities.

Regarding the future move on SHINee, SM commented that their group activities will continuously be managed by the label.

Minho also reassured fans by writing, "Don't worry", along with a picture of the sky on his SNS account.

SHINee has been with SM for 16 years since their debut. Under the label, the members have each released solo albums, developed their capabilities as solo singers, and have been active in acting and appearing on entertainment shows.

With half of the members' departure, there is keen attention on how will this affect SM as well as the group that is set to pursue a "separately and together" kind of promotion, following Girls' Generation, Super Junior, and EXO.

READ MORE: What Will Happen to SHINee? SM Reveals Members' Plan as Soloists, Group Ahead of Contract Expiration

For more K-Pop news and updates, keep your tabs open here at KpopStarz.

KpopStarz owns this article.

Written by Eunice Dawson.