Onew: The best grade I got is when I got 2nd place of the whole school.

Taemin: It's good , I also had a chance to be a member in a student club too!

Jonghyun: I dropped my study right now but still continue learning of music.

Minho: My grade are still doing good , but since we are busy right now , it seem to be a little bit lower than usual.

Key: I'm studying at Daegu . My grades went down a little bit because I have to often travel between Seoul and Daegu.

Onew: Just being Noona is enough , I'll make her feel comfortable.

Taemin: Age is not a problem for me.

Jonghyun: 5-6 years

Key: 5 years

Minho: 8-13 years

Onew: There's no stable style for me because I think everyone has their own charm.

Taemin: I like the one in Harry Potter movie, Emma Watson

Jonghyun: I like the one similar to Eu Inyeong because her white skin and red lips are very charming

Minho: I like the one similar to Kim Taehee. She seems to be the very perfect girl.

Key: I like the one with self-confident and honest.

Key: I often got Key as a gift! I also got car-key once too , but the owner didn't tell me where is the car??? ^^

Onew: I got snacks and yogurt which have the same name as mine!

Taemin: My hair style is similar to mushroom so I often got stuffs which has something to do with mushrooms!

Onew: Eyebrows

Taemin: I like them all because it's from our parents

Jonghyun: Eyebrows

Minho: Eyes

ONEW: Experiencing many times performing on the stage made me more comfortable.

TAEMIN: I can stand in front of many people in stage being relaxed and I can feel how to breathe with the audience in the same time and place.

MINHO: Compared to before we debuted, I can stand in front of camera easily.

KEY: After we debuted, I learned how to live without my family, how important my family is and I feel that I became an adult.

JONGHYUN: I think I grew up being sentimental. I started civil life faster so I think I took self-responsibility.

♥ What are your most favorite songs from your album?

ONEW + TAEMIN + MINHO: "Nunan Neomu Yeppeo (Replay)". This was SHINee's debut song, every time we hear this song, we feel loved above all the songs.

KEY: "Graze". The melody is lovely and my favorite composer kenzie composed this song, I really like it.

JONGHYUN: "Loves' Way". The lyrics are unique and the melody is sweet.

♥ Can you tell us the charming points of each member!

ONEW: I find Taemin's image charming when he's dancing. He's the youngest but he never misses practicing. He's a Hardworking-person so I think that I should learn from him.

TAEMIN: Jonghyun hyung's charming point is his mouth. When Jonghyun hyung sings a song, he's mouth is charming.

JONGHYUN: Minho's eyes are charming. His eyes are really beautiful and shining.

MINHO: KEY, just like "Almighty Key," he can dance, sing, and rap. Key's multi-skilled points are charming.

KEY: Onew hyung's sense of honesty and bright smile are charming.

♥ What will you do if you have the power to fulfill your wishes?

ONEW: I will return to the past, try the things that I have never done before.

Require to fulfill my lack of practice.

TAEMIN: I think that I only have to be able to be with the people whom I love after I die.

MINHO: Just like the movie "JUMPER" I want to have the power to transport.

KEY: I want a magical box which has all of my wishes come out.

JONGHYUN: I want to have the ability to play all the instruments. But, if you knew how to play all the instruments, it's not interesting and fun anymore"

♥ Recently, what kinds of things do you love to do?

TAEMIN: Practice!

KEY: Writing in my diary, taking pictures. Watching Japanese dramas like "Hana Yori Dango",

American Drama "LOST", online shopping.

JONGHYUN: Singing and composing music, writing lyrics.

♥ Your debut song "Nunan Neomu Yeppeo" is a love song for older girls but actually how old is fine for you?

ONEW + KEY: We don't think about it but, if we really love her, age doesn't matter.

TAEMIN: Rather than age, I think expressing your feelings to one another is more important.

MINHO: Up to 10 years of age gap is fine for me ^^

JONGHYUN: Um.. about 7 years?

♥ Tell me your ideal type of girl.

ONEW: "I like this type of person!" this expression is nothing special.

I like a person who is simple and has a good heart that can get through with me.

KEY: I like a girl who is honest, simple and magnificent.

JONGHYUN: I like a girl who has a white complexion and her lips are red.

♥ What places in Japan would you like to visit when you come?

ONEW: I heard "hot spring" (onsen) is famous in Japan. I want to try to relieve my fatigue.

KEY: I would like to go sight-seeing in Harajuku or Odaiba and go shopping.

MINHO: I like soccer so, I would like to go to Osaka and watch J-League.

♥ Tell us any Japanese words you know.

ONEW: "Arigatou gozaimasu" (Thank you very much). In addition, I know other words too.

KEY: "Aishiteru" (I love you). "Akemashite Omedetou Gozaimasu" (Happy New Year)

JONGHYUN: "Sayonara" (Goodbye). I think the pronunciation of "Sayonara" is cute.

♥ Your goals in 2009 and future activities.

ONEW: Our 1st Album just finished and now we are preparing for our new album. To show you the good side of SHINee, we will be working hard, please look forward to our music and our stage appearance. Year 2008 was the year when we debuted as SHINee; we received a lot of love and support from fans - we can't forget 2008. We thank everyone who supports SHINee, Contemporary Band SHINee will be giving effort and hard-work in Year 2009.

♥ Please tell a message to your Japanese fans.

ONEW: I heard that many Japanese fans like and support our music; I'm really happy and thankful.

We still didn't come to see and greet Japanese fans face-to-face but if we had the chance,

we will show you great stage performance and surely come and greet you.

Continue loving us. Everybody, enjoy good health and be happy as well in 2009.

They still go from school to the broadcasting station in their uniforms, often rehearsing in their uniforms due to their busy schedule. They find time to clean and iron each other’s uniforms and help each other with schoolwork – they’re still young. When they receive an award, they often cry, saying they can’t help it. Because they live away from their family, they often think about their parents, and they say, “We want to call our parents everyday, but it doesn’t workout like we want it to.” But because they chose the job they wanted at such an early age, they don’t regret their past or fear the future. The one thing is that they love the road they’re walking on now, and due to that, they are the shiniest Shinee.

2008 – In between the big star wars, the five member contemporary brand was a small but bright group. Last May they surprised everyone with their mini album Noona You’re So Pretty and suppressed their young image with amazing vocals and performances, securing a place not only in the noona’s hearts, but the public as well. They had success with “Love Like Oxygen” and “A.Mi.Go.” The Shinee that ran to 2009 has an average age of only 18.6. They must have a lot of things they want to accomplish and they have the time to reach those goals. We wonder how they felt after they debuted, and how they feel now. Putting all the noonas’ envy behind, I started the New Year with Shinee.

It is now 2009. What did you do on the first day of the year?

Shinee: We practiced! (Laughs)

Onew: The night before we performed at the MBC Song War, and during the last minutes of 2008, we performed at City Hall.

Before, you guys said that you wanted to spend Christmas with family but you ended up going to Thailand to promote your album. How was it?

Onew: It was fun. We sang at the station, we appeared in a reality show where we went to the market and played games, we had a fan meeting – through these events we were able to meet fans.

Key: Because the weather was so hot, I didn’t know it was Christmas until I saw a hotel employee wearing a Santa outfit.

Jonghyun: We started learning Chinese before our debut. Once I got there, I only understood Chinese, and I couldn’t say what I wanted to say. It was a bit frustrating. (Laughs) But I experienced a lot of things, and I’m pleased.

“We still get the feelings we got from our first performance.”

Since your debut was on 5.25.2008, it’s been a little bit over seven months. Do you remember how you felt on that day?

Jonghyun: I remember clearly. I was nervous, excited. I still feel this way every time I go on stage.

These days before a singers’ debut, they promote themselves, but Shinee appeared out of the blue. What did the people around you say?

Onew: Our parents didn’t know until two weeks before. It was a total secret.

Key: Our friends didn’t know either. One of my friends told me, “A kid that looks like you came out on TV. When are you going to debut?” I told him that I wasn’t going to. (Laughs) But later I told him and he was happy for me.

Shinee was on the spotlight right when you guys debuted. How did you guys feel.

Key: Honestly I didn’t go online so I didn’t know. I still don’t know much.

Jonghyun: We were busy, and we purposely didn’t check. We prepared a lot for our stage, and we didn’t want to be shaken up.

Onew: That’s why we didn’t check the news. We heard “You guys are in the top ranks on the search engine,” and “You guys have a performance tomorrow,” and we felt like it’d be better to practice just like we did in our trainee days.

Before you guys debuted, you guys had a time where you individually practiced. Onew, you are planning to go to college this year, but between now and your high school graduation, we haven’t heard anything.

Jonghyun: He’s jobless. (Laughs)

Onew: I have a job. (Laughs)

Unlike other friends who go to college or have a secure job, didn’t you feel nervous because of that?

Onew: I didn’t feel nervous because I believed in myself and I was sure of the path I’m taking.

Then what was your day like as a trainee?

Onew: I woke up in the morning, went to the studio to practice, then went home. I woke up the next morning and went to the studio, ate, practiced…(Laughs)

Key: Whether they do go to school or not, this is probably a trainee’s average day.

“We remember the stage where we received the Newcomer award.”

When I first heard “Replay” I thought it was going to be happy, but the music was mid tempo and the R&B like vocals that were mixed in on top of the perfect choreography style. I think you guys have a lot of basics covered regarding dancing and singing. What kind of training did you receive.

Key: Before we debuted, we received individual training. Not because of skill, but because of our special niche we were separated to various teachers. Usually the schedule came out one week in advance and if we couldn’t make it because of school, we’d get trained on a different day.

Jonghyun: We started with learning how to bounce and learning how to enunciate. Our company believes that training in the basics over and over again is important. After the team was decided, we got together and trained as a whole.

But when you’re actually on stage, isn’t it different from practice? Did you learn anything from the live experience?

Onew: It’s different for every stage. Sometimes the stage is rougher compared to our practice room, and sometimes due to rain we have fallen. But through those I think we learn more and more.

Jonghyun: Somedays we have to take out a part of the choreography because of the stage set up and just walk out. We didn’t know how to do that at first, but we weren’t nervous because of that. We can’t. And so as we go on, there are parts that we enjoy, and we get used to the environment I feel that we’ve practiced and learned that much.

Key: The only reason why we think this is because we’ve been surprised. (Laughs) They say being on stage nine times and being on stage ten times is different. Every time we go on stage, I think we learn a little bit more.

Not only have you guys performed on stage, you’ve modeled, dj’ed, etc. Personally what was your favorite moment.

Minho: I remember when we won the newcomer award at MKMF and Golden Disk. At the MKMF we received the award after we performed, and at the Golden Disk we received he award, then we performed; they had different meanings and we tried hard.

Jonghyun: I remember when I sang “Nothing Better” by Brown Eyed Soul. When I finished, I was like, “Ah. I’ve done it.” I didn’t show anything really special, but because I liked that song a lot, I prepared a lot for that performance.

Key: When we performed “Wild Eyes” by Shinhwa on Music Bank. I really like Shinhwa, and before I only say them on TV, and once I got to perform their song, the feeling was new.

Onew: We performed at a charity concert, and when we went on stage with the hospital kids and sang and dance, I was very proud. I couldn’t help but smile. (Laughs)

Taemin: At the SM Live Concert, I performed on a large stage for the first time. I thought that I should exert as much energy as I received from the fans. And the fact that I started and ended a concert with many Sunbaes I respect was special too.

Key: We saw BoA for the first time.

Jonghyun: We froze. (Laughs)

Although there isn’t a big age difference between other artists in the company, they must give you some advice.

Taemin: Everyone says that when we go on stage, we should believe that we are the best.

Does that really happen?

Jonghyun: When we’re on stage, I think it does. But truthfully, we’re not. (Laughs) But I think we have to believe that so that we can show a strong and confident Shinee.

“When we rehearse in uniforms, we try a little bit harder”

“Replay” was a soft song overall, but through “Love Like Oxygen” and “Amigo” the beat got stronger, and the lyrics’ meanings did too. How do you guys cover these songs so well?

Key: Hmm…it’s hard to say the words with meaning because we’ve never loved before. I don’t think a girl is sexy when I first see her. (Laughs)

Taemin: I watched foreign movies to help think of those feelings.

Jonghyun: Ah, the first sexy girl? (Laughs)

Taemin: I had to switch my mind and think that I was mature.

Until now you guys have released one mini album and one album. What are the songs you enjoy the most.

Key: Let’s exclude the title songs.

Onew: I like “In My Room” the most. I was able to sing deeply, and the full session in the unplugged version was nice and suave

Minho: I enjoy “Love’s Way.” We recorded the rap part last. When I first recorded it I didn’t know a lot and I learned a lot throughout the process. Because I have a part to myself, my heart goes towards it.

Taemin: Jonghyun hyung’s solo “Hyeya.”

Jonghyun: Yah~ (Laughs)

Taemin: Because while we were recording in another room, Jonghyun hyung was in the room next to ours and he tried really hard and put a lot of effort into it. I really think “Hyeya” is the result of his effort. The song is good, and every time I listen to it I think about the effort we put into our first album.

Because the topic “Hyeya” came up, I’d like to say that in a new group’s first album, having a solo song is very rare.

Jonghyun: “Hyeya” was originally sung in Spanish and when I first received it, I didn’t know what to do. I had to record it over and over, and it took five days and I was mentally and physically exhausted. I didn’t know how to express the song because I couldn’t take it to heart and I kept forgetting the lyrics too. (Laughs) I was more nervous than when we debuted. Truthfully while we dance our eyes meet and we laugh, but I was alone and had no one to lean on. Making the stage by myself was really nerve-wracking. But as I performed it more, I was less nervous, and the members cheered me on too, so I was okay.

There are still members who go to school and so there are pictures of the members in uniform online.

Taemin: Sometimes I’m the only one wearing a uniform and rehearsing, and the people around me have a lot of fun.

Key: I’m a high school kid, so I don’t think that’s special, and I think why. I realized that there aren’t any people who rehearse in school uniforms. (Laughs) We’re used to it, but to other, that may seem special.

Onew: When the kids where uniforms, I think everyone works harder. (Laughs)

“Minho just started to talk. It’s been about two months?”

From 1989 to 1993, the largest age difference is four years. Do you feel any generation gap?

Key: Yes! Taemin doesn’t know Lang Hyun Lang Ha. We’re only two years apart, but when Lang Hyun Lang Ha came out, Taemin was in the first grade. I think there is a difference between being eight years old and being ten years old.

There are some members in puberty. Did anyone grow after the debut?

Taemin: I was 175 cm and I haven’t measured myself after but people around me tell me I grew.

Minho: I was 181 cm and I think I’ve grown a little.

Onew: I think everyone keeps on growing. I’ve grown about 0.0000001 mm? (Laughs)

People may get different first impressions. Is there a difference.

Key: Are you talking about me? (Laughs) People think I have a cold and indifferent personality when they see me. But I’m not like that and I want to show everyone the true key, and I try hard to show everyone.

Taemin: When I first saw Key I though he was on the cold side but now I know that he’s like a mother and a good hyung.

Jonghyun: I don’t know who I am exactly, but I want to become a person. That’s what I learned at home. Being too honest could hurt myself or the people around me but I want to be honest.

Onew: When people look at my face they think that I’m nice. But the people that know me well say…I’m nice. (Laughs)

Jonghyun: When he says it himself it’s really funny! Onew hyung is really kind. The people that are like their first appearance are me and Onew.

Onew: And I’ve also heard that I’m funny.

Jonghyun: …I’m…I’m really honest!

Key: And I’m really nice! (Laughs)

Taemin: I honestly don’t know. Knowing yourself is very hard. But at home, when I was a trainee, even in the team everyone adores me because I am the youngest and I’m really thankful but I want to show a new manly, mature me. Because I’m in high school. (Laughs)

Minho: Hmm….

Key: It hasn’t been long since Minho started talking. About two months? (Laughs)

Taemin: Ah! I realized that Minho doesn’t talk normally except when he plays soccer. He says stuff like “Pass here!” or “Go play defense over there!”

Minho: I’m kind of shy and I don’t go up to people and people have a hard time coming up to me, so people say I look cold but if I get to know them I become good friends with that person.

On stage he’s charismatic, but normally he’s quiet. What do you think at these times?

Key: When we go on stage we say fighting. Let’s change. Minho does too. (Laughs)

Minho: A performance is showing, so while I dance and sing/rap I think about a lot of things. The camera, the choreography, when to do what, when to rap, my expressions…I think about a lot of things.

“We want to show trendy things.”

What are your resolutions/promises to yourself or for yourself.

Jonghyun: Exercise?

Onew: When I was younger I promised myself a lot. “To not go out an night” that kind of stuff.

Key: I change it every week. Last week I didn’t eat instant food. This week I’m reading.

Jonghyun: He really did read before he slept. I did sit ups next to him.

Key: There’s a book, 1 Liter of Tears, and the person, who is younger than me gets seriously ill and when I read it I feel like what I’m going through isn’t as hard and bad.

Taemin: Since I was younger I promised my parents that I would have a positive mind. As I go on with life there can be bad moments but I have to be positive and change so that the bad thing doesn’t happen again, and I try hard to be positive. When something’s hard, smiling helps us in the end, and it becomes fun.

But what if there’s some instance where you try and try but it doesn’t work out?

Onew: That is singing. Really. I’ve almost never been pleased with my own voice. Once while I was singing, I didn’t realize I was crying and that I had made the other person cry. Throughout my life except for that one moment I’ve never been satisfied. That’s why I want to make singing a big part of my life and I plan to practice until the end.

A lot of things happened in 2008. What would you like to accomplish this year.

Key: I want to release a new album and show a new and better side of me.

Jonghyun: I want to show an upgraded person…..right? I will!

Taemin: I want to….

Jonghyun: Enter highschool? (Laughs)

Taemin: I have the same thoughts as the hyungs. I want to show an always improving me, and a Shinee that is trendy.

"Cleaning the practice room is not harsh. The last person who used it should clean it up."

SHINee cried 5 times in public. The saying that guys cry 3 times in their life is not true. Jonghyun looked back to the past and brought back those memories. "When we debuted, when we had our 1st performance, got 1st place 2 times and winning the newcomer award." Key who is next to him whispers "I cried 4 times." Jonghyun was picked as the most emotional member in the group. Leader Onew says "Jonghyun is a very good talker but he is a good crier too." Minho and Taemin who is younger takes care of the hyungs and comforts them. Key who likes to play jokes calls them "Kids with no emotions."

When the 5 of them are together they get along well. Onew is used to taking care of the members quietly. Seeing him organize the members words didn't seem common and I found out he trained the longest out of the members. He attended the SM Academy for trainees and got casted at SNSD's showcase. Jonghyun and Key are the mood makers. If Jonghyun makes an insider joke, Key finishes it with an outsider joke.

For example, if he talks about Minho's eyes Jonghyun says "Minho has the eyes of a cow" instead. Onew asks kindly "Why is it cow and not a deer?" Then Key says "The animal that represents Korea is a cow."

Jonghyun's lively personality came from participating in a band since Junior High. He was in charge of the base and chorus and his interest in music was different. I was curious about how he went to a boy band from a regular band and he said "I started out in band music and in high school i started liking punk music. My liking for punk music gradually changed to African music. I listened to a lot of genres so I don't think there is any music I don't like. I think the music that comes out these days is hybrid."

Jonghyun's joke partner Key, is the Almighty Key in the team. The youngest Taeminwants to take after Key hyung. It's because he is good at rap, singing and dancing. I think traveling from his hometown Daegu to Seoul, studying and training together had a part in it.

Minho who talks with his eyes rather than actual talking was casted on the streets. Thanks to his tall height and great body he was able to participate in the Ha SangBaek and Andre Kim Fashion show. He appeared in SNSD's new album Gee music video and was envied by the members. Jonghyun says he didn't hear about what happened at the set and blamed Minho's quiet personality for it.

SHINee is not just a idol. They are a well made idol. They are not satisfied with just satisfying the people's taste. They surpassed our expectations of an idol. Their motto is contemporary band. They want to become a boyband that creates and starts new trends. If it's singing, singing, if it's dance, dance, if it's fashion, fashion. SHINee is showing great talents in these areas. Comparing the time when I was disgusted with the blushing idol group performances they have captivated me. This is also the power that made the noonas open their wallets.

SHINee who made a strong connection with the noonas seemed embarassed about this. We don't just have noona fans. When we do fansigns, we had many chances to meet the fans and as we attend more of those events the fanbase gets wider.

Onew: The best grade I got is when I got 2nd place of the whole school.

Taemin: It's good , I also had a chance to be a member in a student club too!

Jonghyun: I dropped my study right now but still continue learning of music.

Minho: My grade are still doing good , but since we are busy right now , it seem to be a little bit lower than usual.

Key: I'm studying at Daegu . My grades went down a little bit because I have to often travel between Seoul and Daegu.

Onew: Just being Noona is enough , I'll make her feel comfortable.

Taemin: Age is not a problem for me.

Jonghyun: 5-6 years

Key: 5 years

Minho: 8-13 years

Onew: There's no stable style for me because I think everyone has their own charm.

Taemin: I like the one in Harry Potter movie, Emma Watson

Jonghyun: I like the one similar to Eu Inyeong because her white skin and red lips are very charming

Minho: I like the one similar to Kim Taehee. She seems to be the very perfect girl.

Key: I like the one with self-confident and honest.

Key: I often got Key as a gift! I also got car-key once too , but the owner didn't tell me where is the car??? ^^

Onew: I got snacks and yogurt which have the same name as mine!

Taemin: My hair style is similar to mushroom so I often got stuffs which has something to do with mushrooms!

Onew: Eyebrows

Taemin: I like them all because it's from our parents

Jonghyun: Eyebrows

Minho: Eyes

ONEW: Experiencing many times performing on the stage made me more comfortable.

TAEMIN: I can stand in front of many people in stage being relaxed and I can feel how to breathe with the audience in the same time and place.

MINHO: Compared to before we debuted, I can stand in front of camera easily.

KEY: After we debuted, I learned how to live without my family, how important my family is and I feel that I became an adult.

JONGHYUN: I think I grew up being sentimental. I started civil life faster so I think I took self-responsibility.

♥ What are your most favorite songs from your album?

ONEW + TAEMIN + MINHO: "Nunan Neomu Yeppeo (Replay)". This was SHINee's debut song, every time we hear this song, we feel loved above all the songs.

KEY: "Graze". The melody is lovely and my favorite composer kenzie composed this song, I really like it.

JONGHYUN: "Loves' Way". The lyrics are unique and the melody is sweet.

♥ Can you tell us the charming points of each member!

ONEW: I find Taemin's image charming when he's dancing. He's the youngest but he never misses practicing. He's a Hardworking-person so I think that I should learn from him.

TAEMIN: Jonghyun hyung's charming point is his mouth. When Jonghyun hyung sings a song, he's mouth is charming.

JONGHYUN: Minho's eyes are charming. His eyes are really beautiful and shining.

MINHO: KEY, just like "Almighty Key," he can dance, sing, and rap. Key's multi-skilled points are charming.

KEY: Onew hyung's sense of honesty and bright smile are charming.

♥ What will you do if you have the power to fulfill your wishes?

ONEW: I will return to the past, try the things that I have never done before.

Require to fulfill my lack of practice.

TAEMIN: I think that I only have to be able to be with the people whom I love after I die.

MINHO: Just like the movie "JUMPER" I want to have the power to transport.

KEY: I want a magical box which has all of my wishes come out.

JONGHYUN: I want to have the ability to play all the instruments. But, if you knew how to play all the instruments, it's not interesting and fun anymore"

♥ Recently, what kinds of things do you love to do?

TAEMIN: Practice!

KEY: Writing in my diary, taking pictures. Watching Japanese dramas like "Hana Yori Dango",

American Drama "LOST", online shopping.

JONGHYUN: Singing and composing music, writing lyrics.

♥ Your debut song "Nunan Neomu Yeppeo" is a love song for older girls but actually how old is fine for you?

ONEW + KEY: We don't think about it but, if we really love her, age doesn't matter.

TAEMIN: Rather than age, I think expressing your feelings to one another is more important.

MINHO: Up to 10 years of age gap is fine for me ^^

JONGHYUN: Um.. about 7 years?

♥ Tell me your ideal type of girl.

ONEW: "I like this type of person!" this expression is nothing special.

I like a person who is simple and has a good heart that can get through with me.

KEY: I like a girl who is honest, simple and magnificent.

JONGHYUN: I like a girl who has a white complexion and her lips are red.

♥ What places in Japan would you like to visit when you come?

ONEW: I heard "hot spring" (onsen) is famous in Japan. I want to try to relieve my fatigue.

KEY: I would like to go sight-seeing in Harajuku or Odaiba and go shopping.

MINHO: I like soccer so, I would like to go to Osaka and watch J-League.

♥ Tell us any Japanese words you know.

ONEW: "Arigatou gozaimasu" (Thank you very much). In addition, I know other words too.

KEY: "Aishiteru" (I love you). "Akemashite Omedetou Gozaimasu" (Happy New Year)

JONGHYUN: "Sayonara" (Goodbye). I think the pronunciation of "Sayonara" is cute.

♥ Your goals in 2009 and future activities.

ONEW: Our 1st Album just finished and now we are preparing for our new album. To show you the good side of SHINee, we will be working hard, please look forward to our music and our stage appearance. Year 2008 was the year when we debuted as SHINee; we received a lot of love and support from fans - we can't forget 2008. We thank everyone who supports SHINee, Contemporary Band SHINee will be giving effort and hard-work in Year 2009.

♥ Please tell a message to your Japanese fans.

ONEW: I heard that many Japanese fans like and support our music; I'm really happy and thankful.

We still didn't come to see and greet Japanese fans face-to-face but if we had the chance,

we will show you great stage performance and surely come and greet you.

Continue loving us. Everybody, enjoy good health and be happy as well in 2009.

They still go from school to the broadcasting station in their uniforms, often rehearsing in their uniforms due to their busy schedule. They find time to clean and iron each other’s uniforms and help each other with schoolwork – they’re still young. When they receive an award, they often cry, saying they can’t help it. Because they live away from their family, they often think about their parents, and they say, “We want to call our parents everyday, but it doesn’t workout like we want it to.” But because they chose the job they wanted at such an early age, they don’t regret their past or fear the future. The one thing is that they love the road they’re walking on now, and due to that, they are the shiniest Shinee.

2008 – In between the big star wars, the five member contemporary brand was a small but bright group. Last May they surprised everyone with their mini album Noona You’re So Pretty and suppressed their young image with amazing vocals and performances, securing a place not only in the noona’s hearts, but the public as well. They had success with “Love Like Oxygen” and “A.Mi.Go.” The Shinee that ran to 2009 has an average age of only 18.6. They must have a lot of things they want to accomplish and they have the time to reach those goals. We wonder how they felt after they debuted, and how they feel now. Putting all the noonas’ envy behind, I started the New Year with Shinee.

It is now 2009. What did you do on the first day of the year?

Shinee: We practiced! (Laughs)

Onew: The night before we performed at the MBC Song War, and during the last minutes of 2008, we performed at City Hall.

Before, you guys said that you wanted to spend Christmas with family but you ended up going to Thailand to promote your album. How was it?

Onew: It was fun. We sang at the station, we appeared in a reality show where we went to the market and played games, we had a fan meeting – through these events we were able to meet fans.

Key: Because the weather was so hot, I didn’t know it was Christmas until I saw a hotel employee wearing a Santa outfit.

Jonghyun: We started learning Chinese before our debut. Once I got there, I only understood Chinese, and I couldn’t say what I wanted to say. It was a bit frustrating. (Laughs) But I experienced a lot of things, and I’m pleased.

“We still get the feelings we got from our first performance.”

Since your debut was on 5.25.2008, it’s been a little bit over seven months. Do you remember how you felt on that day?

Jonghyun: I remember clearly. I was nervous, excited. I still feel this way every time I go on stage.

These days before a singers’ debut, they promote themselves, but Shinee appeared out of the blue. What did the people around you say?

Onew: Our parents didn’t know until two weeks before. It was a total secret.

Key: Our friends didn’t know either. One of my friends told me, “A kid that looks like you came out on TV. When are you going to debut?” I told him that I wasn’t going to. (Laughs) But later I told him and he was happy for me.

Shinee was on the spotlight right when you guys debuted. How did you guys feel.

Key: Honestly I didn’t go online so I didn’t know. I still don’t know much.

Jonghyun: We were busy, and we purposely didn’t check. We prepared a lot for our stage, and we didn’t want to be shaken up.

Onew: That’s why we didn’t check the news. We heard “You guys are in the top ranks on the search engine,” and “You guys have a performance tomorrow,” and we felt like it’d be better to practice just like we did in our trainee days.

Before you guys debuted, you guys had a time where you individually practiced. Onew, you are planning to go to college this year, but between now and your high school graduation, we haven’t heard anything.

Jonghyun: He’s jobless. (Laughs)

Onew: I have a job. (Laughs)

Unlike other friends who go to college or have a secure job, didn’t you feel nervous because of that?

Onew: I didn’t feel nervous because I believed in myself and I was sure of the path I’m taking.

Then what was your day like as a trainee?

Onew: I woke up in the morning, went to the studio to practice, then went home. I woke up the next morning and went to the studio, ate, practiced…(Laughs)

Key: Whether they do go to school or not, this is probably a trainee’s average day.

“We remember the stage where we received the Newcomer award.”

When I first heard “Replay” I thought it was going to be happy, but the music was mid tempo and the R&B like vocals that were mixed in on top of the perfect choreography style. I think you guys have a lot of basics covered regarding dancing and singing. What kind of training did you receive.

Key: Before we debuted, we received individual training. Not because of skill, but because of our special niche we were separated to various teachers. Usually the schedule came out one week in advance and if we couldn’t make it because of school, we’d get trained on a different day.

Jonghyun: We started with learning how to bounce and learning how to enunciate. Our company believes that training in the basics over and over again is important. After the team was decided, we got together and trained as a whole.

But when you’re actually on stage, isn’t it different from practice? Did you learn anything from the live experience?

Onew: It’s different for every stage. Sometimes the stage is rougher compared to our practice room, and sometimes due to rain we have fallen. But through those I think we learn more and more.

Jonghyun: Somedays we have to take out a part of the choreography because of the stage set up and just walk out. We didn’t know how to do that at first, but we weren’t nervous because of that. We can’t. And so as we go on, there are parts that we enjoy, and we get used to the environment I feel that we’ve practiced and learned that much.

Key: The only reason why we think this is because we’ve been surprised. (Laughs) They say being on stage nine times and being on stage ten times is different. Every time we go on stage, I think we learn a little bit more.

Not only have you guys performed on stage, you’ve modeled, dj’ed, etc. Personally what was your favorite moment.

Minho: I remember when we won the newcomer award at MKMF and Golden Disk. At the MKMF we received the award after we performed, and at the Golden Disk we received he award, then we performed; they had different meanings and we tried hard.

Jonghyun: I remember when I sang “Nothing Better” by Brown Eyed Soul. When I finished, I was like, “Ah. I’ve done it.” I didn’t show anything really special, but because I liked that song a lot, I prepared a lot for that performance.

Key: When we performed “Wild Eyes” by Shinhwa on Music Bank. I really like Shinhwa, and before I only say them on TV, and once I got to perform their song, the feeling was new.

Onew: We performed at a charity concert, and when we went on stage with the hospital kids and sang and dance, I was very proud. I couldn’t help but smile. (Laughs)

Taemin: At the SM Live Concert, I performed on a large stage for the first time. I thought that I should exert as much energy as I received from the fans. And the fact that I started and ended a concert with many Sunbaes I respect was special too.

Key: We saw BoA for the first time.

Jonghyun: We froze. (Laughs)

Although there isn’t a big age difference between other artists in the company, they must give you some advice.

Taemin: Everyone says that when we go on stage, we should believe that we are the best.

Does that really happen?

Jonghyun: When we’re on stage, I think it does. But truthfully, we’re not. (Laughs) But I think we have to believe that so that we can show a strong and confident Shinee.

“When we rehearse in uniforms, we try a little bit harder”

“Replay” was a soft song overall, but through “Love Like Oxygen” and “Amigo” the beat got stronger, and the lyrics’ meanings did too. How do you guys cover these songs so well?

Key: Hmm…it’s hard to say the words with meaning because we’ve never loved before. I don’t think a girl is sexy when I first see her. (Laughs)

Taemin: I watched foreign movies to help think of those feelings.

Jonghyun: Ah, the first sexy girl? (Laughs)

Taemin: I had to switch my mind and think that I was mature.

Until now you guys have released one mini album and one album. What are the songs you enjoy the most.

Key: Let’s exclude the title songs.

Onew: I like “In My Room” the most. I was able to sing deeply, and the full session in the unplugged version was nice and suave

Minho: I enjoy “Love’s Way.” We recorded the rap part last. When I first recorded it I didn’t know a lot and I learned a lot throughout the process. Because I have a part to myself, my heart goes towards it.

Taemin: Jonghyun hyung’s solo “Hyeya.”

Jonghyun: Yah~ (Laughs)

Taemin: Because while we were recording in another room, Jonghyun hyung was in the room next to ours and he tried really hard and put a lot of effort into it. I really think “Hyeya” is the result of his effort. The song is good, and every time I listen to it I think about the effort we put into our first album.

Because the topic “Hyeya” came up, I’d like to say that in a new group’s first album, having a solo song is very rare.

Jonghyun: “Hyeya” was originally sung in Spanish and when I first received it, I didn’t know what to do. I had to record it over and over, and it took five days and I was mentally and physically exhausted. I didn’t know how to express the song because I couldn’t take it to heart and I kept forgetting the lyrics too. (Laughs) I was more nervous than when we debuted. Truthfully while we dance our eyes meet and we laugh, but I was alone and had no one to lean on. Making the stage by myself was really nerve-wracking. But as I performed it more, I was less nervous, and the members cheered me on too, so I was okay.

There are still members who go to school and so there are pictures of the members in uniform online.

Taemin: Sometimes I’m the only one wearing a uniform and rehearsing, and the people around me have a lot of fun.

Key: I’m a high school kid, so I don’t think that’s special, and I think why. I realized that there aren’t any people who rehearse in school uniforms. (Laughs) We’re used to it, but to other, that may seem special.

Onew: When the kids where uniforms, I think everyone works harder. (Laughs)

“Minho just started to talk. It’s been about two months?”

From 1989 to 1993, the largest age difference is four years. Do you feel any generation gap?

Key: Yes! Taemin doesn’t know Lang Hyun Lang Ha. We’re only two years apart, but when Lang Hyun Lang Ha came out, Taemin was in the first grade. I think there is a difference between being eight years old and being ten years old.

There are some members in puberty. Did anyone grow after the debut?

Taemin: I was 175 cm and I haven’t measured myself after but people around me tell me I grew.

Minho: I was 181 cm and I think I’ve grown a little.

Onew: I think everyone keeps on growing. I’ve grown about 0.0000001 mm? (Laughs)

People may get different first impressions. Is there a difference.

Key: Are you talking about me? (Laughs) People think I have a cold and indifferent personality when they see me. But I’m not like that and I want to show everyone the true key, and I try hard to show everyone.

Taemin: When I first saw Key I though he was on the cold side but now I know that he’s like a mother and a good hyung.

Jonghyun: I don’t know who I am exactly, but I want to become a person. That’s what I learned at home. Being too honest could hurt myself or the people around me but I want to be honest.

Onew: When people look at my face they think that I’m nice. But the people that know me well say…I’m nice. (Laughs)

Jonghyun: When he says it himself it’s really funny! Onew hyung is really kind. The people that are like their first appearance are me and Onew.

Onew: And I’ve also heard that I’m funny.

Jonghyun: …I’m…I’m really honest!

Key: And I’m really nice! (Laughs)

Taemin: I honestly don’t know. Knowing yourself is very hard. But at home, when I was a trainee, even in the team everyone adores me because I am the youngest and I’m really thankful but I want to show a new manly, mature me. Because I’m in high school. (Laughs)

Minho: Hmm….

Key: It hasn’t been long since Minho started talking. About two months? (Laughs)

Taemin: Ah! I realized that Minho doesn’t talk normally except when he plays soccer. He says stuff like “Pass here!” or “Go play defense over there!”

Minho: I’m kind of shy and I don’t go up to people and people have a hard time coming up to me, so people say I look cold but if I get to know them I become good friends with that person.

On stage he’s charismatic, but normally he’s quiet. What do you think at these times?

Key: When we go on stage we say fighting. Let’s change. Minho does too. (Laughs)

Minho: A performance is showing, so while I dance and sing/rap I think about a lot of things. The camera, the choreography, when to do what, when to rap, my expressions…I think about a lot of things.

“We want to show trendy things.”

What are your resolutions/promises to yourself or for yourself.

Jonghyun: Exercise?

Onew: When I was younger I promised myself a lot. “To not go out an night” that kind of stuff.

Key: I change it every week. Last week I didn’t eat instant food. This week I’m reading.

Jonghyun: He really did read before he slept. I did sit ups next to him.

Key: There’s a book, 1 Liter of Tears, and the person, who is younger than me gets seriously ill and when I read it I feel like what I’m going through isn’t as hard and bad.

Taemin: Since I was younger I promised my parents that I would have a positive mind. As I go on with life there can be bad moments but I have to be positive and change so that the bad thing doesn’t happen again, and I try hard to be positive. When something’s hard, smiling helps us in the end, and it becomes fun.

But what if there’s some instance where you try and try but it doesn’t work out?

Onew: That is singing. Really. I’ve almost never been pleased with my own voice. Once while I was singing, I didn’t realize I was crying and that I had made the other person cry. Throughout my life except for that one moment I’ve never been satisfied. That’s why I want to make singing a big part of my life and I plan to practice until the end.

A lot of things happened in 2008. What would you like to accomplish this year.

Key: I want to release a new album and show a new and better side of me.

Jonghyun: I want to show an upgraded person…..right? I will!

Taemin: I want to….

Jonghyun: Enter highschool? (Laughs)

Taemin: I have the same thoughts as the hyungs. I want to show an always improving me, and a Shinee that is trendy.

"Cleaning the practice room is not harsh. The last person who used it should clean it up."

SHINee cried 5 times in public. The saying that guys cry 3 times in their life is not true. Jonghyun looked back to the past and brought back those memories. "When we debuted, when we had our 1st performance, got 1st place 2 times and winning the newcomer award." Key who is next to him whispers "I cried 4 times." Jonghyun was picked as the most emotional member in the group. Leader Onew says "Jonghyun is a very good talker but he is a good crier too." Minho and Taemin who is younger takes care of the hyungs and comforts them. Key who likes to play jokes calls them "Kids with no emotions."

When the 5 of them are together they get along well. Onew is used to taking care of the members quietly. Seeing him organize the members words didn't seem common and I found out he trained the longest out of the members. He attended the SM Academy for trainees and got casted at SNSD's showcase. Jonghyun and Key are the mood makers. If Jonghyun makes an insider joke, Key finishes it with an outsider joke.

For example, if he talks about Minho's eyes Jonghyun says "Minho has the eyes of a cow" instead. Onew asks kindly "Why is it cow and not a deer?" Then Key says "The animal that represents Korea is a cow."

Jonghyun's lively personality came from participating in a band since Junior High. He was in charge of the base and chorus and his interest in music was different. I was curious about how he went to a boy band from a regular band and he said "I started out in band music and in high school i started liking punk music. My liking for punk music gradually changed to African music. I listened to a lot of genres so I don't think there is any music I don't like. I think the music that comes out these days is hybrid."

Jonghyun's joke partner Key, is the Almighty Key in the team. The youngest Taeminwants to take after Key hyung. It's because he is good at rap, singing and dancing. I think traveling from his hometown Daegu to Seoul, studying and training together had a part in it.

Minho who talks with his eyes rather than actual talking was casted on the streets. Thanks to his tall height and great body he was able to participate in the Ha SangBaek and Andre Kim Fashion show. He appeared in SNSD's new album Gee music video and was envied by the members. Jonghyun says he didn't hear about what happened at the set and blamed Minho's quiet personality for it.

SHINee is not just a idol. They are a well made idol. They are not satisfied with just satisfying the people's taste. They surpassed our expectations of an idol. Their motto is contemporary band. They want to become a boyband that creates and starts new trends. If it's singing, singing, if it's dance, dance, if it's fashion, fashion. SHINee is showing great talents in these areas. Comparing the time when I was disgusted with the blushing idol group performances they have captivated me. This is also the power that made the noonas open their wallets.

SHINee who made a strong connection with the noonas seemed embarassed about this. We don't just have noona fans. When we do fansigns, we had many chances to meet the fans and as we attend more of those events the fanbase gets wider.