SHINee’s Taemin Reveals How He Tries To Be A Good Influence And Inspiration Through His Music

He also opened up about carving his own identity and style through his solo activities!

SHINee‘s Taemin recently reflected on his long career as an idol, and shared his thoughts on his growth as an artist, his own “style” and also his solo concert that took place recently!

| GQ Korea

Taemin recently held an interview and photoshoot with GQ Korea, with a “Last Performance” concept. As he was previously announced to begin his mandatory military enlistment on May 31, 2021, Taemin was asked about his activities prior to it, starting with his concert BEYOND LIVE- TAEMIN : Never Gonna Dance Again!

You held your online solo concert BEYOND LIVE- TAEMIN : Never Gonna Dance Again recently. What are your thoughts?

Regarding his concert, Taemin revealed that he was happy with it because he managed to steer it in the direction that he wanted, and it went off without a hitch!

It was good because I was able to take it in the direction that I wanted it to go. Quality and satisfaction are two different things.

Because we had to fit it into the framework of “Beyond Live”, I couldn’t convey as much as I wanted, but I was able to implement it in the direction I was aiming for. I think that’s enough for a meaningful first start.

—Taemin

| GQ Korea

He was then asked to define what the concept of “cool” was to him, and he shared how the meaning of “cool” was about how well you’re able to portray all that you want in your own special way.

I think the answer lies in how accurately you express what you are trying to express. For example, depending on how you say, “I am sad”, the person who is listening will accept it differently. I use music and dance instead of words. Wouldn’t it be cool if I could truly convey my message through my own means?

I hope that the message that I am trying to express are conveyed well to people and I hope that through that they are able to receive good influence and inspiration. This is what I think an artist should be like.

—Taemin

| GQ Korea

GQ Korea then commented on what they think Taemin’s style is!

We feel that Taemin’s style comes from you knowing what your style is.

And Taemin agreed, revealing that through his solo activities, he is trying to carve out his own identity as an artist!

I do think that I am going on my own path. I’ve spent more than half of my life with SM and have followed the path suggested by the company. Now I think I have made my own boundaries based on that foundation. I have been trying on my own to think, develop and challenge myself regarding the identity of my solo activities.

The young boy who sang “Replay” is now sitting here with long hair. I think if you have grown rather than regressed, that process in itself is something cool.

—Taemin

| GQ Korea

Taemin recently made his solo comeback with the mini-album Advice, with an accompanying title track of the same name.

Watch the MV for it here!

Source: GQ Korea

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