SHINee’s TAEMIN headlined “Amazing Binh Dinh Festival” in Vietnam last night, marking TAEMIN’s final solo activities under SM Entertainment. Earlier in the month, it was announced that Taemin would not renew his solo activities contract under SM but would continue his group activities with SHINee. 

From having no solo lines in SHINee’s debut song "Replay" to becoming SM Entertainment's first soloist in 2014 from an active boy group, SHINee's TAEMIN has nothing left to prove why he deserves to be called the Idol's Idol.

In 2008, TAEMIN debuted as the group's main dancer at the age of 14, and TAEMIN redefined the meaning of hard work as he persevered to become the total performer that he is today. While TAEMIN shines and performs amazingly with SHINee, his solo work is of the highest caliber!

TAEMIN is well known as the legendary group's adorable maknae (youngest member) but he is a whole different person when he is performing on stage. His superior stage presence is evident in every performance, with his intense gaze piercing through your soul and complex and intricate dance moves that are guaranteed to either make you scream or leave you breathless.

TAEMIN’s fans or Jjakgoongs (the name given by TAEMIN, which means best friend, buddy, or partner) in Vietnam organized the front row section in front of the stage for SHAWOLS (SHINee fandom) in order to make sure TAEMIN saw his fans love and support! 

TAEMIN’s hair styling was a fan favorite, with hair not covering his forehead highlighting his handsome face!  Also TAEMIN’s outfit on the night was an all in black with sleeveless top, leather vest showcasing his gym-toned arms and thigh belt giving rocker vibes!  TAEMIN was looking rockstar sexy in black! 

In addition, a fan (@5HINeeRise on X) well described TAEMIN’s outfit as having elements from multiple eras ~

“We got the belt and leather in Danger, sleeveless shirt in MOVE, his hair is a mix of Guilty and WANT. Even his jacket almost has his triangle ACE logo.”

TAEMIN’s solo performance included a concert-like setlist:  

1. MOVE ~ eternally iconic to say the least but the most well covered song of TAEMIN’s. It wouldn’t be a concert-like setlist without MOVE! No one else does MOVE better than TAEMIN ~ his subtle and intricate moves are also not for the faint hearted!

2. Black Rose ~ As one YouTube comment puts it, "TAEMIN's choreography [is] so intricate and delicate yet punctuated with strength and power!" ~ this is a fitting description!  Because when TAEMIN moves and his dancers mimic the blooming of a rose for “Black Rose” it is simply breathtaking to watch!

3. WANT ~ seductive with so much symbolism in this very captivating song!  It is easy to see why when you see TAEMIN performing this song on stage! 

TAEMIN’s “WANT” fancam at “Amazing Binh Dinh Festival” in Vietnam (March 30, 2024) on YouTube is below. 

4. Hypnosis ~ This song has history if you were part of the audience at Music Bank in Chile, Taemin sang the most heart-wrenching version of "Hypnosis” in memory of Jonghyun. But if not, you can feel and sense TAEMIN’s heartfelt emotional connection to the lyrics like ~ “Every scene in my head is a memory of you" and "I hypnotise myself so I can forget you", as love can take on so many different forms not just romantic love.

5. Guilty ~ TAEMIN’s latest hit song has been covered by so many artists and non-celebrities since its release in late October 2023 that it is so refreshing to see TAEMIN perform “Guilty” on stage again! The song itself is not easy to sing either as one cover of “Guilty” had four artists singing parts of this vocally challenging song of which TAEMIN sings brilliantly while dancing!

TAEMIN’s “Guilty” fancam at “Amazing Binh Dinh Festival” in Vietnam (March 30, 2024) on YouTube as below. 

In his tenth-year career as a soloist, TAEMIN has broken gender norms and stereotypes, established his artistic identity, and created his own genre, all while being part of SHINee. We can’t wait to see what TAEMIN has planned next for his new act as a free solo agent!

In the meantime, TAEMIN’s solo activities already scheduled for next month includes:

1.  April 6-7, 2024 — “Next Generation Live Arena” at Pia Arena, Japan

2.  April 10, 2024 — “ASEA 2024” at K-Arena, Yokohama, Japan

Photos from Taemin’s performances at “Amazing Binh Dinh Festival” in Vietnam are simply iconic of a Legendary Artist!