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Fans notice the absence of SHINee in SM's 30th-anniversary special album

AKP STAFF

Posted by Sophie-Ha 7 hours ago 3,554

SM Entertainment announced the release of the 30th-anniversary special album featuring iconic remakes done by its artists.

SM Entertainment’s new album includes a total of 17 tracks, led by the title track "Thank You", which also serves as a new group song for the company. The album showcases remakes of SM’s legendary K-pop hits, performed by junior and senior artists who reinterpret the songs to suit their unique styles and musical identities.

The tracklist includes Kangta’s version of S.E.S.’s "Just A Feeling", BoA’s rendition of SHINee Jonghyun’s "End Of A Day", TVXQ’s cover of Red Velvet’s "Psycho", and Super Junior’s take on Shinhwa’s "I Pray 4 U." Girls’ Generation reinterpreted CSJH The Grace’s "My Everything", EXO covered H.O.T.’s "Git It Up!", and Red Velvet reimagined Girls’ Generation’s "Run Devil Run."

NCT 127 remade Hyun Jin Young’s "You In Vague Memory," NCT DREAM covered EXO’s "Love Me Right", WayV reinterpreted SHINee’s "Juliette," and aespa took on f(x)’s "Rum Pum Pum Pum." Additionally, RIIZE remade TVXQ’s "Hug," NCT WISH reimagined Super Junior’s "Miracle," and Navis covered BoA’s "Game." This collection offers a unique way to experience SM’s rich musical heritage.

The album also features contributions from SM’s dance music label ScreaM Records and its classical and jazz label SM Classics. These labels added their unique flair by reworking tracks such as SHINee’s "View" and BoA’s "My Name," further expanding the breadth of SM’s musical spectrum.

However, some fans noticed the absence of SHINee’s group contribution to the album, questioning whether their non-participation in the SM Town concert led to their exclusion. Others pointed out that despite Girls’ Generation being unable to perform at the concert, their tracks were still included in the album, fueling speculation. One fan remarked, "I think we all know the reason, so I’ll leave it unsaid."

Korean netizens speculated that SHINee’s absence from the album may be due to Taemin’s departure from SM Entertainment. However, some fans came to Taemin’s defense, emphasizing that the idol has openly expressed his desire to continue working with SHINee. He has also reassured fans that he is actively negotiating with the label to resolve matters.

Korean netizens commented:

"I trust Taemin's words about wanting to continue group activities and believe that it will happen. His actions have always shown that. Although things fell through this time, I believe Taemin will show us through his actions again, just like he always has. From my 10+ years as a SHINee fan, I know Taemin would never let go of SHINee. He’s so sincere about SHINee."

"What exactly is BPM (Big Planet Made)? It seems like any celebrity who gets involved with them ends up acting strangely. Are they experts in brainwashing and gaslighting?"

"Taemin will eventually return to group activities... probably if his solo doesn’t do well."

"Can’t fans collectively pressure BPM to negotiate quickly and properly? If not, then instead of dragging things out indefinitely, they should give a clear yes or no. If it’s going to continue like this, maybe the other members should consider promoting without Taemin."

"Taemin has always benefited from SHINee's popularity. What’s going on here? Fans are bound to be disappointed."

"Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin are recording with EXO, but Taemin isn’t showing up for SHINee?"

"His words sound nice, but if he’s not going to participate, he should make it clear and step aside so the other three can continue. Why should the older members have to wait for his permission? Do what you want, but let SHINee go. Everyone knows how many opportunities were lost because of his ‘negotiating’ excuse."

"Taemin has always kept his word. I trust him and will wait."

"Taemin... profiting from t-shirts, energy bars, and fan support... I’m seriously disillusioned."

"This is so disappointing."

"Taemin, please think carefully..."

"Maybe it’s best if he just leaves SHINee."

"Let’s be honest—because of his company, Key, Minho, and Onew were treated like they were on standby and suffered. After the indirect Instagram jab went public, he finally spoke up, which was so disappointing. Onew was taking all the hits alone. If Onew’s CEO hadn’t reached his breaking point and spoken out, everything would’ve just been left as it was. As a genuine fan, I feel even more disappointed. The fact that SHINee was left out of the 30th-anniversary album feels like a huge blow."

"When his fellow members were treated like punching bags, he stayed quiet. But when he got criticized, he responded immediately. Onew’s CEO did the right thing by not holding back—otherwise, they’d still be the scapegoats."