The Artist with Voice as Sweet as Honey: SHINee’s ONEW
If you’re like me and are fairly new to K-pop, you would think that this genre is more about dance music, noise music, upbeat, bubbly and maybe sometimes even too cute for your taste. At least, that’s what I thought for years before I found out about the group called SHINee. The group is known for their incredible live performances, and their difficult and intricate choreographies, but did you know that their ballads and slow songs are also highly acclaimed? Here… let me give you an example. This is probably one of my most favorite ballads from the group:
I can write a lot about the group itself, but that’s a story for another day. Aside from their very flourishing group discography, another special thing about SHINee is that each member is a highly capable soloist. Their individual discography is as colorful as the rainbow – with their direction being as different from each other as possible; each having different kinds of stories to tell with their music. We won’t be going through each member’s solo discography here, but we’ll focus on Onew – SHINee’s leader.
In Korea’s music industry, Onew is known for his “honey vocals” which will surely have your heart melting in just one note. Surely, he will only do well with ballads, right? Wrong… you will be surprised to know that his solo discography is actually as wide as the SHINee group discography is. But, before we dive into it, here’s a clip of his honey vocals in action:
The clip above is from his recent appearance in a show called “Song Stealer” where, as the name implies, singers steal each other’s songs, and the original singers need to defend their songs. At the end of the two-episode, SHINee’s leader was able to defend two of their group’s songs and was successfully able to steal the song December 32 Days from Byul.
Back in 2022, after his military enlistment, Onew surprised everyone by releasing DICE. A mini-album which really showcased his vocal prowess and technique. The title track itself was a dance song which went against everyone’s expectations. Then, in 2023, he followed up with the release of his 1st full album called CIRCLE which was named as Billboard’s #1 Kpop album of 2023 (source: https://www.billboard.com/lists/best-k-pop-albums-2023/ ).
Last year, Onew went on a hiatus for health reasons, but he has now come back to us in full health and with a stage presence as big as ever; and he is coming to Manila for the first time as a soloist to meet his fans he fondly calls “Jinggus.”
His first ever Philippine fanmeeting will be happening on Thursday, July 4th at the New Frontier Theater, brought to us by LSquared Productions. Limited tickets are still available at https://www.ticketnet.com.ph/event-detail/ONEW-FAN-MEETING-2024. Grab yours now, and experience a night you will never forget!
Thousands gathered under the vast dome of the Smart Araneta Coliseum on June 22, 2024, radiating an infectious energy that is fitting for the beloved leader of EXO, Kim Junmyeon, known to EXO-Ls worldwide as Suho. An experience like no other, SU:HOME in Manila (his first overseas stop after South Korea) created an unforgettable experience for both PHIXOs and Suho.
A Special Place in Suho’s Heart
Like old friends reuniting, the Philippine capital warmly welcomed Suho for the second time in two years, with the first his solo appearance during the Asian Artists Awards last 2023.
A Kaleidoscope of Artistry in Production
SU:HOME in Manila was more than just a concert. It was a theatrical spectacle that paid tribute to Suho’s dynamic persona. With multi-level stages resembling a miniature HOME, a powerful live band, and an enormous curtain screen, the production pulled all stops to show off all facets of Suho as K-POP royalty, a TV and Musical Actor, and an all-around artist.
A Musical Story
Suho’s soulful vocals, accompanied with his live band’s sound, captivated the arena with layers of musical narratives infused with powerful emotions for each performance that every member of the audience will relive long after the fact.
A Testament to Fan Love and Support
The powerful bond shared between Suho and his “Bunnyzens” and the broader community of EXO-Ls was evident from the fan projects during the concert. These included a LED message board with “Made in You” inscribed, an array of LED balloons released during SUHO’s “Hurdle” performance, a visually spectacular Tulip Ocean, and finally, a sing-along session of “Made in You,” which has long been a trademark among PHIXOs.
A Promise to Keep
Amid the pop-rock tunes, sweet fan interactions, and memorable surprises, Suho expressed his sincere gratitude towards the unyielding support of Filipino EXO-Ls over the years. The artist also made a heartfelt promise to return to the Philippine stage, this time with his EXO band members, leaving fans in feverish excitement.
Presented by WILBROS LIVE

