At midnight on May 25, SHINee will release their new single titled “Poet | Artist”. The date marks the group’s 17th debut anniversary, and the release feels more meaningful because the title track was written and composed by the late member Jonghyun.

SHINee has always been known for their emotional depth, musical evolution, and tight bond as a group. With “Poet | Artist”, they bring all those elements together in a track that’s both forward-looking and deeply respectful of the past.

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“Poet | Artist” is an electro-pop song that blends soft vocal riffs with punchy snare beats and reggae rhythms. It feels modern yet sentimental – something SHINee fans have come to love from the group. The song has a dreamy, lyrical quality, capturing a message that art and poetry should not be limited to galleries or books, but also be part of everyday life. The lyrics talk about breaking boundaries and creating something new together. It’s a beautiful message that reflects the artistic values SHINee has always represented.

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What makes “Poet | Artist” so moving is that Jonghyun participated in writing and composing the track before he passed away in 2017. Known for his talent as a songwriter and composer, Jonghyun played a huge role in shaping SHINee’s unique sound.

Since co-writing Juliette in 2009, Jonghyun became known as one of the first K-pop idols to be recognized as a “singer-songwriter.” He went on to write many of SHINee’s songs and created hit tracks for artists like IU (“Gloomy Clock”), Lee Hi (“Breathe”), and Kim Ye-rim (“No More”).

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In “Poet | Artist”, his lyrical style and emotional sensitivity shine through. Even after eight years, his presence in the music feels strong. It’s more than just a song – it’s a tribute, a memory, and a gift to fans who continue to love and miss him.

To commemorate the release of "Poet | Artist", SHINee will also release special merchandise that will for sure capture fans’ hearts – a set of keyrings featuring miniature figures of each member. Designed with magnetic hands, the figures can link together, symbolizing the group's unbreakable bond and unity. Many fans see this thoughtful detail as a subtle tribute not only to SHINee's long-standing friendship but also to Jonghyun’s eternal place among them. The keyrings are expected to become a cherished collector’s item, blending playful design with deep emotional resonance.

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Before “Poet | Artist”, SHINee released their eighth studio album HARD in June 2023. That album delivered powerful messages about strength, perseverance, and staying true to one’s beliefs. With it, the group showed they still had a strong voice in the K-pop world, even 15 years after debuting.

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Since then, the members have been active both as a group and individually. Onew, Key, Minho, and Taemin have all pursued solo projects and continued to grow as artists. Despite busy schedules, SHINee’s group work remains strong and meaningful. This new single shows how SHINee continues to connect with their fans, honor their roots, and push musical boundaries.

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To celebrate their 17th anniversary, SHINee is holding their 7th solo concert titled SHINee WORLD Ⅶ [E.S.S.A.Y] from May 23 to 25 at the KSPO Dome in Seoul. The title stands for “Every Stage Shines Around You,” a phrase that reflects SHINee’s belief in the power of music and performance.

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Fans are excited not only to see their legendary stages but also to experience “Poet | Artist” live for the first time. The concert is expected to be filled with nostalgia, energy, and a sense of unity between SHINee and their long-time supporters.