ArtistGriffin Entertainment
ONEW
Lee Jin-ki (이진기), known professionally as Onew (온유), was born on December 14, 1989, in Gwangmyeong, Gyeonggi Province. A singer-songwriter, actor, and the leader of SHINee, Onew was discovered at the 2006 SM Academy Casting after catching the ear of SM founder Lee Soo-man at a Girls' Generation showcase. He signed the very next day.
Onew debuted with SHINee on May 25, 2008, on SBS Inkigayo, anchoring the group as their lead vocalist and leader through fifteen-plus years of K-pop history. As an actor, he is best known for the role of cardiothoracic resident Lee Chi-hoon in KBS2's global hit Descendants of the Sun (2016) and for musicals including Rock of Ages (2010) and Midnight Sun (2021-2022).
He made his solo debut on December 5, 2018, releasing EP Voice just five days before beginning mandatory military service. Post-discharge, he built an ambitious solo discography: Dice EP (April 2022), Korean studio album Circle (March 2023), Flow EP (September 2024, #5 Circle Album Chart), Connection EP (January 2025, #3 Circle Album Chart), second Korean studio album Percent (July 15, 2025), and Japanese EP Saku (October 1, 2025). He departed SM Entertainment in 2024, signing with Griffin Entertainment for his solo activities.
2 articles10 creditsKorean
Gallery
Discography
2026
TOUGH LOVEMini Album
Artist, Lyricist, Co-ComposerGriffin Entertainment
2025
ConnectionEP
ArtistGriffin Entertainment
2025
SakuEP
ArtistGriffin Entertainment
2024
FlowEP
ArtistSM Entertainment
2022
DiceEP
ArtistSM Entertainment
2018
VoiceEP
ArtistSM Entertainment
Filmography
2016
Descendants of the SunK-Drama
Lee Chi-hoon
Other Credits
2026
2026 SHINee WORLD VIII: [THE INVERT]Other
2025
PercentStudio Album
ArtistGriffin Entertainment
2023
CircleStudio Album
ArtistSM Entertainment
Fans Also Ask
Who is Onew in SHINee?
Onew (born Lee Jin-ki, December 14, 1989) is the leader and lead vocalist of SHINee, one of SM Entertainment's flagship groups. Known for his warm tenor voice and comedic personality, he coined the term 'Onew condition' among fans for his endearing clumsiness.
When did Onew debut as a solo artist?
Onew released his debut solo EP Voice on December 5, 2018, just five days before enlisting in the military. After his discharge, he resumed his solo career with the EP DICE (2022) and has since released Circle (2023), Flow (2024), and the studio album Percent (2025).
Is Onew still with SM Entertainment?
No. After his contract with SM Entertainment expired, Onew signed with Griffin Entertainment in 2023. He has continued actively releasing music under the new label, including the 2025 full-length album Percent and the Japan EP Saku, with the single Tough Love following in 2026.
What is Onew most known for?
Onew is best known as the leader and main vocalist of SHINee, one of the most influential second-generation K-pop groups. He is celebrated for his classical vocal technique, wide range, and his SHINee roles in hits like Replay, Ring Ding Dong, and Lucifer.
Has Onew acted in any dramas?
Yes. Onew has appeared in several productions, most notably the 2016 hit drama Descendants of the Sun, where he played Corporal Yoo Si-Jin's colleague. He has been praised for his natural screen presence and has expressed interest in expanding his acting career alongside his music.
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