Shinee…Onew

Lee Jinki

Lee Jinki, Shinee’s Onew, has announced he will begin his enlistment for mandatory duty in South Korean military on December 10, 2018.

I am beside myself with sadness.  I am not sure what will happen to Shinee with the unreturnable loss of Jonghyun -and now Onew’s enlistment.

By the time they release him from duty it will be time for Minho and Key to join.  Then once they‘re released, Taemin will join.  Will Shinee heal from this?  Only time will tell, but I fear the worst even as I hope for the best.

For a part, I’m not worried about Taemin, Minho and Key.  Taemin has a strong soloist career.  Key has produced his first release as a soloist and Minho has developed a career in acting.  But, what about Onew?

Onew began his acting career, but it was cut short when he was wrongfully arrested.  He’s had a few duets that did well, but a solo career is something he hasn’t shot for.  He released the song, In Your Eyes, from the drama, To the Beautiful You, with success but back in 2012.

Will this be my final days with this iconic singer I’ve grown to love so?  Will the Epilogue of their 2018 release be Shinee’s final song?  Will my six-year love relationship with Shinee end on December 10th?  No!  I will remain a fan of Choi Minho, Lee Jinki, Kim Jonghyun, Kim Kibum and Taemin for my remaining lifetime.

My dream is to hear him sing again.  I know now, my chance of watching a live performance in the States is unlikely, but if he sings -I will listen, even from afar.  I love his honey voice, I love his manly character, I love his soft ways, I love his mind, I love his demand for respect while he remains giving.  He is a man, a singer, a performer, and a representative for all I believe is good in one person -that person for me is Lee Jinki.

Saranghamnida Onew -come back to us safe and know -we will wait for you.