SHINee's Onew: Age, Solo Career, and Recent Controversy Explained

In Korea, discussions surrounding SHINee's Onew frequently involve his age, alongside significant developments in his solo career and a recent controversy. Fans and the public are tracking his musical endeavors, which include new releases and concerts, while also paying close attention to a police investigation he was involved in.

Onew, whose birth name is Lee Jinki, was born in 1989, with bloggers in 2026 reporting his international age as either 36 or 37. He debuted as the leader of SHINee in May 2008. For his solo work, he is now managed by Griffin Entertainment, while continuing group activities under SM Entertainment. Following a health recovery, he released a new Japanese album and successfully held a solo concert in Tokyo in September 2026. Concurrently, he faced a police investigation concerning alleged illegal medical procedures from an unlicensed practitioner, known as "Jusa Imo," with his agency clarifying that Onew was unaware of the practitioner's unlicensed status, believing it to be a standard skin care service recommended by an acquaintance.

Local bloggers express continued interest in Onew's journey, from his foundational role in SHINee to his growth as a solo artist known for his unique vocal color and live performance skills. The "Jusa Imo" incident has particularly captured public attention, with detailed accounts from bloggers focusing on the agency's defense that Onew was an unwitting participant, underscoring the public's desire for transparency and official statements regarding the situation.