SHINee's first online concert ends with a bang

From left, Onew, Minho, Taemin and Key of K-pop boy band SHINee held their first online concert, “Beyond LIVE ― SHINee WORLD,” on Sunday. Courtesy of SM Entertainment

By Dong Sun-hwa

Even for the members of K-pop boy band SHINee, whose career spans over a decade, staging the group's first-ever online concert was a nerve-racking experience. During the “Beyond LIVE ― SHINee WORLD” gig on Sunday, member Taemin revealed what motivated him to stay on his toes for the 180-minute show.

“I have played countless 'offline' concerts so far, but having a virtual show still makes me nervous because mistakes and accidents ― which can be elements of fun when we have an audience with us ― are directly being streamed online,” he said. Taemin is the only SHINee member who had an online concert before as part of SuperM, a project boy band consisting of seven members from SM Entertainment's existing groups, SHINee, EXO and NCT.

“I feel like I have to be flawless,” he added.

SHINee performs during its first-ever online concert. Courtesy of SM Entertainment

SHINee member Key agreed, saying, “I am not used to an event like this, but amid this COVID-19 pandemic, we have no other options. Still, I am happy to meet our fans.”

But SHINee did not seem nervous at all on stage. Instead, the four members ― Onew, Key, Minho and Taemin ― had an aura of confidence. The singers' riveting performances, in which they combined their much-praised performing talents with cutting-edge technologies such as augmented reality and extended reality, attracted 130,000 viewers in 120 countries, according to their management company, SM Entertainment.

SHINee opened the concert with “Good Evening,” the lead track off its sixth full-length album, “The Story of Light,” (2018) and commanded the stage with 18 other cross-genre songs, including its mega-hits, “Sherlock,” ”Love Like Oxygen” and its latest releases, “Heart Attack” and “Don't Call Me.” The festive mood reached its peak when the band premiered its new track, ”Atlantis,” prior to its official release on April 12. Against a backdrop of ocean waves, the quartet mesmerized the viewers with their impressive vocal range and sleek choreography.

SHINee's online concert drew 130,000 viewers in 120 countries. Courtesy of SM Entertainment

“Through 'Atlantis,' we display our 'refreshing vibe,'” leader Onew said.

Taemin added that the lyrics liken feelings of love to the feelings of joy one has when exploring the unknown world.

SHINee wrapped up the event with the sentimental ballads, “Selene 6.23” and “An Encore.” The K-pop stars, who actively interacted with the fans from around the globe during the show in different languages, also expressed gratitude.

“I was very happy to see the fans and receive so much support,” Onew said.

Rapper Minho commented, “I truly enjoyed the concert. Please look forward to our future activities too.”