After a long-awaited hiatus, SHINee is finally back — and their return is nothing short of emotional. The iconic K-pop group will release their new single Poet | Artist on May 25, marking not only their first full-group comeback in years but also a deeply personal tribute featuring an unreleased song written by the late member Jonghyun.
Fans have waited patiently for this moment. Following their last group promotions, each member embarked on successful solo careers: Key, Minho, Taemin, and Onew all released solo albums and held individual concerts and tours, each showcasing their unique artistry and continuing to build on SHINee’s legacy in their own ways. But nothing quite compares to seeing them reunited — especially with a song that brings Jonghyun’s creative spirit back to the forefront.
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| Photo Credit - SM Entertainment |
The single Poet | Artist features two tracks: the title track and “Starlight.” Teaser images released on May 20 show the members stepping out of shadows into soft, radiant light — a metaphor that perfectly reflects their return to the spotlight. The imagery exudes a gentle, lyrical energy that mirrors the themes of the music.
SHINee 샤이니 【Poet l Artist】
— SHINee (@SHINee) May 18, 2025
➫ 2025.05.25 00AM (KST)#SHINee #샤이니 #PoetlArtist #SHINee_PoetlArtist pic.twitter.com/Bnyd5pq6kK
The title track is an electro-pop song blending poetic vocals with snare and reggae rhythms, delivering a message about breaking boundaries and finding beauty in both everyday life and art. This message is made all the more powerful by the fact that Jonghyun, who passed away in 2017, participated in the song’s lyrics and composition before his death.
The digital release drops at midnight on May 25, with the physical album hitting stores on May 26. Adding to the excitement, SHINee will also hold their seventh solo concert SHINee WORLD Ⅶ [E.S.S.A.Y] (Every Stage Shines Around You) at KSPO Dome in Seoul from May 23 to 25 — their first full-group concert in nearly a year.
For SHINee and their global fanbase, this comeback is more than just a new release. It's a moment of reunion, remembrance, and renewal. With Jonghyun’s voice woven into the music, and the members stronger than ever, Poet | Artist is poised to be one of the most meaningful and celebrated returns in K-pop history.