In a deeply emotional and artistically bold return, SHINee has released a new single titled "Poet | Artist", a song composed and written by their late member Jonghyun, marking the group's 17th anniversary with an enduring tribute to their brotherhood and legacy.
Released at midnight on May 25, the new single and accompanying music video are a powerful reminder that for SHINee—and their devoted fandom, SHINee World—the group will always be five.
A Song Eight Years in the Making
“Poet | Artist” is not just any comeback. It’s the group’s first group release in nearly two years since their eighth studio album HARD, and more notably, it’s their first time releasing a new song with Jonghyun’s vocals since 2016. Composed by Jonghyun alongside SOULTRiii’s DEEZ and YUNSU, the track seamlessly blends electro-pop textures, reggae rhythms, and emotionally charged lyrics that carry the essence of Jonghyun’s lyrical brilliance.
SHINee members—Onew, Key, Minho, and Taemin—delivered the song with stunning vocal precision, carefully preserving Jonghyun’s original guide recording to maintain the spirit and intent he left behind. “We wanted to make it as close to his vision as possible,” said Taemin during their SHINee World Ⅶ [E.S.S.A.Y] concert at KSPO Dome.
💎💎💎💎💎#SHINee #샤이니#SHINeeWORLDVII_ESSAY#EveryStageShinesAroundYou#샤이니월드7 #에세이 pic.twitter.com/LNSkKDqDno
— SHINee (@SHINee) May 24, 2025
Lyrics That Transcend Time
The lyrics, written entirely by Jonghyun, serve as both personal poetry and universal message: “Call me poet, artist / I always want something new / The mold can’t hold me.” In another verse, he writes, “There’s no wall between us / No matter what others see.” These lines echo SHINee’s long-held promise to fans—that they would remain "forever five."
The song's message invites listeners to find beauty in the mundane, to break conventions, and to live as artists in everyday life—ideals Jonghyun championed throughout his life.
A Tribute Wrapped in Symbolism
The single shares its name with Jonghyun’s final solo album, Poet | Artist, released posthumously in 2018. This deliberate choice adds another layer of meaning: SHINee is not just honoring his artistry—they are continuing it.
The music video features SHINee members running toward a shared goal, exchanging letters, and ultimately leaping toward a glowing white script in the sky. It's a visual metaphor for healing, legacy, and unity. As the video closes, fans are left with a feeling of both nostalgia and renewal.
Seventeen Years of Innovation
Since debuting in 2008 with Replay, SHINee has continuously redefined what it means to be a contemporary K-pop group—pushing musical, visual, and conceptual boundaries. With hits like Lucifer, View, and Don’t Call Me, they’ve stood at the intersection of trend and experimentation.
“Poet | Artist” feels like a culmination of their 17-year journey: one that began with youthful charm and has matured into heartfelt artistry rooted in resilience, innovation, and brotherhood.
“SHINee Must Go On”
As fans reacted emotionally to hearing Jonghyun’s voice in the track, Taemin acknowledged during the concert, “You all noticed. That was our Jonghyun hyung’s voice in the middle. This is a SHINee song with all five of us.”
And as Minho explained, “We had this perfect song Jonghyun created. We waited for the right time. This was the moment.”
Watch it now 👇