This year marks SHINee’s seventeenth anniversary of their debut. To celebrate, they released the single album Poet | Artist on May 25, 2025.
The Significance of Poet | Artist
What makes this release so special is that it pays tribute to their late member Jonghyun, who passed away in 2017. It even includes his vocals, making this the first song in over six years where all five members of SHINee are singing together.
Honoring Jonghyun Through Music
Everything about Poet | Artist has the soulful, vibrant flair that Jonghyun was known for. The title track shares its name with Jonghyun’s final solo album, released posthumously in 2018. Written and composed by him, Poet | Artist is upbeat electro-pop driven by snare drums and reggae influences. The lyrics embrace creativity as it encourages listeners to embody the spirit of being a poet and an artist in everyday life.
“Don’t just stand there, again you’re with me
Everyone, gather gather
Up, la-la, la-la, louder
Like this is the end
Even the winds are groovin’ together
Very nice
La-la-la, la-la-la, louder
Call me poet, artist
Oh, something I always want something new
Call me, call me, call me poet, artist
I know that a frame can’t confine me
Stretch, stretch ’em all out and enunciate, make the beat pop”
Jonghyun’s Legacy
Naming their single after Jonghyun’s last album doesn’t just reinforce SHINee’s message on how they will always be five. It’s a reminder of everything Jonghyun represented as an artist.
He was a rare combination of emotional depth and honesty in the shallow, superficial world of K-pop. He was also the first artist signed to SM Entertainment to write and produce his own music. He wrote and composed music for himself, SHINee and other artists. His solo work was adventurous as he dabbled in pop, country, ballads, and R&B.
But what made Jonghyun stand out the most was his willingness to use his platform to speak openly about societal issues, not caring that it’s considered taboo in South Korea. He showed support for the LGBTQ+ community, minorities and young people. Even as he struggled with depression, Jonghyun always went out of his way to show compassion and lift people’s spirits.
That’s the vibe I get from Poet | Artist. This is Jonghyun’s way to comfort fans and give them a sense of peace. Just like the good old days.
