✨ 160229 - SHINee’s interview for ‘AERA’ Magazine

The group name is said to be a coined word with the meaning of “a person who bathes in shining light”. It’s been five years since their debut in Japan. In fact, they are beginning to shine in the light.
In January, the 4th album “DxDxD” was released in Japan. The nationwide tour “SHINee WORLD 2016 ~DxDxD~” had also started.

— Please tell us about your enthusiasm for the tour.
Minho: We had to show everyone a new side of us. We were determined to do so. When I first stood at the Tokyo Dome stage in 2015, I was very moved. This time too, the first Kyocera Dome and the second Tokyo Dome performances are scheduled for the end of the arena tour. We’d like to express our appreciation to many fans.
Key: We’ve been longing for dome concerts since our debut. They’re special, after all.
Jonghyun: I’m thankful from the bottom of my heart for being able to sing in such a big place.
Onew: That’s why we have to show our cool side! (laughs)
Taemin: I’m having the most fun when I’m having a concert. That’s why I’m so happy to be able to travel all over Japan again.

— At the concerts, you sang a lot of songs from the album “DxDxD” that was just released in January, right?
Key: When I was recording them, I wanted to sing them on stage as soon as possible. When I first listened to ‘WANTED’, I thought “This absolutely have to be a rock music”.
Jonghyun: “Moon Drop” is a nice one to listen to while driving with your girlfriend.
All: Ohh!
Minho: “DxDxD” is for when you want to get excited.
Taemin: “Boys Will Be Boys” for when you want to feel rejuvenated.
Onew: “LOVE” is nice for when you take a walk in the woods.
Key: Umm, do you ever go to the woods? (laughs)

SHINee said it’s been a long time since they had an interview with a magazine in Japan. When they start talking, they react to each other’s words one after another, and at the end it always turn into laughter.
This interview took place the day after the two-day live at Marine Messe Fukuoka, which marked the beginning of the tour.

— When you debuted in Korea, you were all teenagers. Has anything changed since you reached your 20s?
Minho: Even if you watch the same movie, you feel differently in your teens and 20s. In the same way, when I sing a song I recorded before, I feel that my impression is different and that it has changed.
Jonghyun: Age doesn’t matter to me. I don’t really like being influenced by numbers. I want to cherish my emotions.
Key: I have come to understand Onew’s (who is 1 year older) feelings. After the concert, my body felt heavy. I heard that Onew felt like this.
Onew: It will get more and more painful~ (laughs)
Taemin: We are mentally young (laughs).
Key: But all 5 of us have been active for several years, people don’t change so easily!
Onew: Not so much.
Key: I longed to become an adult when I reached my 20s. But I haven’t changed much. I think we can just stay like this. The 5 of us will continue to do our best.

— What are your future goals?
Taemin: I’m planning my solo activities, so I want to show my different self from SHINee. I want to create a new feeling to both music and dance.
Key: Now that my dream of performing at the dome has come true, I want to improve my singing and dancing skills and meet everyone (at concerts).
Jonghyun: I think the same goes for me. To stay healthy and keep up the good work so as not to get injured. I want to keep this current state.
Onew: That’s a good thing. It’s important.
Minho: I feel the same way. I’m so loved by everyone, so I’ll work so hard to the point my body will break down.
Jonghyun: I just said “not to get injured”…
Minho: So until just before my body breaks down. I will do my best until just before that!
Onew: And I want to tell more and more funny jokes! (laughs)

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Credits: ‘AERA’ Magazine, February 2016 (No.9) issue
Scans: 贝贝no貝貝
JPN - ENG translation: @DiamondTaem