SM Leaving SHINee's Taemin "I think I will start a new life soon"

SHINee's Taemin has revealed his feelings about leaving SM Entertainment after 16 years.

"I didn't want to cause any unnecessary worries, so I wanted to announce it carefully, but this is how it happened," Taemin said on fan communication platform Bubble on the 6th, commenting on the recent news of the expiration of his exclusive contract.

On the same day, Taemin said, "I think I'll be starting a new life soon. It's not the right time to talk about this. But I didn't think it would be polite to say nothing to the people who care about me."

"I decided to leave the company last year," he continued, "and I've had a good discussion with the members. I'm grateful to the many people who have helped me along the way. Thank you for believing in my choice and supporting me," he said, adding, "I've always been and will always be an Italian. We haven't seen each other for a day or two. I believe there will be more good things to come, and I will make it so. I wish you well in the future, both as SHINee and as Taemin," he added.

Meanwhile, SM Entertainment announced the termination of Taemin's exclusive contract on May 5. However, they also announced that Taemin will continue his activities with SM Entertainment.