There is both good news and bad news in SHINEE World. The good news involves the discharge of leader Onew and the second involves Taemin's recent wrist injury.
According to a report by All Kpop, because of new protocols caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Onew will be discharged from military service without returning to the base after he takes his final leave.
In their statement, SM Entertainment confirmed that SHINEE leader Onew took his final leave from the military on July 8 but he is no longer required to return to the base for his official discharge on July 20. The label announced that there also won't be a separate discharge event.
Onew will be the first member of SHINEE to complete his mandatory enlistment. He became an active-duty soldier last December 10, 2018. Key is also expected to be discharged on October 7. Come November 15, it will be Minho's turn to return.
Meanwhile, as youngest member Taemin diligently prepares for his solo comeback, he injured his right wrist while practicing for the choreography of one of the songs.
News 24 reported that the injury was not major but it will have an impact on the schedule of Taemin's comeback.
According to a rep from SM Entertainment, Taemin fractured an area near his right wrist when he fell while practicing his choreography. He is currently getting treated with regular visits to the hospital.The label said that they are planning to readjust the schedule for Taemin's solo comeback and announce details based on his recovery period.
Fans are excited about Taemin's comeback because his last solo release was way back in Februrary 2019 with his single WANT.
After promoting the album, Taemin spent a lot of time promoting as a member of SM Entertainment and Capitol Records' newly formed idol group SuperM, which debuted in the US last October.
In addition to Taemin, the members of SuperM are composed Baekhyun and Kai from EXO, Taeyong, and Mark from NCT, and Lucas and Ten from WayV.
After the discharge of SHINEE members this year, it is unclear if they will make a comeback with four members before its Taemin's turn to enlist.
Born on July 18, 1993, it is expected that Taemin will receive his enlistment date sometime next year. Korean men are required to report for mandatory service which lasts for about 18 months. All SHINEE members are expected to complete their service by 2023.
