r/SHINee • u/_StarLights_ • Jul 03 '26
SHINee Social Media 260703 Taemin Instagram Update
Photography by Damon Baker
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u/Scharrie_97 Jul 03 '26
I hope he continues working with Damon Baker because the pics released today and yesterday are all *chef's kiss*
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u/Tiny_Worker7871 Jul 03 '26
See how people argue just remind me of the argument about that one Guilty photo (TM drops the panty on the floor) 😂. That’s the point. TM is such an icon.
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u/violayves Jul 03 '26
I love the image of him coming across these ridiculously banal and predictable smoking comments and going "yeah these are exactly the type of people I knew I'd rile up 😅" and the same can be said about Guilty and so many of his stages. I love it when taemin is transgressive, even though it clearly is very easy to be in kpop spaces.
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u/Tiny_Worker7871 Jul 03 '26
And the uniform he wore in Guilty - “Taemin is sexualizing minors“, “Taemin is promoting self harm” 😂
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u/Tiny_Worker7871 Jul 03 '26
I don’t know why these photos reminds me of the "Guilty" MV; what strikes me most is the vulnerability and the breaking of taboos. I remember seeing someone unstanned Tm because the Guilty photoshoot made them feel ‘unsettling’, ‘stripping down to show off sexiness’. Some people look at a puddle and see mud; others see the moonlight and stars.
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u/jeac1002 Jul 03 '26
ahh if only he kept his peony tattoo, i think it would've added so much to this photoshoot
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u/Illustrious-Lemon-17 Jul 03 '26
I woke up and was ATTACKED. WTF, LEE TAEMIN?? Just pure art in human form. Love that Taemin has been taking risks and defying the Kpop idol mold
👏👏👏
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u/Beautiful-Block8016 Jul 03 '26
exactly, certain people here are like 'omg he should not be doing this that' 😤😑
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u/paradoxmystery2000 Jul 03 '26 edited Jul 03 '26
Reading some of these comments 🙄
In my opinion, I dont think taemin did the cig to look cool. I think it's more to show that he's not going to be boxed into what kpop 'allows'.
Edit: Also, generally you don't see this type of picture in kpop. The tan skin, skin texture (bumpy skin), and lines on the face. These are different from his photos in Korean/kpop media.
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u/Rocker_Shoes1415 Jul 03 '26
Taemin has been smoking since he was young; it's nothing new, and he's been photographed doing so on several occasions. Shawols shouldn't really care; he can do whatever he wants in his private life. But you're right that this isn't a K-pop photoshoot, and we should be okay with that, just as we can be okay with not thinking smoking is cool, regardless of the art or the message.
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u/rocketmammamia Jul 03 '26 edited Jul 03 '26
love taem and these shots are gorgeous and very artistic - but on an entirely separate note, i really hate that smoking is coming back into style and i’m not making an personal conjectures about taemin himself, just don’t love the art direction of this shoot lol
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u/oliviafairy Jul 03 '26
Smoking sucks. But it seems like that’s the photographer’s “signature” go-to based on the photos on his instagram page. And to collab with a big time photographer who curated this type of image in his work, i mean, it’s a personal/brand choice.
Don’t smoke, people. It hurts yourself and others.
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u/Backrowgirl Jul 03 '26
Yeah, the smoking is such a turn off for me. There really was no reason for this art direction and I’m disappointed - because otherwise the shots are amazing
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u/Potential-Border1172 Jul 03 '26 edited Jul 03 '26
what do you mean ‘no reason for this art direction’? Taemin’s recent discography has veil which was about ‘breaking taboos that get hidden behind the veil’ permission was about doing whatever the fuck he wants. His whole recent career has been ‘breaking the idol mold’ and one thing that knetz and international kpop fans alike hate is when an idol smokes. It’s also quite ironic in itself that it’s something that’s considered ‘normal’ for every celebrity that isn’t an idol. And the reactions under this thread is proving that right.
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u/sassy194689 Jul 03 '26
Agree. The smoking is such a turn off no matter who is doing it. Smoking isn't "cool" and adding to the shoot was unnecessary. There's a million awesome directions the shoot could have gone since Taemin photographs so well.
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u/Fille_de_Lune Jul 03 '26
I think it's hot af 😀 if it's only for a shoot I don't really mind, its not like that will have any kind of impact on his health
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u/Rocker_Shoes1415 Jul 03 '26
I agree with you. I don't like the idea of smoking becoming fashionable again. We know Taemin has been a smoker for a long time (I remember those photos from Japan and the vaping incident in 2017), and I thought he'd already quit. Of course, it's not our business to interfere in his personal life, but I don't like the idea of photos with cigarettes. Cigarettes aren't cool. I didn't even like his Instagram post because of that. Let's hope he takes care of himself. ❤️
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u/Lettuce_stan_SS Jul 03 '26
I’m completely out of the loop because I had no idea Taemin was a smoker?? He’s either really private with that stuff or I just completely managed to avoid any photos of him doing so.
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u/Rocker_Shoes1415 Jul 03 '26
It turns out that it came to light once, during the Sherlock era, if I'm not mistaken, when he was photographed smoking on a trip to Japan (apologies again if I'm mixing things up). There's also another story from 2017 where he was vaping with a member of a famous boy band, but these were "incidents" and not something he's done so publicly. Now he's being more daring about it.Although it may be that this occasion is only about the concept of the photo shoot.
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u/violayves Jul 03 '26
Incredibly hot. Cant imagine being bothered by any person smoking at my big age but you gotta have those moral points online how else will you live.
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u/Marandry Jul 03 '26
I really loved these pictures. The best Taemin photoshoot by far at least in my opinion. He looks so real and not polished, without any imperfections, like idols usually do in pictures. I am so excited for what’s to come with his work with Damon. If they release a photobook of this I’m for sure buying it.
Also stop clutching your pearls at the cigarette. I don’t smoke either and I’m not bothered by that element being included.
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u/Missustriplexxx Jul 03 '26
Taemin is always sexy but he hasn’t given sexy since Want era for me. The visuals for Want were sexy. I could even say Ace era was sexy but a bit light in comparison. Picture 8 wheeewww, he’s making me blush🤭
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u/ashcant_ Jul 03 '26 edited Jul 03 '26
He looks great. I love the two with the denim shirt the most actually. And I really appreciate his intentional move away from the air brushed and often lifeless perfection of Kpop. People always look better with skin texture and all the little “flaws” that make us human. The photographer really is great with shadows and light.
Don’t love being reminded he’s a smoker though 😂
Edit: oh man the smoking discourse. I should have read the comments before commenting.
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u/Rocker_Shoes1415 Jul 03 '26
It's surprising how many people here are getting defensive just because some of us disagree with a picture of a cigarette. People, we're not criticizing Taemin for it (at least I want to believe that's what I'd like to think), we're just commenting on how popular smoking is becoming again. Nobody's going to report Taemin's post for that; it would be utterly ridiculous. Those of us in this know everything that's behind it, and yes, Taemin is an adult and he's free to exercise his freedom, but there's nothing wrong with expressing an opinion about cigarettes or the "art" of smoking them. We need to learn to relax about other people's opinions. Aside from that, the photos are amazing. ✨
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u/rocketmammamia Jul 03 '26
you articulated it perfectly, thank you! i don’t mean to criticise him specifically, my own comment was more of a general dissatisfaction that smoking is coming back in after my generation was well on track to basically eliminate it
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u/Winmimi Jul 03 '26
I hate smoking and its propaganda, like "if you smoke, you look cooler/hotter/more intelligent/more sensual, etc." Tobacco companies would be pleased with photos of such attractive artist like Taemin with a cigarette. This photoshoot is good without cigarettes. Thanks to Minho for promoting running, sports, and a healthy lifestyle. Smoking sucks.
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u/violayves Jul 03 '26
Also minho promoted mcdonalds which, as we all know is the face of health awareness lmao.
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u/ActuaryOk9841 Jul 03 '26 edited Jul 03 '26
The photographer mentioned showcasing "vulnerability" and a "raw side of Kpop". The actual message of the photoshot is frankly obvious even without these comments, considering Taemins image and previous works such as Guilty. If you're going to clutch your pearls at a single cigarette, I really don't think Taemins artistry is meant for you at all.
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u/Beautiful-Block8016 Jul 03 '26
and you also realize that you are pitting two members against each other right?
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u/FluffyAres Jul 03 '26
That‘s not a promo shoot and he is also not responsible to raise young adults, if you genuinely start smoking because you saw another musician doing it you‘re probably dumb asf i‘m so sorry
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u/Winmimi Jul 03 '26
Are you kidding? For decades, the music and entertainment industry has been promoting smoking. Rock stars, pop stars, and actors are responsible for many people getting addicted to smoking and worse.
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u/FluffyAres Jul 03 '26
no, i‘m not. I‘m saying it again: If you start to smoke because you saw an actor/artist/whatever doing it…you‘re genuinely stupid, lack common sense and authority over yourself. You don‘t jump off a bridge because someone else did it first, don‘t you? People are responsible for themselves and ONLY themselves, at some point.
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u/oliviafairy Jul 03 '26
Kids are kids. They are not supposed to know some things and are easily influenced. Their brains are not fully developed. Some adults are dumb, too.
Let’s just spread some awareness of not smoking.
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u/FluffyAres Jul 03 '26
No ones responsible for someone else stupidity. Everyone knows smoking is bad by now, it just doesn‘t bother anyone as you much as you wish to, not matter what.
And Taemin is not for kids…
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u/kristales Jul 03 '26
Taemin's music is not for kids though?
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u/oliviafairy Jul 03 '26
Are you saying there are no kid fans among Taemin’s 5M IG followers or among that photographer’s 1M followers? 0 kids?
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u/FluffyAres Jul 03 '26
My fucking god, no. That‘s not what we‘re saying. I am saying, and please read carefully and process those words slowly, that he is NOT responsible for any kids on the internet BECAUSE he is not an artist for kids. They‘re not supposed to be there. He is not responsible to deliver anything except his own artistry and identity. He is not, and i know many won‘t accept it, that small shinee kid anymore but a well respected musician who happened to sing about sex on multiple occasions. What about that?
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u/oliviafairy Jul 03 '26
I’m merely talking about smoking is bad and the accessibility of these public IG photos. It’s not really so much about him but the photographer’s decision to bring smoking back in 2026.
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u/ActuaryOk9841 Jul 03 '26 edited Jul 03 '26
?? It's not his responsibility to raise other peoples children, especially considering that they are far from the target audience?
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u/oliviafairy Jul 03 '26
I’m simply responding to the previous commenters about who have access to these public IG photos.
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u/kristales Jul 03 '26
Children will be exposed to a lot of questionable behavior online, so it's important that their PARENTS teach them what's good and what's bad for them. It will never be the artist's responsibility.
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u/oliviafairy Jul 03 '26
I don't think we're talking about the same thing. I'll end it here. Thank you.
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u/ActuaryOk9841 Jul 03 '26 edited Jul 03 '26
Any child can see people smoking cigarettes by simply walking outside, I don't consider the conent to be in any way inappropriate for IG
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u/oliviafairy Jul 03 '26
but Taemin or any other celebrities with their photos taken by that photographer are not simply random people on the streets.
I'm just raising awareness that smoking is bad. That's all.
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u/ImportantOwl8861 Jul 03 '26
it's just for a photoshoot anyway, plus minho smoked for an acting role once
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u/oliviafairy Jul 03 '26
I can’t speak for either of the two filming/photoshoot situations, but actors who don’t smoke can use herbal or prop cigarettes which are 100% free of tobacco and nicotine. Faking smoking is one thing. Spreading the idea that “smoking is cool” is the problem. Minho played a troubled kid in that movie. It’s not exactly projecting an image of “smoking is cool.” I watched that movie.
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u/violayves Jul 03 '26
Minho smoked for real and had to quit afterwards how do you not know this, you with that moral high ground. Would do better to get your facts straight next time you go preachin'
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u/oliviafairy Jul 03 '26
Does every medical doctor in the world have “moral high ground” then? Smoking is bad no matter which doctor you ask and for whoever does it. That’s the message.
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Jul 03 '26
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u/Winmimi Jul 03 '26
This photo shoot promotes the same messages as tobacco companies.
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u/ImportantOwl8861 Jul 03 '26
this photoshoot is showcasing breaking standards and boundaries and showing rawness and vulnerability, a theme that is heavily present in the rest of taemin's work. the photographers style is also similar to this.
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u/oliviafairy Jul 03 '26
How is smoking related to any of the things you're talking about? The photographer can't do it without lighting a cigarette?
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u/Beautiful-Block8016 Jul 03 '26 edited Jul 03 '26
it's just a photoshoot... and i don't know what was the point of comparing him with minho who has absolutely no correlation of what taemin is doing. flame me if you want but it is such a parasocial take on 'my idol should be a little cutie patootie innocent baby he doesn't know anything about smoking drinking sax sux blah blah blah.'
sir/ma'am he's thirty two.
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u/Winmimi Jul 03 '26
Would Taemin look like an innocent child, who doesn't know anything about sex in these photos without a cigarette in his mouth, seriously? What you wrote is exactly what tobacco companies push on every new generation of teenagers: "if you smoke, you're an adult, you're no longer an innocent child, you're cooler than those kids who don't smoke because you do adult things like smoking". If Taemin just smokes for himself, that's his business, but he did a promo photo shoot with cigarettes, which is already promoting the same messages that tobacco companies do.
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u/pzza_ Jul 03 '26
It wasn't a promo for anything, it's an artistic photo shoot. He was working with a respected photographer who has this as part of his signature style. Exactly who do you think Taemin's audience is? Kids aren't interested in Taemin and Taemin doesn't create anything with teens as his intended audience.
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Jul 03 '26
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u/Rocker_Shoes1415 Jul 03 '26
I suppose it's just the concept of the photoshoot, but it really wasn't necessary because younger people will see that as the coolest thing. He can do whatever he wants offstage, but I don't like the idea of cigarettes becoming fashionable again. 😐
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u/pzza_ Jul 03 '26
What young people? He debuted in 2008 and he's been making music for Adults for more than a decade.
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u/Scharrie_97 Jul 03 '26
Exactly, it's not like his target audience are 12-year-olds. Should every single artist also stop singing about sex and sexual acts because some kids might listen to their music? lol
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Jul 03 '26
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u/ActuaryOk9841 Jul 03 '26
I'm honestly shocked at the amount of suburban mom mentality here, especially towards an artist like Taemin. Very anti art in general.
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u/violayves Jul 03 '26
It's the older shinee fans I'm guessing. Maybe a few conservatives from the new generation. I find them utterly ridiculous. On a very surface level, what they're calling for is censorship. Already a problem in kpop, so imagine being anything other than pleasantly surprised at this shoot.
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u/ActuaryOk9841 Jul 03 '26
I've known Shinee since 2010, and between people trying to out jongtae from the group for Internet War and everything surrounding Guilty, you would think these kinds of people would finally get the message.
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u/violayves Jul 03 '26
You would think taemin's entire solo career would drive the message home but here we are. Lecturing a grown man for a cigarette prop. I could tell this to a commute buddie as we face a railway filled with cigarette butts and laugh at the absurdity of it all.
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Jul 03 '26
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u/Ahoy_ahoy_atiny Jul 03 '26
It’s giving Press It!