He has been with the company for 16 years.
SHINee’s Taemin is reported to be leaving SM Entertainment. According to Korean news outlet News1, his exclusive contract with the agency will be ending at the end of March 2024.
Taemin has been with SM Entertainment for 16 years since his debut in 2008. This does not count his time as a trainee. He will become a free agent as soon as the contract expires. Taemin reportedly plans to continue his activities as a soloist elsewhere, but allegedly hopes to continue his group activities with SHINee as part of SM Entertainment.
It was later further reported by SPOT TV that he will sign with BPM Entertainment. BPM Entertainment currently houses VIVIZ, amongst other groups. They also reportedly approached EXO’s Chen, Xiumin, and Baekhyun in 2023 to sign with them.
Many idol group members often take this route, expanding their solo activities at a new agency while continuing group promotions at their debut company. SM Entertainment has not given an official statement yet, at the time of writing.
