[11.01.12] Shinhwa, a role model in the music industry

It’s the 13th year together for Korea’s longest-running idol group Shinhwa, who has recently come under the spotlight for their unchanging friendship, making them the role models for many in the music industry.

Although Shinhwa’s group activities had to be put on hold due to the members’ military obligations, the members have been constantly keeping in touch and working hard individually to manage the Shinhwa ‘brand’.

After being discharged from his duties last year, Eric’s first project was to work on the rap for Shin Hyesung’s new song ‘Hello & Goodbye’. The long-awaited collaboration between the two rallied the fans together once again.

Kim Dongwan, who was discharged from his military duties shortly after, signed on with Shin Hyesung’s management company. Now that they belong to the same agency, there will be a variety of options for their upcoming projects.

Despite belonging to different management agencies, members are still supporting one another in various ways. Currently serving as a public service officer, Lee Minwoo helped to write a song for a new girl group that Eric’s management company is grooming. With his vast experience in producing, Lee Minwoo has given a big boost to the debut of the girl group.

In the meantime, Eric has also lent his support to Teen Top, juniors from Andy’s management company, with a cameo appearance in the MV for Teen Top’s upcoming single ‘Supa Luv’. As Andy is worried about being unable to monitor the performance of his juniors, Eric has taken on his duties for him to monitor and take care of them. Dressed sharply in a suit for the MV, Eric displays his trademark charismatic charm and tough image, becoming a hot topic of discussion among netizens.

Shinhwa’s comeback as a group can only happen in 2013 at best, when Lee Minwoo and Junjin complete their military service, but the members are continuing to protect the name of “Shinhwa”, drawing much attention for their loyalty in maintaining Shinhwa’s reputation as the longest-running group.

An industry insider said, “Usually, a group is subjected to the influence and power of their management company, but the Shinhwa members ignore all external factors and the group is led by the loyalty and willpower of the members, who help each other out.”

“They prove that the most important thing of all is really the relationship among the members.”

Credits: OSEN + Absolut Shinhwa