Who Is Onew? Age, Biography and Wiki
Onew, born Lee Jinki on December 14, 1989, is a celebrated South Korean singer and actor. He gained fame as the leader of the popular K-pop group SHINee, which debuted in 2008 under SM Entertainment. Over the years, Onew has captured hearts with his unique vocal ability and charismatic stage presence. As of 2025, he is 35 years old and continues to thrive in both the music and acting industries, solidifying his status as a prominent figure in Korean entertainment.
| Occupation | Pop Singer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | December 14, 1989 |
| Age | 35 Years |
| Birth Place | Gwangmyeong, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea |
| Horoscope | Sagittarius |
| Country | South Korea |
Popularity
Onew's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
In 2025, Onew stands tall at approximately 177 cm (5 feet 10 inches). He maintains a fit physique, weighing around 65 kg (143 lbs). His body measurements, which are often the talk of fans, reflect his dedication to fitness and wellness, showcasing a lean body that complements his performances on stage.
On June 9, it was announced that Onew would be unable to participate in the Korean concert of Shinee's tour, Shinee World VI: Perfect Illumination, and promotions for their eighth studio album due to health issues. It was later announced that he would also sit out of the Japanese dates of the tour.
Onew revealed later that he had a throat surgery during his hiatus, stating: "There were psychological issues, but the physical issues were bigger. That's why I lost a lot of weight."
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Onew is known for keeping his personal life private, but as of 2025, he has been rumored to be dating fellow entertainer, a young actress whose identity remains undisclosed to the public. The couple has sparked intrigue among fans, but no official confirmation has been made. He has always placed significant value on maintaining boundaries between his personal and professional life, focusing primarily on his career while cherishing his family ties.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Onew's net worth is estimated to be around $10 million. His earnings come from multiple streams, including album sales, concert tours, endorsements, and acting projects. His financial success is a testament to his hard work and popularity in the industry. Additionally, Onew is involved in various promotional activities that capitalize on his celebrity status, further contributing to his impressive net worth.
Career, Business and Investments
Onew's career spans over a decade, featuring musical releases, live performances, and acting roles. As the leader of SHINee, the group has produced numerous chart-topping hits and albums, enhancing Onew's visibility in the entertainment landscape. In recent years, he has ventured into solo activities, including his 2022 solo album that showcased his artistic range. Onew has also dipped his toes into acting, appearing in several dramas and theater productions, which have received critical acclaim.
In terms of investments, Onew has expressed interest in the fashion and beauty industries, collaborating with brands that align with his artistic vision. His savvy business approach has positioned him as a multifaceted entrepreneur in addition to his responsibilities as an artist.
Onew was discovered at the 2006 SM Academy Casting. He received great appreciation from Lee Soo-man, SM Entertainment's founder, at Girls' Generation's debut showcase. Lee Soo-man noticed him and wanted to hear him sing during a one-time on-the-spot audition. He signed a contract with the company the day after he auditioned.
In 2008, he was chosen as the leader of the group Shinee, and the five-member boy group debuted on May 25, 2008, on SBS' Inkigayo. Shortly after debut, Onew contributed to singles for Lee Hyun-ji in 2008, titled "Vanilla Love" and "Vanilla Love Part 2".
In 2009, he recorded the song "One Year Later" with Girls' Generation member Jessica for the Genie EP. The same year, he also sang a duet with Kim Yeon-woo, "The Name I Loved", for Shinee's third EP 2009, Year of Us.
Social Network
Onew actively engages with his fans through various social media platforms. As of 2025, he has a robust presence on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, where he shares updates about his music, performances, and personal insights, allowing fans to connect with him more personally. His follower count continues to grow as he interacts with fans, expressing gratitude for their unwavering support.
Onew starred in various musicals starting from 2010, debuting in the musical Brothers Were Brave alongside singer Lee Ji-hoon. He then starred in the Korean production of Rock of Ages playing the lead role, Drew. Onew has also showcased his acting skills via television like having a cameo role as a clumsy doctor in the drama Dr. Champ.
He appeared in the drama's final episode. He also had cameo roles in the dramas Athena: Goddess of War, Oh My God x2, Pure Love and sitcom Royal Villa. In August 2012, Onew recorded a song titled "In Your Eyes" for the drama series To the Beautiful You. Onew also sang the soundtrack "Moonlight" for the drama Miss Korea.
The song was released on January 3, 2014.
Education
Onew attended Dongguk University, where he studied theater and music. This educational background laid the foundation for his illustrious career in entertainment, equipping him with the skills necessary for both singing and acting. His academic pursuits have played a significant role in shaping his artistic abilities, allowing him to excel in various facets of his career.
On April 3, it was announced that Onew had signed with a new agency, Griffin Entertainment, for his solo activities after his contract with SM Entertainment ended in late March. His group activities with Shinee will remain unchanged under SM.
On April 21, Onew made his first public appearance after about 10 months health hiatus performing at the 2024 Star Awards in Singapore. On May 17, Onew embarked on his first-ever solo Asian fan meeting tour, titled Guess!, with a performance at Sejong University Daeyang Hall in Seoul. He performed a new unreleased song titled "All Day".
The tour was originally scheduled to have six performances in Seoul, Osaka, and Yokohama, but additional performances in Macau, Manila, Kaohsiung, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur were added later to accommodate demand. The Kuala Lumpur stop was later cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances from the local promoter.
The tour was concluded on July 21 with a total of twelve performances in seven Asian cities. Onew resumed his activities with Shinee, joining their encore concert Shinee World VI Perfect Illumination: Shinee's Back, which was held at the Inspire Arena in Incheon on May 24–26, celebrating their 16th debut anniversary.
After being crowned as Best Song Stealer on MBC's Song Stealer, Onew's cover of Byul's debut song "December 32 Days" was digitally released on June 24. Onew released "All Day" as a single on July 15.
