Taemin reveals inspiration behind 'Guilty': 'I wanted to understand what attracts' people

Lee Taemin has been a K-pop idol for more than half his life, and has embodied innovation and ingenuity throughout his career. The 30-year-old began making music at 14, and has cemented himself as the industry's ace.

Taemin debuted as a member of group SHINee in 2008 and began work as a soloist in 2014. He is also a member of K-pop supergroup SuperM.

At his core, Taemin is a visionary dedicated to his craft. He constantly strives to challenge himself, pursuing new concepts and different angles to his artistic identity with each release. His work is hard to qualify, with the artist describing it "Taemin-cliché."

And "Guilty", his latest offering, sets the stage for a new era.

"Preparing for this album, I feel like it's a fresh start," he told USA TODAY.

Taemin pulls back the curtain on 'Guilty'

Taemin's fourth mini album "Guilty" released Oct. 30. The six-track EP is the artist's first solo release in two years. His last EP "Advice" in 2021 came before he enlisted for South Korea's mandated military service.

The atmosphere of "Advice" felt as if it closed the curtain to a period, said Taemin. As a result, "Guilty" acts almost like a reintroduction to who Taemin is as an artist.

"Making too much changes felt like it's too risky, but I wanted to take that risk if there was an appropriate track ready," he said.

"Guilty" proved to be that risk worth taking, serving as the helm of a mini album that presents new aspects to Taemin, while also strengthening his established skills.

In the EP, Taemin traverses various moods and tones, journeying through guilt, heartbreak, melancholy and love. Through this EP, Taemin wanted to create a "color that covers what I have been doing in my career."

'Guilty' encapsulates Taemin's artistry

The concept of "Guilty" took inspiration from the book "Erotism" by Georges Bataille. "As an artist, it is my job to be more appealing and more attractive. I wanted to understand what attracts other people," said Taemin.

The book presented Taemin with scope on this notion. His delicate, compelling vocals are the enticement with hypnotic and sharp choreography completely pulling you in.

"I want to introduce who Taemin is through the performances," he said.

Taemin reflects on growth over the last 15 years

Since debut, Taemin has come into his own. He started at very young age and has grown and evolved not only to become an accomplished creative, but also a humble human.

"People learn a lot from experience," he said. "I tried to build my own identity and challenged myself with diverse concepts, and it’s interesting to see that it became my own color."

He also heavily values the relationships he's fostered along the way.

"Having connection and trust with the members (of SHINee), with fans and with everybody helps me grow more as a person," he said. "The more I grow, I feel more responsibility."

This responsibility is something Taemin carries with him. Often referred to as the "idol of idols," Taemin has been an inspiration to many in the industry.

"I also looked up to someone else as well and I never would’ve thought that I’ll become one," he said. "It gives me faith in myself because it’s one of the proving moments that my decisions were correct."

Ultimately, Taemin hopes to break barriers and limitations through his art.

"I want to be a true pioneer and open paths for juniors, and it carries a big meaning in my career as an artist," he said.