TAEMIN OF SHINEE IS EXPECTED TO TAKE ON THE ROLE OF MC IN 'ROAD TO KINGDOM'
SHINee's Taemin has been confirmed as the host for the upcoming revamped season of Mnet's boy group survival show, 'Road to Kingdom,' set to launch later this year.
Debuting with SHINee in 2008, Taemin has become renowned as the group's main dancer and vocalist. Since 2014, he has also pursued a successful solo career, showcasing his versatility as an 'all-rounder' artist excelling in both vocals and performance.
Taemin's influence has made him a consistent role model for many boy group members. His decade-long dedication to his craft and solid expertise make him an ideal mentor for the contestants on 'Road to Kingdom.' This will be Taemin's first time hosting a survival program on his own, although he has previously served as a mentor on KBS 2TV's 'Idol Rebooting Project - The Unit,' adding to the anticipation for his new role as 'MC Taemin.'
The rebranded 'Road to Kingdom' promises a fresh format, enhancing the competition with added reality elements to reveal the contestants' hidden charms fully. The show is set to premiere in September.
Lee Tae-min, better known as Taemin, is a South Korean singer and actor. He debuted as a member of the boy band SHINee in May 2008 and the supergroup SuperM in 2019, both under SM Entertainment. He has been labeled by media outlets as the "Idol's Idol" due to the large number of idols citing him as an inspiration. Taemin's acting debut came in 2009 with the MBC comedy Tae-Hee, Hye-Kyo, Ji-Hyun, where he played Junsu.
Taemin's solo career took off in 2014 with his first extended play (EP), Ace, which peaked at number one on the South Korean Gaon Album Chart. Its lead single "Danger" reached number five on the Gaon Digital Chart. His first studio album, Press It (2016), also topped the Gaon Album Chart. Taemin made his solo debut in Japan in July 2016 with his second EP, Sayonara Hitori.
In 2017, Taemin released his second Korean studio album, Move, which gained attention for its distinctive choreography. In 2018, he released his first Japanese studio album, Taemin, and embarked on his first Japanese tour, named Sirius. His third Korean studio album, Never Gonna Dance Again (2020), featuring singles "Criminal" and "Idea", was widely recognized by critics as one of the best K-pop releases of the year.
Taemin's hosting of 'Road to Kingdom' adds another milestone to his illustrious career. Fans eagerly await his guidance and mentorship on the show, anticipating how his experience and expertise will shape the next generation of K-pop idols. With his extensive background in both group and solo performances, Taemin is set to bring a wealth of knowledge and inspiration to the contestants, making 'Road to Kingdom' a must-watch for K-pop enthusiasts.
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