SHINee's Minho confesses SM told him to keep his mouth shut during debut days

20 Dec 2025, 03:18 by Susan-Han · allkpop

On this week's installment of the YouTube series 'ZIP Daesung', SHINee's Minho took Big Bang's Daesung on a tour of the SM Entertainment building.

On this day, Minho and Daesung had a blast reminiscing about the good ol' days, when both groups were the most active. While talking about Minho's numerous achievements each year at the 'Idol Star Athletics Championship', the SHINee member hilariously confessed, "To be honest... Even though it was supposed to be work, I was so happy. I got to try all kinds of sports for free."

Bursting into laughter, Daesung observed, "It looks like this guy is one of those people who actually enjoyed 'ISAC' the way it was supposed to be enjoyed. Not like all those other idols who were secretly dating when the cameras weren't pointing at them."

Minho agreed and admitted, "That's what they all say, that 'ISAC' was where all the idols dated. But I was totally focused on the sports I was competing in. Since I competed in so many categories, I would just go, 'How should I win the next one..'," once again drawing laughter.

Next, Daesung pointed out, "During your debut days, you weren't really the talkative type." Hearing this, Minho hesitantly explained, "See, the company.. I was told not to talk. We were supposed to maintain a 'mysterious image' back in those days."

The SHINee member added on, "Once, on a radio broadcast, the host would ask me, 'How was today's broadcast?'. I almost didn't say anything, because I was so conflicted between if I should keep quiet or if I should answer the question. If I did answer, what was I supposed to say? I felt like I became a fool. And because I was still in high school at the time, I followed instructions to the letter. But in reality, I wanted to talk more. That was one of the most difficult things about my early debut days."

When Daesung revealed that for Big Bang, one rule they had to follow was to not leave their waiting rooms during outside schedules, Minho remarked, "I was always so curious about [Big Bang] hyungs because of that. But it was impossible to meet you. We only got to interact for 3 seconds, when we went to greet you as hoobaes."

Watch the full episode of 'ZIP Daesung' featuring guest Minho, below.

Share this article SHARE