Lee Jin-ki, known professionally as Onew, was born on December 14, 1989, in Gwangmyeong, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea. He is a multifaceted artist, recognized as a singer-songwriter, actor, model, and television personality. Onew's journey in the entertainment industry began when he was discovered at the 2006 SM Academy Casting, leading to a contract with SM Entertainment the very next day.
In May 2008, Onew debuted as the lead vocalist and leader of the iconic boy band Shinee, which quickly rose to prominence as one of South Korea's best-selling music acts. His contributions to music extend beyond group activities; he has lent his voice to numerous original soundtracks for television series and collaborated with various artists throughout his career.
Onew made his solo debut on December 5, 2018, with the extended play titled Voice, just days before his military conscription. After completing his service, he released his second EP, Dice, on April 11, 2022, and marked his solo debut in Japan with the studio album Life Goes On on July 6, 2022. His discography continued to grow with the release of his first Korean studio album, Circle, on March 6, 2023, followed by his third EP, Flow, on September 3, 2024, and his fourth EP, Connection, on January 6, 2025.
In addition to his musical endeavors, Onew has showcased his acting talents in various musicals, including Rock of Ages in 2010 and Shinheung Military Academy in 2019. He is also known for his roles in television dramas, particularly as Baek Su in JTBC's sitcom Welcome to Royal Villa and as Lee Chi-hoon, a cardiothoracic resident, in the popular KBS2 drama Descendants of the Sun in 2016. Onew's artistic versatility and dedication to his craft continue to resonate with fans around the world.