SHINee Mark 18th Anniversary, Return as Full Group with Key's Gift… Mini 6th Album 'Atmos' Out June 1

Group SHINee marked their 18th debut anniversary by reaffirming the members' close bonds and announcing a full-group comeback. In an official YouTube video released on the 25th titled '빛돌이들 18번째 생일 축하해', Key was shown preparing gifts for the members. He presented luxury jewelry he had personally chosen and, referring to the late Jonghyun, said, "Give this one to (Jonghyun) hyung later," expressing his remembrance. He also noted the item is linked to donations, saying, "It also goes toward charity," and candidly added that he purchased it on a "three-month installment" plan. Taemin commented that the gift felt more moving because it was a design Key had personally picked.

On their 18th anniversary, SHINee released a full-group comeback teaser and announced the release date for their new mini album Atmos. The sixth mini album Atmos contains six tracks including the title track of the same name, and the songs explore a range of emotions around love across various genres. The track 'HOURS' is a funk-pop piece with refined disco influences, combining a groovy bass line and halftime rhythms; its lyrics are said to convey a love that wants to gather past memories, romance, and even the time they will spend together in the future. '소나기 (Still Raining)' is a languid, dreamy R&B-pop song that blends various pluck synths with relaxed tempo rhythm instruments, expressing a sudden, unannounced thrill like a shower and a fleeting yet lingering memory.

Longtime collaborators KENZIE and Andrew Choi took part in the title track Atmos, contributing lyrics and composition respectively. The agency released a teaser image on the 26th showing the members gathered in pouring rain, heightening fans' expectations. Meanwhile, SHINee will hold concerts at KSPO DOME from the 29th to the 31st ahead of the album release.

This full-group comeback is seen as a return to group activities after about a year. Although Onew and Taemin are active under other agencies, group activities have been organized through SM엔터테인먼트 to maintain the team's identity. Key had suspended activities after stepping down from some schedules and programs following a controversy in December, but he will return to the stage with this album after roughly six months. All tracks from SHINee's sixth mini album Atmos will be released on major music platforms at 6 p.m. on June 1.