Onew, who rose to fame as part of the iconic K-pop boy band SHINee in 2008 at the age of 18, recently experienced traveling solo for the first time during a trip to Vienna. This journey inspired him to confront new challenges and prompted his departure from SM Entertainment to pursue solo activities with Griffin Entertainment. His upcoming EP, "Flow," marks his first release with the new agency, with Onew expressing that the trip to Vienna served as a catalyst for the album's creation and his personal growth. The EP is also significant as it is the first to feature Onew's involvement in the production and songwriting process, with the lead track, "Beat Drum," conveying the message of embracing one's individuality and charm. Onew's decision to focus on live performances and outdoor music festivals reflects his desire to reach a diverse audience and connect with people beyond his core fanbase. Although he has ventured into solo activities, Onew remains committed to SHINee's collective projects and hinted at a potential group comeback in the near future. His most gratifying moment in his 16-year career was SHINee's Tokyo Dome concert in 2018, emphasizing the group's camaraderie and the shared joy of the performance. Onew's aspiration is to recreate the same sense of fulfillment with future SHINee endeavors.