![Debate Reignites Over SHINee’s Past Show “Yunhanam” as Taemin’s Exploitation Discussed 2 FI 63](https://i0.wp.com/theubj.com/uae/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/FI-63.jpg?w=1170)
The controversy over the treatment of Taemin on the past show stirs discussions.
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An old episode of SHINee‘s YunHaNam has been brought back into the spotlight, resulting in contrasting views among fans.
The 2008 reality-virtuality mix show SHINee’s YunHaNam featured the group in various scenarios, and was narrated by Gain from Brown Eyed Girls. It ran for twelve episodes on Mnet. However, a certain theme from the show has troubled many fans, especially Shawols.
In a recent episode titled “Our Memories,” SHINee revisited some of their past works, including clips from SHINee’s YunHaNam. Key referred to it as the start of scripted reality shows.
Key: “It can be said to be the origin of fake reality show.”
Taemin: “One of my legendary scenes is… It’s so funny now. There was a scene where I’m on a swing. There’s just a swing there, and I go on it asking for the girl (on a date) to push me. So she’s actually pushing me on a swing.”
As the throwback video resurfaced, viewers were taken aback seeing a young Taemin in a dating setup with an older woman. Given that he was only 14 years old and in the 8th grade at the time, many accused SM Entertainment of exploitation and inappropriate conduct.
every single person that was involved in creating this show is going to hell, seeing 14 yr old Taemin being sent on “dates” with 30 yr old women will forever disturb me so much pic.twitter.com/tvapcbsdba
— isSHINeeback? (@isSHINeeback) May 27, 2024
As outrage spread over social media, the clip drew 236K views. There was a strong response from the community condemning the idea of the show.
Yet, some defended the show by reiterating that the members themselves confirmed its scripted nature. Upon rewatching an awkward scene where Taemin danced unexpectedly, Onew inquired if the dating scenes were also written in the script. Key confirmed, stating the entire show was scripted and was a precursor to fake reality shows.
the whole show is set up for most of the “dates” to go humorously wrong. the noonas are actresses or comedians. park jisun plays the obsessed fangirl who literally robs shinee. not even mnet’s live-voting is real, so why would this be?
key even reminds you of this. pic.twitter.com/6vXgCsqDco— arctic minkey
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(@arcticminkey) May 28, 2024
knowingly or not, you’re just interpreting everything to support a theoretical. while the rest can die of cringe at their younger selves, taemin has to freeze up bc of the trauma.
what’s next? it was child neglect to give teenagers a baby to raise?
— arctic minkey
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(@arcticminkey) May 28, 2024
This issue, however, is not fresh. SHINee’s younger years have always been a topic of empathetic discussions within the fandom. A few years back, Shawols used Reddit to voice their unease regarding the show. One redditor mentioned, “The first girl even said she felt like she was committing a crime when she heard how old Taemin was.”
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FAQs
What was the controversy surrounding SHINee’s “Yunhanam” show?
The controversy centered on the use of then-14-year-old Taemin in dating scenarios with older women, which many found inappropriate. Criticism arose over the alleged exploitation of the minor celebrity.
What was SHINee’s “Yunhanam” about?
It was a variety show that aired in 2008, featuring the K-pop group SHINee taking on various tasks, including staged dates with older women, under the premise of learning about love and relationships.
How did SHINee members react to watching their old show?
They acknowledged that “Yunhanam” was scripted and even labeled it a precursor to fake reality TV, noting the cringe and humor in revisiting their younger selves.
Were there defenders of the show among fans?
Yes, some fans defended the program by noting that the members confirmed that the show was fully scripted, and the scenarios were intended to provide comedic value.
Has the discussion around the show been ongoing?
The discussion about the appropriateness of the themes in “Yunhanam” and the portrayal of Taemin has been ongoing among SHINee fans for years.