SHINee’s Taemin Denies Allegations Of Starting Clothing Business
It was previously alleged that SHINee‘s Taemin was starting his own line of clothing, TAEM. Visitors to his recent exhibition ETERNAL could scan a special QR code that gives them access to a private clothing website.
On the site you could find various items for sale including logo tees and more.
The site cannot be accessed via a link, only via the QR code. Fans wondered if he was starting a new clothing business. After all, the exhibition already sold their own tees as part of his official merchandise.
TAEM’s tees allegedly went for ₩160,000 KRW (about $120 USD) a pop, leading to criticism about alleged greed for money. The products were also allegedly available for worldwide shipping.
If you search for 'Tee' and 'Cap' on the TAEM website, you'll find these products available for order! $126.88 for the logo tee (both overfit and cropped) and $71.78 for the cap. They offer worldwide shipping. 🌐 #TAEM #TAEM107 #TAEMIN pic.twitter.com/9tvR4DgMUh
— 𓇼 (@ms525x) August 22, 2024
In response to the criticism, Taemin quickly released a statement via Instagram on August 22, 2024. He denied that he was planning to open a clothing business.
I’m not opening a clothing business! In the first place, I didn’t have intentions of selling them and only made them to give to people I was thankful to! I’m sorry to have caused a misunderstanding. I will always show you guys a humble and hardworking side of me! Thank you for always cheering me on.
— Taemin
It turns out that the items were given to fans who won lucky draws at his exhibition, and the sites were set up to make it look realistic.
태민 럭드 당첨ㅜㅜㅜㅜㅜㅜㅜㅜㅜ 내가되다니!!!
모자까지줌 pic.twitter.com/5LQWHymBQv— 홍차초코🍫 (@hongcho525) August 22, 2024
They had even set up social media channels for it.
The brand’s Instagram was tagged as a clothing brand. It has now been deleted.
You can read more about the initial criticism below.
