SHINee’s Taemin Addresses Dating Rumors With No:ze In A Letter, Sparking Skepticism

Recently, SHINee‘s Taemin has been embroiled in dating rumors with dancer no:ze.

Photos alleged to be of the pair, showing them acting affectionately, sparked these rumors. The images were suspected of being from December 2024 and were “matched” with what Taemin wore around the same time as “proof.”

SHINee’s Taemin And Dancer No:ze Wrapped Up In Dating Rumors

A day after the rumors spread online, Taemin’s agency Big Planet Made released an official statement.

We ask for your understanding of the late statement as confirmation was delayed due to Taemin’s continuous schedule. The two are close colleagues who have worked together. We respectfully ask everyone to refrain from making excessive speculations in the future.

— Big Planet Made

Now, Taemin has address the rumors himself, but caused more confusion and skeptism.

On April 18, Taemin shared a letter a fan chatting platform, apologizing to fans and asking them to trust him.

Did you sleep well today?
You’ve been going through a lot lately, haven’t you? I feel so sorry and apologetic, especially since my fans have always shown me so much love…
I receive love in so many forms — from my fans, my family, and even my pets.
And I believe all those experiences are what shaped the person I am today, the Taemin you know now.

That’s why I get so much inspiration for my dancing, singing, and music from those experiences. And in turn, I’m able to pass that inspiration on to others — it’s like a natural flow.
But because of some misunderstandings and surface-level assumptions or words taken out of context, I’ve felt really hurt.

I’ve thought a lot about how I could convey the truth… but as you probably know, even a single word can lead to more misunderstandings, which then need more explanations.
Not always, but often, people want to hear the answers they want rather than the truth.
So maybe that’s why, after going through so much since I was young, I’ve learned to hold back on my words.

What’s certain is—I hope you’ll keep trusting me, just like you have until now.
And as much as you trust me and love me, I’ll become someone who can return that love and sincerity.
Always thankful, and always love you.

— Taemin

After his letter was shared, it gained attention on an online forum, where netizens expressed their thoughts. Many shared confusion over his statement, as well as skepticism over his denial. However, most were accepting of the idea of Taemin dating, citing his age and longevity in the industry.

• It sounds like he’s saying, ‘The various forms of love and emotions I’ve received made me who I am now. Even if I date, it won’t make me neglect my career or disrespect fans, so please keep believing in me and stay by my side.’
• I’ve been a SHINee fan since their debut lol and even I was like, ‘What is he even trying to say?’ lol. If he just came out and confidently said, ‘Yeah, we’re dating,’ then I’d be like, ‘Well, you’re both old enough… just don’t be too obvious and have a nice relationship.’ But nope—it’s not even that. They’ve done all the skinship and now he’s saying they’re nothing? LOL what’s going on, Lee Taemin…
• I seriously can’t make sense of it—what is he even trying to say?
• The picture says it all—what ‘misunderstanding’? He’s clearly just dodging the truth ’cause he’s scared of losing fans.