In a move that has ignited excitement across the global K-pop community, SHINee’s Onew has officially introduced the design for his very first solo light stick.
On December 22, 2025, at the stroke of midnight KST, the veteran artist released a charming animated teaser via his official social media channels, giving fans a sneak peek at the instrument that will soon illuminate his solo concerts.
This reveal marks a major milestone in Onew’s career as a soloist, symbolizing his distinct identity and his deepening connection with his dedicated fandom, JJINGGU.
The teaser immediately began trending on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, with fans praising the unique aesthetic and the sentimental value of the announcement.
Animated Teaser and Design Aesthetics
The animated teaser provided more than just a glimpse of the product; it set a tone of playfulness and warmth that has come to define Onew’s solo discography.
While the full physical specifications were detailed in subsequent updates, the teaser highlighted a design that seamlessly blends modern sleekness with elements that reflect Onew’s personal brand.
The light stick features a transparent dome housing a central emblem that resonates with his recent “GRIFFIN Entertainment” era.
SHINee’s Onew (Credit: X)
This new design is a departure from the traditional SHINee group light stick (the “Shating Star”), allowing Onew to carve out a visual space that is uniquely his while still honoring the pearl aqua legacy of his group.
Release Timing and Availability
Following the initial midnight teaser, Onew informed fans that the official release and pre-order period for the light stick would commence on December 23, 2025, at 12 p.m. KST.
This rapid turnaround from teaser to release was a welcome surprise for fans who have been waiting for official solo merchandise since he joined his new agency earlier in the year.
The light stick is expected to be a central fixture at his upcoming solo performances and fan meetings in 2026, including potential stops on his rumored international tour.
Agencies have emphasized that the light stick has been designed with advanced syncing technology to provide an immersive experience during live shows.
Symbolism and Fan Connection
For many fans, the introduction of a solo light stick is more than just the release of a piece of merchandise; it is an affirmation of Onew’s longevity and growth as an artist.
After over 15 years in the industry as the leader of SHINee, Onew’s transition into a fully realized solo act has been met with immense support.
The light stick serves as a physical manifestation of the “light” he brings to his fans, often referenced in his lyrics and fan letters.
By having their own dedicated light stick, Onew’s fans can now create a sea of color specific to his solo stages, further strengthening the intimate bond shared between the singer and his audience.
A Milestone in the “GRIFFIN” Era
This release is one of the most significant moves Onew has made under his new agency, GRIFFIN Entertainment.
Since departing SM Entertainment for his solo activities, Onew has been proactive in establishing a fresh creative direction.
From the release of his successful EP ‘FLOW’ to his various festival appearances, the “GRIFFIN era” has been characterized by a high degree of fan engagement and artistic autonomy.
The solo light stick is seen as the final piece of the puzzle in his rebranding, providing fans with a unifying symbol as they support his future endeavors in music and television.
Looking Ahead to 2026
As 2025 draws to a close, the revealing of the solo light stick sets the stage for a blockbuster 2026 for Onew. With the new light stick in hand, fans are anticipating a major solo concert tour that will span across Asia and beyond.
The artist has hinted at new music currently in production, promising a diverse range of sounds that will continue to explore his unique vocal color.
Whether he is performing heart-wrenching ballads or upbeat pop tracks, his “JJINGGUs” will now be equipped to cheer him on with a light that is exclusively his.
In a significant milestone for the global film industry, the omnibus film ‘Code: G – The Beginning of Attention’ is set to make its theatrical debut in South Korea on December 27, 2025.
This experimental project, which explores the frontier of generative AI and human filmmaking, will be screened across 33 CGV theaters nationwide.
Ahead of its official opening, the film successfully held a high-profile audience Q&A session on December 23 at CGV Yongsan I Park Mall.
Moderated by journalist Kwak Myung Dong and attended by the film’s visionary directors, the event highlighted the project’s unique position at the intersection of traditional storytelling and cutting-edge technology.
Five Genres, One Shared Universe
‘Code: G – The Beginning of Attention’ is a collection of five short films that span a diverse range of genres, including science fiction, mystery, zombie, and action.
While each short tells a distinct story, they are all woven into a shared universe that explores the multifaceted relationship between humanity and technology.
The film aims to provide multiple perspectives on how AI might influence human nature, society, and our collective future.
Journalist Kwak Myung Dong aptly described the release as a “meaningful moment in cinematic history,” noting that audiences can later claim they were present when AI-integrated films first transitioned into mainstream theaters.
The Directors’ Vision: AI as a Creative Tool
The project brought together five distinct directors, each with a unique approach to integrating AI into their creative process.
- Kim Joo Shin (‘Prime Pattern: Echo’): Emphasized that while AI created the raw materials, the “human touch” was essential in assembling those elements into a coherent narrative.
- Kim Young Gi (‘Memory Administration Bureau’): Focused on a hybrid production method, arguing that AI does not replace an actor’s emotions but rather “expands them” by providing new visual and emotional contexts.
- Hong Ki Seon (‘DMZ’): Used AI to reflect the “duality of human nature” through a zombie narrative, intentionally using AI-driven action to create an unpredictable and chaotic atmosphere.
- Song Young Yoon (‘Order in Chaos’): Observed that “AI’s error data” strangely mirrored the human subconscious, reinforcing the idea that the final artistic polish must always come from a human creator.
- Kim Kwang Sik (‘Day One’): Predicted that AI is more likely to revolutionize the world of CGI rather than replace human actors or directors, suggesting a future where AI and live-action films “coexist rather than compete.”
The Essence of Cinema in the Age of Technology
Throughout the Q&A session, the directors maintained a consistent theme: technology is merely a tool, and the “essence of cinema” remains rooted in human-driven stories and emotions.
They argued that AI should be viewed as an extension of the director’s imagination—a way to push the boundaries of what is visually and narratively possible.
By leveraging AI to handle complex data or generate surreal imagery, the filmmakers were able to focus more deeply on the core human experiences at the heart of their respective shorts.
This collaboration underscores a future where technology enhances, rather than diminishes, the power of human creativity.
Production and Strategic Partnerships
The ambitious project was brought to life through a collaboration between several major production houses, including MBC C&I, The Ape Squad, Studio Freewillusion, and MCA.
Additionally, the telecommunications giant KT served as a co-planner and investor, highlighting the strategic interest of tech companies in the future of entertainment.
Distribution is being handled by KT Studio Genie and Film City SMC. This level of institutional support suggests that ‘Code: G’ is not just a fringe experiment but a serious contender in the evolving landscape of 21st-century cinema.
A New Chapter for Moviegoers
As ‘Code: G – The Beginning of Attention’ begins its nationwide run, it offers moviegoers a glimpse into the potential future of the medium.
The film challenges traditional notions of authorship and production, inviting audiences to reconsider what it means to create art in an increasingly digital world.
For those interested in the future of film, technology, or the human condition, ‘Code: G’ stands as an essential viewing experience.
As Director Kim Kwang Sik noted, the film represents the start of a journey where human and machine creativity will walk hand-in-hand to tell stories that were previously unimaginable.
