Legendary K-pop group SHINee returned to the stage with explosive energy as they kicked off their highly anticipated SHINee WORLD VII [E.S.S.A.Y] concert series at the KSPO DOME in Seoul. The event, held from May 23–25, marked the group’s grand comeback to a full-scale solo concert in Korea, drawing fans (Shawols) from around the world.
The concert’s title, E.S.S.A.Y, stands for “Every Stage Shines Around You,” symbolizing SHINee’s deep bond with fans and their commitment to delivering unforgettable performances. Day one, tagged by fans as “250523 에세이콘 첫콘” (E.S.S.A.Y Concert – First Show), opened with a vibrant soundcheck session that quickly became a trending topic online.
Fans shared cheeky behind-the-scenes moments — including an amusing audio snippet said to be recorded using a SHINee voice pouch, an official concert merchandise item featuring members’ pre-recorded phrases. The phrase “파우치 녹음으로 깨알 놀토ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ” (“Recorded with a pouch — tiny Nolto moment lol”) playfully referenced “놀라운 토요일 (Amazing Saturday),” a popular variety show in which member Key is a cast regular.
Alongside powerful live stages and emotional ballads, the event offered interactive fan experiences and a dazzling production design. For global fans, SHINee provided both live and delayed streaming via Weverse, allowing international Shawols to tune in and celebrate from afar.
Concert-exclusive merchandise, including the coveted 10cm Doll Voice Pouch, was a fan favorite, featuring voice clips from Onew, Key, Minho, and Taemin. Pre-orders quickly sold out on sites like Cokodive, further proving SHINee’s enduring global popularity.
As SHINee continues their “E.S.S.A.Y” journey, the group once again proves that every stage they step on truly shines — and so do the fans who stand by them.