As a member of SHINee, Choi Minho's teens and twenties have revolved almost wholly around the South Korean boyband since its debut in 2008. Outlasting many of its fellow second-generation idol groups in the ever-evolving K-pop scene, SHINee is now into its 15th year. Boybands with such longevity are rare, particularly when their members are called up for mandatory military service, causing them to go on hiatus. This was the case for the group, when three members-including Choi, who is better known by his mononym Minho-were called up for military duty in 2018. He enlisted in 2019, taking his first real break from the entertainment scene since joining the group as a fresh-faced 16-year-old.
On the positive side, his time in the Marine Corps allowed him to reflect on himself and his career ambitions, away from the limelight. "Going to the army meant that I was able to take a breather and take a closer look at myself," he shares. "I realised that to be more creative so as to show a different side of myself, I had to have free time to do things outside of the entertainment world." For instance, he adds, it is now part of his routine to do something completely different from what he usually does at work, like going on long walks to clear his mind.
This story is from the March 2023 edition of Harper's BAZAAR Singapore.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the March 2023 edition of Harper's BAZAAR Singapore.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
FASHION IS POWER
American author, filmmaker, psychologist and educator Roberta Degnore who teaches a world-first course called "The Psychology of Gender, Perception, and Self-Expression in Fashion" at New York's Fashion Institute of Technology argues that fashion is anything but frivolous.
The Italian Who Does It Better
After fifty years in fashion, Giorgio Armani—the man and the brand is still a force to be reckoned with.
Most Stylish Women 2024
Stylishness isn’t just about being fashionable. Instead, it’s a blend of self-assurance, passion and stories that makes the idea of style so multifaceted and rich. From a mother and daughter duo who approach dressing up with equal exuberance, to an entrepreneur championing the varied tales of batik to a singer-songwriter showing her chic chops with a walking stick, meet the 10 women who inspire us with their singular takes on personal style.
CITY ON HIGH
One city, 10 collaborators, 10 collections-Moncler lit up Shanghai with its City Of Genius showcase.
PRETTY NOVEL 172
Franck Muller presents its smallest skeleton movement to date in beautiful miniaturised novelties from the Round collection.
THE JOIE
Chopard's newest global brand ambassador Bella Hadid details her appreciation for the Maison and what she loves about its jewellery.
SOUL SEARCHING
In Rajasthan, India, a first-time visitor explores two stunningly singular Aman properties and experiences the raw and powerful beauty of the northwestern state.
INTO THE BLUE
With the Rolex Perpetual Planet Initiative, the watchmaker is on a mission to safeguard our most precious resources, including the Nusa Penida Marine Protected Area in Indonesia.
LIFE IN TRANSIT
Entrepreneur and creative multi-hyphenate Sherry Ang shares how her transitional home blends elegant simplicity with the vibrant chaos of family life.
YES,CHEFS!
BAZAAR talks to three of the hottest names in Singapore's culinary scene to get the hot, hard truths of the trade.
