Onew, 1989
Actors · December 14, 1989
Onew
★ HOW OLD IS ONEW?
Onew is 36 years old, born December 14, 1989 in South Korea · Sagittarius.
#14681of 24,678 Actors on HotBirthdays
★ LEDE
About
Onew is a South Korean singer-songwriter and actor born in 1989. He debuted as lead vocalist and leader of boy band Shinee in May 2008, which became one of South Korea's best-selling artists. Since his solo debut in 2018, he has released multiple EPs and studio albums across Korean and Japanese markets, while also appearing in musicals and TV dramas including the KBS2 hit Descendants of the Sun. A Sagittarius with life-path number 8, Onew blends idol stardom with solo ventures and acting work [F1, enrichments].
★ FEATURE
Biography
Lee Jin-ki, known professionally as Onew, was born in Gwangmyeong, Gyeonggi-do on December 14, 1989. Discovered at the 2006 SM Academy Casting, he signed with SM Entertainment and debuted as lead vocalist and leader of Shinee in May 2008—the group went on to become one of South Korea's best-selling artists. As a singer-songwriter, Onew has contributed to TV soundtracks and released collaborations across multiple projects. He made his solo debut on December 5, 2018, with the extended play Voice, just days before his military conscription. Post-service, he released the EP Dice in April 2022 and expanded internationally with his first Japanese studio album, Life Goes On, in July 2022. His Korean discography includes the studio albums Circle (March 2023) and Percent (July 2025), alongside multiple EPs: Flow (September 2024), Connection (January 2025), Tough Love (March 2026), and the Japanese EP Saku (October 2025). Beyond music, Onew has worked extensively in theater and television—roles include Baek Su in JTBC's Welcome to Royal Villa and cardiothoracic resident Lee Chi-hoon in the popular KBS2 drama Descendants of the Sun (2016), plus musicals such as Rock of Ages (2010) and Midnight Sun (2021–2022). Born under Sagittarius [enrichments], Onew holds a life-path number of 8, suggesting themes of ambition and balance across his dual career in performance [F1, enrichments]. As an actor and singer, he navigates both ensemble and solo work in South Korea's competitive entertainment industry.
★ ORIGIN
Before Fame
Onew was discovered at the 2006 SM Academy Casting and signed a contract with SM Entertainment the day after his audition. He trained under the label before debuting as the lead vocalist and leader of Shinee in May 2008.
★ SIDEBAR
Trivia
- Onew completed his mandatory military service, enlisting on December 10, 2018, just five days after his solo debut.
- He has appeared in the KBS2 drama Descendants of the Sun (2016), one of South Korea's most-watched television series.
- In addition to solo releases, Onew has contributed to songwriting for both his own projects and for Shinee.
★ SIDEBAR
Numerology
LIFE-PATH NUMBER
The Powerhouse
Driven and business-minded. Onew extend their craft into ownership: labels, production companies, brand lines.
★ ALL LIFE-PATH 8 CELEBS →★ ASTROLOGY
Birthday compatibility
By Chinese zodiac — san-he trine for best matches, opposing pair for the most friction-prone.
HIGHLY COMPATIBLE
- Tian XiweiOx · 1997
- Janhvi KapoorOx · 1997
- Bella MacleanOx · 1997
- Charithra ChandranOx · 1997
- Jung Chae-yeonOx · 1997
CHALLENGING
- Kendall JennerPig · 1995
- Brian May
★ FAQ
Frequently asked
- How old is Onew?
- Onew is 36 years old (born December 14, 1989).
- When is Onew's birthday?
- Onew was born on December 14, 1989.
- What is Onew's zodiac sign?
- Onew is a Sagittarius, born December 14, 1989.
- What is Onew's Chinese zodiac sign?
- Onew was born in 1989, the year of the Earth Snake.
- Where is Onew from?
- Onew is from South Korea.
- What does Onew do?
- Onew is a actor.
- Is Onew still alive?
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