2008–10: Career beginnings

Onew was discovered at the 2006 S.M. Academy Casting. Onew received great appreciation from Lee Soo-man, SM Entertainment's founder, at Girls' Generation's debut showcase. Lee Soo-man noticed him and wanted to hear Onew sing during a one time on the spot audition. He signed the contract with SM the day after he auditioned.[6][7] In 2008, he was chosen as the leader of the group Shinee, and the 5-member boy group debuted on May 25, 2008 on SBS's Inkigayo.[3]

Shortly after debut, Onew contributed to singles for Lee Hyun-ji in 2008, for Vanilla LOVE and Vanilla Love Part 2.[8] In 2009, he was featured with Girls' Generation member Jessica for the song One Year Later in the Tell Me Your Wish mini-album.[9] The same year, he also sang a duet with Kim Yeon-woo for the song, The Name I Loved from the third mini album by Shinee, 2009, Year Of Us.[10]