Outdated sound. Robot-like dancing. Weird hairstyles.
SHINee’s “Lucifer” is not exactly what you’d expect to see trending in 2025.
So… why is it everywhere on TikTok?
💌 Want more K-POP deep dives like this?
Subscribe to Hello Bias Letters, our free Substack newsletter!
Each week, we unpack K-POP culture with care—from fan behavior to behind-the-scenes stories.
→ Join us here
Have you seen this song on TikTok lately?
Lately, you might have noticed K-pop idols dancing to a song that sounds… a bit off.
The beat feels dated, the sound quality isn’t great, and the choreography looks stiff—like a robot dance from another era.
You may have asked yourself: “Why is everyone dancing to this old song now?”
Honestly, I thought it was kind of lame at first. But now? I keep watching it on repeat.
The song is SHINee’s “Lucifer”
The track behind all this buzz is “Lucifer” by SHINee, released way back in 2010—15 years ago!
Go watch the music video. I mean it. It’s… something.
The hairstyles are wild, the dance moves look awkward, and it all screams early-2010s.
SHINee was a big deal in K-pop’s second generation
“Lucifer” might seem outdated now, but in 2010, SHINee was leading the way in K-pop.
They were part of the second generation, a time when K-pop was evolving fast—and SHINee was at the center of it.
Today’s idols grew up watching them.
Jimin from BTS has said he started dancing because of Taemin from SHINee.
Jungwoo (NCT) and Yeonjun (TXT) have also mentioned SHINee as their inspiration for becoming idols.
In a way, SHINee helped shape the K-pop we know now.
How did “Lucifer” make a comeback?
So SHINee was iconic—got it. But why is this song trending now?
It all started at SMTOWN 2025, a concert featuring SM Entertainment artists.
There, a group of SM ROOKIES (trainees) performed “Lucifer,” bringing the song back into the spotlight.
Soon, idols started joining the #LuciferChallenge on TikTok, and it began to spread.
The trend kicked off around March, and even now in May, you’ll still see clips pop up on TikTok and YouTube Shorts.
Even I find myself rewatching them.
That once “cringey” robot dance?
Somehow, it syncs perfectly with the beat. It’s weirdly addictive—and now people all over the world are watching.
Bonus: Where are SHINee members now?
You might assume that idols from 15 years ago are now retired—or forgotten. Not SHINee.
They’ve all completed their military service and are still active, both solo and as a group.
Taemin and Key, in particular, continue to top music charts in Korea with their solo work.
Personally, I recommend checking out Key’s solo performances—his style and energy are incredible.
If “Lucifer” is your first time seeing SHINee, it’s not too late.
They’re still here, and they’re still making waves.
Some of today’s most popular idols—like those in the 97line—grew up watching SHINee.
👉 Here’s what the 97line is all about.
