I hear you + agree on all fronts. Previously, I would have taken that statement to allude to activity while others are in the military maybe, but these events put a whole new spin on things. The statement itself reads to me like they'd always be together and especially Jonghyun wouldn't be willing to move forward if one member wanted to leave; it'd have been all or nothing in that circumstance. Like I don't think OT4 SHINee would have existed had Onew left because of all that unfolded in August. But this is such a different and unprecedented event...?

And yeah, February is incredibly soon. You posted above that "if they listen to Shawols ever, let it be just this once as we say 'take the time you need,'" and mte. I'm also curious as to how this is going to affect things like enlistment and solo activity. On top of them taking the time they need prior to group performances, I also hope they take whatever time they need before acting / solo albums and especially before enlistment. I can't fathom there's anything less conducive to a healthy grieving period than being thrust into the military.