Taemin shared his experience as the youngest mentor on ‘The Unit’ at a press conference Sunday before his solo concert at Jamsil Gymnasium in Seoul.

Taemin has been coaching contestants in the KBS audition show ‘The Unit,’ in which less well-known K-pop idols compete for a spot in project groups in an effort to renew their publicity.

Taemin is the youngest among the 6-member mentor line-up, featuring strong dancer-performers Rain & Hyuna, as well as seasoned vocalists Hwang Chi Yeol & Jo Hyun Ah, and rapper San E.

Taemin, only 24-years-old, in fact boasts a 9-year-long career in the K-pop scene, as a member of boy band SHINee as well as a prominent soloist.

“I was initially in doubt whether I am qualified to evaluate and provide guidance to other (K-pop singers). I myself wouldn’t have been able to avoid harsh criticisms if I was a contestant there, as I am not a perfect singer-performer as well,” he said when asked about his mentor role at the conference.

He added that he considers himself not a teacher higher-up, but a colleague and a collaborator to the contestants in the K-pop scene. He said he is mutually growing with the mentees during the coaching process.

“The Unit” will premiere on Oct. 28. A preview video featuring its contestants was released Friday, drawing more than 300,000 views on the first day alone.

(mjk625@heraldcorp.com)