Taemin Makes Rapid Solo Comeback After SHINee Activities, Continuing His Relentless Run

Taemin is returning with an album built around the tension hidden inside beauty. His new mini-album, PHASE 1: Soft Violence, combines two opposing ideas in its title and extends his delicate, flexible style in a sharper direction.

The album is scheduled for release at 6 p.m. on the 31st across music platforms. Taemin took an active role in its music and overall concept, helping shape what his agency presents as a distinct new musical identity.

FLOAT and Gooey will serve as the double title tracks. The first is described as sweet and buoyant, while the second carries a hotter, stickier quality. Together, the songs are designed to show contrasting sides of the singer. The album also includes the previously released intro This Is The End, along with Easy Loving You, SKIN, and tracks Taemin performed at Coachella in April, including Let Me Be The One, Sober and PARASITE.

The release follows a busy year. Taemin issued his first English-language song, Long Way Home, in March, then released PERMISSION after first presenting it at the 2026 Coachella festival in May. SHINee also returned in June with its sixth mini-album, Atmos, after a year away.

PHASE 1: Soft Violence is Taemin's first album-length solo release since his fifth mini-album, Eternal, about two years ago. Teasers for the new record have emphasized a sharp, artistic visual style as he returns with a fuller body of work.