Singer Taemin is making a comeback with a new album that showcases his evolved artistic vision.
Set to drop on Monday at 6:00 p.m. (KST) across all music platforms, Taemin’s latest mini-album PHASE 1: Soft Violence is generating buzz in the K-pop world. The album’s title juxtaposes the concepts of soft and violence, exploring the tension and contradictions within familiar beauty, and the subtle fractures that emerge. This bold approach presents Taemin’s unique new aesthetic. In this release, Taemin maintains his signature delicate and flexible style while pushing his inherent energy in a bolder, more intense direction. His active involvement in the album’s music and overall concept has resulted in a distinctive sound that’s unmistakably Taemin.
The album boasts two title tracks: “FLOAT” and “Gooey.” These contrasting songs – “FLOAT” with its sweet, ethereal quality, and “Gooey” with its hot, sticky vibe – promise to showcase Taemin’s versatility as an artist. The tracklist also includes the pre-released intro “This Is The End,” new tracks like “Easy Loving You” and “SKIN,” as well as songs he debuted at Coachella last April: “Let Me Be The One,” “Sober,” and “PARASITE.”
Taemin has been on fire this year. March saw the release of his first English single, “Long Way Home,” followed by “PERMISSION” in May, which wowed the crowd at Coachella 2026. Despite his solo endeavors, Taemin hasn’t neglected his group commitments. SHINee dropped their sixth mini-album Atmos in June, marking their comeback after a year-long hiatus. The group also graced the Coachella stage in April, further cementing their international appeal.
Amidst his packed schedule, Taemin has been diligently crafting his music. The fruits of his labor will be unveiled on Monday with PHASE 1: Soft Violence. This marks Taemin’s first full album release in about two years, following his fifth mini-album Eternal. While he’s remained active in the interim, fans have been eagerly awaiting a more substantial solo project.
Following his headline-making agency switch in March, Taemin hit the ground running with two singles in the first half of this year. Now, he’s ready to quench his fans’ thirst with an extended play (EP) packed with fresh tracks. The album’s teaser has already set social media abuzz, featuring Taemin’s sharp, artistic visuals that hint at an even more evolved version of the K-pop icon.
As Taemin’s artistic prowess continues to deepen, fans and critics alike are eager to see what PHASE 1: Soft Violence will bring to the table. Music lovers can tune in to all major streaming platforms at 6:00 p.m. (KST) on Monday to experience Taemin’s latest musical evolution firsthand.
