SHINee’s ONEW Solo Comeback Unveils Trailer for New Mini Album ‘TOUGH LOVE’

SHINee’s ONEW has officially confirmed his solo comeback, announcing the release of his fifth mini album ‘TOUGH LOVE’ on March 9 and raising anticipation with the unveiling of a symbolic new trailer.

First Solo Release in Eight Months

On February 3, his agency Griffin Entertainment stated, “ONEW will release his fifth mini album ‘TOUGH LOVE’ on March 9 and reconnect with fans. Through this album, he plans to further expand his unique musical universe, and we ask for your continued interest and support.”

The upcoming album marks ONEW’s first solo release in approximately eight months, following his second full-length album ‘PERCENT’, which was released in July last year. Known for his hands-on approach to music making, ONEW has consistently participated in the songwriting and production process, establishing himself not only as a vocalist but also as an artist-producer with a distinct musical identity.

Trailer Hints at a Complex View of Love

Ahead of the official comeback, ONEW surprised fans by revealing a trailer for ‘TOUGH LOVE’ during his encore concert ‘ONEW THE LIVE : PERCENT’, held on February 1 at the Ticketlink Live Arena in Olympic Park, Seoul. The unexpected preview drew enthusiastic reactions from the audience.

The trailer presents a striking visual metaphor. Red hearts appear repeatedly throughout everyday spaces, seemingly symbolizing the many forms of love that exist in ordinary life. However, the imagery quickly shifts as the hearts burn, crack, and shatter, losing their original shape and revealing fractures beneath the surface.

The video concludes with the album title ‘TOUGH LOVE’ and the release date, leaving viewers with lingering questions about the album’s message and emotional direction. The contrast between warmth and destruction suggests a narrative that goes beyond idealized romance, pointing instead to love that is tested, imperfect, and resilient.

A Carefully Built Solo Discography

Since launching his solo career, ONEW has steadily crafted a cohesive musical narrative. His third mini album ‘FLOW’ focused on honest emotional movement, while ‘CONNECTION’, his fourth mini album, explored the organic link between inner feelings and outward expression. His second full-length album ‘PERCENT’ examined the idea of incomplete individuals gradually becoming whole through complementary relationships.

Release Details

ONEW’s fifth mini album ‘TOUGH LOVE’ will be released on March 9 at 6 p.m. KST across major music platforms. As teaser content continues to roll out, attention is firmly focused on how ONEW will translate the album’s intense symbolism into sound and what new chapter this comeback will open in his solo journey.