On September 3rd at 6 PM, Onew will release his third mini-album, FLOW, marking his debut as a solo artist. This release comes after a hiatus due to health issues following SHINee’s eighth full-length album, Hard, which was released last June.
During this period, Onew parted ways with SM Entertainment, where he had been since his debut, and signed with Griffin Entertainment. FLOW represents not only his return to the music scene after recovering his health but also his first project under his new agency, signaling a fresh start for the artist.
In a recent interview at a café in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Onew reflected on his time away, sharing, “During my break, I traveled a lot due to my health issues. I learned that failing is a normal part of life and not something to be ashamed of.” He recounted how his travels brought him new experiences and insights, saying, “I was amazed by how I had to handle everything myself, from booking accommodations to figuring out travel plans on my own. There were moments of trial and error, like missing reservations or getting sunburned, but these experiences were both humorous and humbling.”
These challenges led to personal growth for Onew. He noted, “Although I faced difficulties and small failures, they didn’t stop me from pursuing my goals. I realized that even a day or two can be enough to take a break, and I’ve learned to make the most of short periods of rest.”
This personal evolution is reflected in his new album. Unlike his previous work, which emphasized his vocal and emotional depth, FLOW is designed to connect with a broader audience. Onew, who wrote lyrics for all the tracks and took a hands-on approach to production, described the album as a performance-focused set list. He explained, “When I joined my new agency, I expressed my desire to focus on performances. This album allows me to experiment with various styles, from the title track ‘Charm’ to the minimalist ‘Focus.’”
For his comeback, Onew is planning a fan concert instead of traditional music show promotions. He aims to hold a solo concert soon after and is committed to continuing his growth and expressing his gratitude to his fans.
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