SHINee's ONEW Set to Make a Comeback with Mini Album 'TOUGH LOVE' on March 9

SHINee member ONEW is confirmed to make his comeback on March 9.

His agency, Griffin Entertainment, announced, "ONEW will release his fifth mini-album 'TOUGH LOVE' on the 9th of next month and meet with fans. ONEW plans to expand his unique musical universe with this new album, and we ask for your anticipation and interest."

This comeback marks approximately eight months since the release of his second full-length album 'PERCENT' in July last year. Known for his involvement in the overall production process as both an artist and producer, ONEW's upcoming album 'TOUGH LOVE' is highly anticipated for its distinctive musical flair.

Ahead of the comeback, ONEW surprised fans by unveiling a trailer hinting at 'TOUGH LOVE' during his encore concert '2025-26 ONEW WORLD TOUR [ONEW THE LIVE: PERCENT (%)] ENCORE' held at the Ticketlink Live Arena in Olympic Park, Songpa-gu, Seoul, on the 1st.

The trailer, filled with red hearts symbolizing various forms of love, captures attention as the hearts eventually burn, shatter, and break, leading to a state of disarray. The video concludes with the album title 'TOUGH LOVE' and its release date, sparking curiosity about its meaning.

As a solo artist, ONEW has consistently challenged himself musically with each album. From the candid expression in his third mini-album 'FLOW', the emphasis on the organic connection between his inner and outer self in the fourth mini-album 'CONNECTION', to the portrayal of incomplete beings achieving 100% in complementary relationships in his second full-length album 'PERCENT', ONEW has maintained a unique musical narrative. Fans are eager to see the new story he will unfold with 'TOUGH LOVE'.

ONEW's fifth mini-album 'TOUGH LOVE' will be released on various music platforms at 6 PM on March 9.

Kim Ji-won, Ten Asia Reporter one@tenasia.co.kr