Taemin released his eleven-track EP, "PHASE 1 : Soft Violence" on August 31.
The album title "Soft Violence"—which garnered attention the moment it was revealed—combines the contrasting concepts of ‘Soft’ and ‘Violence.’ It presents a unique aesthetic by capturing the tension and contradictions found within familiar beauty, as well as the subtle fractures that emerge from them. The message running through the album—“Beauty can be cruel at times”—examines the hidden side of beauty that is often shaped by the gazes and expectations of others.
In this album, Taemin retains his signature delicate and fluid sensibility while expanding the energy within toward a stronger, sharper direction. He expresses himself with greater honesty and boldness, moving between the moods of Sweet, Bitter, Silent, and Brutal. Rather than simply breaking away from his established image, he reveals the raw, unpolished facets previously concealed within, thereby broadening the boundaries of the world he has built for himself. This transformation invites a fresh perspective on the familiar Taemin and marks a process of encountering a more clearly defined version of the artist.
This evolution is closely linked to the choice of ‘FLOAT’ and ‘Gooey’ as double title tracks: ‘FLOAT’ drifts up sweetly, while ‘Gooey’ feels intensely viscous and hot. Through two tracks possessing distinct moods and temperatures, Taemin simultaneously showcases his contrasting charms.
The title track 'FLOAT' is a romantic song built on a sweet pop sound; it captures the heart-fluttering feeling of how a chaotic daily life transforms into something as peaceful and perfect as a fairytale—if only for the moments spent with a loved one. Meanwhile, the music video—which portrays the anxiety and subtle emotions lurking beneath the ecstasy of love through beautiful yet chilling imagery—adds a layer of tension to the fairytale-like aesthetic, further maximizing the song's appeal.
Taemin also played an active role in the album's overall music and concept, infusing it with his own experiences, thoughts, and personal stories to craft a deepened musical identity. The album features a total of 11 tracks, offering a rich and dense exploration of Taemin’s expanded musical universe; the tracklist includes five new songs—such as the pre-release track 'This Is The End'—alongside six songs that previously garnered an enthusiastic response during his Coachella performances, including 'Let Me Be The One,' "'Sober,' and 'PARASITE.'
In this way, "PHASE 1: Soft Violence" marks Taemin’s "first PHASE"—a journey that traverses diverse emotions and textures to disrupt the familiar and reveal a new side of his true essence.
