K-pop sensation Lee Taemin has returned to the music scene with his latest EP, *Phase 1: Soft Violence*, launched on 31 August. With nearly two decades of experience in the entertainment industry, the 33-year-old artist is stepping into a new chapter of his career characterised by greater creative control.
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Taemin first rose to stardom as a member of the five-member boy group SHINee, debuting at the tender age of 14 in 2008. Following the success of his solo debut EP, *Ace*, which topped the South Korean charts in 2014, Taemin has established a formidable solo career. His trajectory continued through a 23-month mandatory military service, which he completed in April 2023. He wasted no time in returning to his passion, releasing the EP *Guilty* later that same year.
With *Soft Violence*, Taemin explores various dimensions of love, tackling themes that are often considered taboo within the K-pop industry. The EP comprises 11 tracks, with Taemin credited as a songwriter or composer on nine of them. Under the management of Galaxy Corporation, he expresses that this project reflects his authentic self more than ever before. The artist is also gearing up for his upcoming Liminal World Tour, which will feature 19 performances.
In a recent interview, Taemin reflected on his journey in the spotlight since his early years. He noted the pressures of fame, stating, “There can be some things that people expect from me, and sometimes what they expect is maybe not the real me.” Through his music, he aims to convey a message of understanding and compassion, inviting listeners to reconsider their notions of love and human relationships.
Taemin made headlines earlier this year by becoming the first male K-pop solo artist to perform at the prestigious Coachella festival. Recalling his experience, he admitted to feeling both touched and slightly embarrassed performing on such a grand stage. The multitude of diverse musical expressions and artists he encountered at the festival greatly inspired him.
When asked about the messages he hopes to impart through *Soft Violence*, Taemin explained, “There are many different shapes of love. It can be love for family, fans, pets, or lovers.” He expressed a desire to delve into the complexities of romantic love and understand the underlying emotions often overshadowed by negativity in society, such as jealousy and criticism.
Musically, *Soft Violence* showcases various soundscapes, juxtaposing contrasting tracks like “Gooey” and “Float.” Taemin attributes much of his creative inspiration to observing other artists, mentioning Justin Bieber as a significant influence. He admires Bieber’s resilience and creativity, viewing him as a source of motivation as they both embarked on their musical journeys at a young age.
Having joined the industry at 14, Taemin has had to grapple with the myriad challenges of fame from a young age. He acknowledges a transition in perspective, stating, “Now I feel like I am more like myself. I feel comfortable, and even if I don’t get a lot of love because of being me, I’m not afraid of that.” His commitment to authenticity reflects a shift towards prioritising his mental health.
Reflecting on his initial years in stardom, Taemin offered insight into his naivety, noting, “I can say I trusted people too much.” He recognised that the idealised environments provided to idols often conceal the realities of the industry, taking time to develop a more nuanced understanding of his surroundings and the people within them.
As a veteran idol, Taemin acknowledges the changes in the industry since his debut, which has led to both advantages and challenges for younger artists. He pointed out that while access to training materials and resources has greatly improved, the expectations surrounding creativity can feel stifling, indicating a need for artists to maintain their unique voices amidst a system that often values conformity.
As the youngest member of SHINee, Taemin has had to navigate specific expectations tied to that identity. He has grown more comfortable in embracing his role as the maknae (youngest member) rather than resisting it. “I’m not really caring much about how other people think. I’m just letting me be me,” he said, illustrating a newfound confidence and sense of self.
In conclusion, Taemin’s new EP *Phase 1: Soft Violence* not only marks a significant milestone in his artistic journey but also showcases his evolution as a person in the public eye. With a better understanding of himself and the industry, the K-pop icon is poised to continue making waves in the music world while embracing his authentic identity.