TAEMIN ‘PHASE 1: Soft Violence’ Album Info: Tracklist & Details
SHINee’s Taemin is set to release his sixth solo EP, ‘PHASE 1 : Soft Violence’, on August 31, 2026, at 6 PM KST. The album features 11 tracks with double title songs ‘Float’ and ‘Gooey’. Notably, six of the tracks were first unveiled during his historic performance at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in April 2026, where he became the first K-pop solo male artist to perform at the event. The release will be followed by his 2026-27 ‘LiMiNaL’ world tour.
Album Overview
Release Information
The album title ‘PHASE 1 : Soft Violence’ combines two contrasting concepts-softness and violence-creating a paradoxical aesthetic that has become a signature of Taemin’s artistic identity.
Table of Contents
Full Tracklist & Production Details
Double Title Tracks
Taemin’s new EP features two lead tracks:
1. ‘Float’
- Genre: Sweet pop sound
- Producers: SOFTSERVEBOY (known for LE SSERAFIM, SEVENTEEN), Drew Love of US R&B duo THEY., Bava (co-composer of DJ Snake and Selena Gomez’s ‘Taki Taki’)
2. ‘Gooey’
- Genre: Hip-hop pop
- Taemin participated in writing the lyrics
- Collaborators: BUMZU, jonjon, Ninos Hanna, WILJAM
Full 11-Track Lineup
Global Producer Lineup
The album features an impressive roster of international producers:
- SOFTSERVEBOY – LE SSERAFIM, SEVENTEEN
- Drew Love – US R&B duo THEY.
- Bava – DJ Snake & Selena Gomez’s ‘Taki Taki’
- BUMZU – Korean producer
- Kuk Harrell – Rihanna, Beyoncé
- Josh Cumbee – Pop producer
Agency Galaxy Corporation stated: “This album is the result of Taemin’s musical capabilities combined with top producers from around the world. The songs verified on the Coachella stage and new tracks with fresh musical attempts come together to showcase artist Taemin’s expanded spectrum.”
Historical Significance: Coachella 2026
One of the most significant aspects of this album is its connection to Taemin’s historic Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival performance in April 2026.
Six of the eleven tracks on ‘PHASE 1 : Soft Violence’ were first performed on the Coachella stage. This performance marked Taemin as the first K-pop solo male artist to perform at the prestigious US music festival.
Following Coachella, Taemin also performed at the British Summer Time Hyde Park festival in the UK, further cementing his global presence.
Concept & Visual Direction
Dual Concept Photos
Taemin unveiled two contrasting concept photo versions:
- ‘Sweet Violence’ – Released August 20
- ‘Bitter Violence’ – Released August 24
Agency Galaxy Corporation described the concept photos as completing the “paradoxical aesthetic” characteristic of the ‘Soft Violence’ title.
Intro Video: ‘This Is The End’
On August 11, 2026, Taemin released the official video for intro track ‘This Is The End’ through Galaxy Corporation’s official YouTube channel. The surreal visual featured:
- A clock stopped at 11:59
- Repeated train arrival announcements
- Endlessly extending shoes
- A person trapped in a loop, attempting to escape
‘Float’ MV Teaser
On August 28, 2026, Taemin released the official teaser for the ‘Float’ music video. The teaser showcased an abstract concept with the artist using a brush to create black-and-white monochrome strokes, building anticipation for the full visual experience.
What’s Next: ‘LiMiNaL’ World Tour
Following the album release, Taemin will embark on his 2026-27 ‘LiMiNaL’ world tour:
Tour Schedule
| Region | Cities / Details |
|---|---|
| Seoul, South Korea | September 18-20, 2026 – Jamsil Indoor Stadium |
| North America | San Jose, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Grand Prairie, Chicago, Newark |
| Latin America | 6 cities |
The tour will span 12 cities across Korea and the Americas.
Why This Album Matters
A New Chapter After Two Years
‘PHASE 1 : Soft Violence’ marks Taemin’s first solo release in approximately two years, following his previous EP ‘Eternal’. The album represents a new phase in his artistic journey, combining material tested on some of the world’s biggest stages with fresh studio recordings.
Coachella Legacy
The inclusion of six Coachella-premiered tracks gives the album a unique significance. These songs were not merely studio recordings but were first introduced to a global audience at one of music’s most prestigious festivals, adding a layer of live-performance credibility to the release.
Artistic Evolution
The album’s title-contrasting softness with violence-continues Taemin’s tradition of exploring complex, often contradictory themes in his solo work. This conceptual depth, combined with a stellar lineup of global producers, positions ‘PHASE 1 : Soft Violence’ as one of the most anticipated K-pop releases of 2026.
Audience Response & Pre-Release Buzz
Fan Reactions
Prior to the album’s release, fan communities showed significant enthusiasm:
- Concept photos received praise for their artistic quality and unique aesthetic
- The ‘This Is The End’ intro video was described as “surreal” and “artistic” by international fans
- Fans noted the “contrasting” nature of the title-softness and violence existing simultaneously
Pre-Order Information
Pre-orders for ‘PHASE 1 : Soft Violence’ opened in early August 2026 with multiple versions available:
- JEWEL Ver.
- BRUTAL Ver.
- PHOTOBOOK Ver. (SWEET Ver.)
- KEYRING Ver.
Awards & Chart Performance
Note: As the album is scheduled for release on August 31, 2026, official award nominations, wins, and chart data are not yet available. This section will be updated following the album’s release.
| Category | Status |
|---|---|
| Music Show Wins | Pending |
| Album Chart Rankings | Pending |
| Award Nominations | Pending |
| Streaming Data | Pending |
FAQs
1. When is Taemin’s ‘PHASE 1 : Soft Violence’ album released?
The album is scheduled for release on August 31, 2026, at 6 PM KST. It will be available on various online music platforms.
2. How many songs are on the album and what are the title tracks?
‘PHASE 1 : Soft Violence’ contains 11 tracks with double title tracks: ‘Float’ and ‘Gooey’. Six of the songs were previously performed at the Coachella Festival in April 2026.
3. Will Taemin go on tour after the album release?
Yes. Taemin will begin his 2026-27 ‘LiMiNaL’ world tour starting with concerts in Seoul from September 18-20, 2026, at Jamsil Indoor Stadium, followed by stops in North America and Latin America.
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