Taemin on ‘Phase 1: Soft Violence’ Album Release and Plans To Visit India With SHINee (EXCLUSIVE)

Lee Taemin (known by his stage name Taemin) is often referred to as an “idol’s idol” — a testament to his stature among fellow K-pop stars. Now 33, he is nearly two decades into a career that began when he debuted with SHINee at the age of 14 in 2008. Since then, the singer, dancer and performer has built a formidable following both in South Korea and internationally. He launched his solo career in 2014 and, a decade later, took greater control of his artistic journey, making his solo debut and continuing to carve out a distinct identity through his music, choreography and unparalleled stage presence.

In a conversation with Variety India, Taemin talks about his latest album, “Phase 1: Soft Violence,” which he describes as a story about “the emotion of love” and his desire to visit India again after his brief visit in 2025. Calling his April 2026 Coachella performance as a Korean male solo artist a “meaningful experience,” he hopes to return to the desert and share positivity through his songs.  

The title “Phase 1: Soft Violence” is contradictory, and so are the SWEET and BITTER album versions. What story are you narrating with this album?

Although “Soft Violence” contains meanings that are opposing, rather than being an album simply meant to show contrast, it is an album that expresses, somewhat abstractly, the experiences I have gone through so far and the person that I am.

With the recent change in management teams, did you have to reinvent your music style and production? And how do you balance your solo career with SHINee? 

After moving to a new company, in a way, I have become more involved in the production process myself. In the past, I looked at things from a little further away, but now I am participating by taking one step closer and trying to directly realize the things I have in mind. For SHINee activities, we are preparing while coordinating our schedules with each other.

Related Stories

Yeonjun on Shedding Labels, ‘TXT’s Parenting Diary’ and Fears of Over-Dancing: ‘Want to be Completely Confident and Fearless’ (EXCLUSIVE)

Grammys in Talks to Revamp Best Asian Pop Music Performance Category After BTS Opts Out

You’re now 18 years into your K-pop career, with your 12th solo debut anniversary approaching. Did you ever imagine you’d come this far? What would you say to the Taemin who auditioned in 2005? 

I never imagined that I would be active this long. I had heard that people were usually liked for around four or five years, so I wondered, ‘What should I do four or five years from now?’ But as time passed, the market changed a lot and K-culture also grew tremendously, so I am truly grateful for that.

The one thing I would tell my younger self is: ‘Believe in yourself, and have confidence in what you think for yourself.’

Androgynous fashion forms the core of your on-stage identity. How do you balance staying true to yourself while experimenting with changing trends and setting new standards? 

I have tried various things to make bold attempts musically and differentiate myself from others, and I continue to challenge myself with new concepts. I have also tried various things when it comes to fashion and artistic expression. Above all, I have been greatly influenced by Michael Jackson. Whenever he expressed a certain character or presented something as a storyteller, I was impressed by how clearly and intuitively he conveyed it, as well as by his stage direction.

As someone whose work has a significant influence on the younger generation, how do you stay relevant and relatable while also being a positive influence? 

I think this is one of the aspects of my work I’m most proud of. Being able to bring people joy and inspire them makes me incredibly happy and grateful. Because of that, whenever I have the chance to share a message with my audience, I try to keep it positive rather than focus on something negative. 

Your first English digital single, ‘Long Way Home,’ was released in 2025, 11 years into your solo career. Why do you think an all-English track was needed in your discography, and does language have any value in reaching a larger audience?

Language is the most important way to communicate your thoughts. I have been active for a long time and wanted to communicate with more people through music. So releasing an English song felt natural to me. 

You visited India for the first time in 2025. What stood out to you regarding the experience and would you want to come back with SHINee?

I first visited India in November 2025, and I think it was a meaningful experience. As it was very brief, I definitely want to visit again. In the future, whether it’s for my solo work or with SHINee, I hope I’ll have more opportunities to meet you all.