“The memory of the high school student standing with bright eyes on stage for ‘Noona, You’re So Pretty’ always remains in my heart.
I wanted to capture the innocence of the boy chasing his dreams in my first full-length album.” SHINee’s Minho expressed his thoughts with still sparkling eyes as he released his first full-length album as a solo artist.
Minho, who returns with the first full-length album ‘Call Back’ on the 4th, held a press conference at the Fairmont Ambassador Hotel in Yeouido, Seoul, earlier that morning to confidently introduce the album and its tracks.
This album is the first new release in about two years since the mini-album ‘Chase’ which was released in December 2022.
Minho said, “It’s been about two years since I came back with an album.
I worked tirelessly preparing, but as the release date approaches, I feel both nervous and excited.
It seems like a good thrill is approaching,” he said with an exhilarated face.
The album includes 10 songs filled with various charms, including the title track ‘Call Back.’
Minho emphasized, “This album includes a total of 10 songs, including the title track.
It’s a diverse album featuring styles I love, new genres I’m trying, and what I do best.
Aside from the title track, the other songs are also great, so I highly recommend listening to them in order.” He also mentioned that he reflected enough on his staff’s opinions during the working process.
Minho explained, “I’m quite stubborn, but there are many staff members who have been with me for a long time since debut, so I thought they might know me better than myself.
Also, because I put a lot of what I wanted to say in the mini-album, this time I intended to listen and accept more.” The title track ‘Call Back’ is a pop genre song combining heavy bass sounds with a lyrical yet intense piano line, showcasing Minho’s musical transformation, known for his ‘passionate man’ image.
Minho shared, “It’s music I haven’t done before.
I pondered a lot over the title track, but the idea of ’it’s better to challenge a new genre rather than sticking to clichés to build a new image’ came up, so I chose it as the title.” The music video highlights Minho’s distinctive youthful vibe in a new atmosphere not previously showcased.
About this, Minho said, “Despite experience and age, I wanted to capture the eternal, undying boy inside of me in the music video.
I wanted to express that well and deliver pure energy, and it seems we portrayed it well in the music video, so I’m happy.”
Being the last among the SHINee members to release a solo album, Minho mentioned, “It’s a burden, but I think (the solo activities of the members) have had a positive impact, so I’m grateful to them.
I worked hard to create an album and performance that even my members would find impressive.”
Minho said, “I think the passionate image, trying my best image, are part of my character, but it’s true that I haven’t been able to show that as a solo artist.
I wanted to show that I can also be an artist who can do R&B pop genre, which was my biggest desire.
In the future, I want to expand my musical realm through various music.”
At the end of the conference, Minho looked back on his 17-year career since debut without rest.
Minho said, “As a team, I’ve worked hard, and through challenges like movies, dramas, and plays, I think I’ve been working diligently without rest.
But I don’t think I achieved a massive success I envisioned,” adding, “I don’t crave success, but since it’s not there, it rather becomes the driving force to move forward step by step.” He calmly reflected and shared his future resolve.
“I think my desire to express my resilience is incorporated into my career.
Even though I feel like I’ve been running until now, when I look back, it seems I’ve been walking well, and because I’ve been walking well until now, I want to continue walking with a running spirit, navigating well.” Minho will release his first full-length album ‘Call Back’ through online music sites at 6 p.m. and meet fans through various activities. Reporter Park Se-yeon psyon@edaily.co.kr
