TAEMIN Explores the Tension Behind Beauty on ‘PHASE 1 : Soft Violence’

TAEMIN has returned with his new solo EP PHASE 1 : Soft Violence, released August 31 through Galaxy Corporation.

Built around the tension and contradictions within familiar ideas of beauty, the project pairs “soft” and “violence” to examine what can exist beneath polished appearances and the expectations of others. Galaxy Corporation describes the album as carrying the idea that beauty can sometimes be cruel.

The 11-track release is led by double title tracks “FLOAT” and “Gooey,” which present contrasting sides of the project. “FLOAT” takes a warmer pop approach, while “Gooey” provides a heavier counterpoint to that sound and atmosphere.

PHASE 1 : Soft Violence also incorporates material TAEMIN previously introduced onstage at Coachella in April, including “Let Me Be The One,” “Sober” and “PARASITE.” Those songs sit alongside new material as TAEMIN expands the musical and visual contrasts at the center of the project.

That contrast extends into the album’s physical and visual campaign. The photobook editions are divided into SWEET and BITTER versions, while the jewel editions use SILENT and BRUTAL, reinforcing the opposing ideas running through the release.

The release comes ahead of TAEMIN’s LiMiNaL world tour, which is scheduled to begin with three concerts at Seoul’s Jamsil Indoor Stadium from September 18 through September 20.