Taemin Reflects on His Journey with New Mini Album 'ETERNAL'

Photo provided by Big Planet Made Entertainment

Taemin, who marks the 10th anniversary of his solo debut this year, has shared his thoughts on the release of his fifth mini-album, 'ETERNAL'. 

The album and its double title tracks, including "Sexy In The Air," will be accompanied by a music video premiering at 6 p.m. on the 19th.

This fifth mini-album holds special significance for Taemin as it is his first self-produced album. He was involved in every step of the process, from planning to music videos, making 'ETERNAL' a deeply personal project.

'ETERNAL' reflects Taemin's strong will and identity as an artist, encapsulating his belief that "Taemin is Taemin no matter where he is or what he does." The album explores themes of change and consistency, offering an honest portrayal of the artist's journey over the years.

The title track "Sexy In The Air" combines lyrics that convey self-identity and pride with sharp electric guitar sounds, exuding Taemin's intense energy. The song speaks to a desire for change and self-expression, making it a powerful anthem for the artist.

The second title track, "Horizon," is a modern synth-pop dance song with a dynamic, lively melody. The track tells Taemin's story of breaking free from the familiar and embracing new experiences.

The album features seven tracks in total, each showcasing different facets of Taemin's artistry. Songs like "G.O.A.T" bring a hip-hop vibe, while "The Unknown Sea" offers an acoustic, lyrical experience. Other tracks include the electric pop "Crush," the introspective "Say Less," and the dreamy "Deja Vu."

Photo provided by Big Planet Made Entertainment

Q&A with Taemin

Q1. How do you feel about reaching the 10th anniversary of your solo debut?

I've been performing for a long time, and I feel incredibly grateful to the fans and everyone who has supported me. This album was prepared with the intention of celebrating this milestone, and I’m eager to share what I've been working on.

Q2. You recently moved to a new agency, Big Planet Made Entertainment. Has anything changed for you?

Honestly, not much has changed despite the move. Wherever I am, I prepare in the same way. Of course, I'm learning new ways of working and communicating with the staff, but overall, it's just a new environment where I can continue doing what I love.

Q3. You were involved in every aspect of this album’s production. What was most important to you during this process?

I always think deeply about what I want to do and what I want to show my fans. This album is a reflection of those thoughts. Even though my situation has changed, I didn’t try to force a change in my music. I stayed true to the emotions and sounds that resonate with me.

Q4. Can you introduce the double title tracks "Sexy In The Air" and "Horizon"?

"Sexy In The Air" is perfect for the hot season. It has an exciting, retro sound that makes you want to dance. The song has an unexpected twist with a drill beat that kicks in as the song builds. "Horizon," on the other hand, is a high-energy synth-pop track, and it's my first time exploring this genre. The choreography for both tracks is also something to look out for.

Q5. Performance is a crucial aspect of your work. What should fans pay attention to during this promotion?

The choreography for this album was designed to align with the flow of each song. Some parts are minimalistic, others are dynamic, and some are highly conceptual. I hope fans pay attention to how the performance evolves with the music.

Photo provided by Big Planet Made Entertainment

Q6. Can you give us a sneak peek of the "Sexy In The Air" music video?

The "Sexy In The Air" music video was directed by Lee In-hoon, who I worked with on the performance video for my last album, The Rizzness. He understands me well, and we worked closely to bring the song's mood to life. The video uses elements like water, light, and wind to create a unique atmosphere, and I think these details will help viewers connect with the song.

Q7. You recently held a listening session for your new album. How did it go?

I’m always nervous when releasing new music, but the listening session felt comfortable because it was with friends and fans. It was meaningful to share the stories behind each song, and I enjoyed seeing the fans' reactions in real time. The only downside was that we ran out of time to read all the fan messages.

Q8. What reactions or goals do you have for this album?

I hope ETERNAL marks the beginning of my journey as a more involved artist. With this album, I feel like I've matured and refined my craft. I’m excited to continue exploring this path in future projects.

Q9. Your first solo world tour, "Ephemeral Gaze," is coming up. How do you feel about it?

I'm thrilled and grateful to finally embark on a solo world tour. It’s something I’ve dreamed of since I first wanted to become a singer. I can’t wait to meet fans from different places and create unforgettable memories together.

Q10. Any final message for your fans?

The reason I can continue trying new things is because of your support. It’s taken me a long time to fully realize this, and I’m more grateful than ever. I want to continue to express my gratitude through my music. Thank you always, and I love you.