Onew Set to Release Second Solo Album “PERCENT”This July
Onew, the renowned vocalist of SHINee, has shared exciting details regarding his forthcoming full-length solo album titled PERCENT. Scheduled for release on July 15 at 6:00 p.m. KST, this marks his first major studio album in over two years, following his previous work, Circle, which debuted in 2023.
In a recent announcement, Griffin Entertainment, Onew’s management agency, disclosed that he has been deeply involved in the production of every single track on PERCENT. They stated that the album reflects his personal narrative as both an artist and producer. This anticipated release arrives about five months after his fourth mini-album, CONNECTION, was made available in January 2025.
Tracklist and Themes of “PERCENT”
The album consists of 11 captivating tracks, featuring the title song, Animals, alongside others such as Silky, Caffeine, Marshmallow, Confidence, 오래 OKㅋ, Far Away, MAD, PERCENT (%), Epilogue, and Happy Birthday. Onew has taken an active role in the songwriting process, contributing to the lyrics for the majority of the album.
Rich in thematic exploration, PERCENT delves into concepts of completion and interconnectedness. Onew articulates his reflections on how individuals engage in complementary relationships with various life experiences. He describes the album as a representation of the self that is, in his words, “emptied, filled, and completed, ”underlining that true completeness cannot be achieved in isolation.
Pre-release and Promotional Activities
In anticipation of the album launch, Onew pre-released the track Confidence on June 24, accompanied by a visually striking music video filmed in Los Angeles. This song conveys an uplifting message about self-belief amid life’s uncertainties, offering comfort that emphasizes attitude over mere achievement. The music video features Onew with a propeller attached to his back, symbolizing his aspirations and resilience through past setbacks.
The promotional campaign has been vibrant, starting with an enigmatic trailer named G, which showcases Onew’s symbolic interaction with a mouse. Fans have also been teased with clue videos containing evocative words like wilderness, wildlife, instinct, and freedom, along with imagery representing hearts, brains, and animals. A unique art spoiler for Animals illustrates human evolution through animated visuals, cleverly embedding the letters of the title within different historical contexts.
Diverse Musical Endeavors
Onew’s artistic vision on PERCENT encompasses a wide variety of musical genres, ranging from the smooth sounds of Silky to the catchy groove of Caffeine, as well as the emotionally resonant Marshmallow and the upbeat rock influence found in Far Away. Experimental elements also shine through, particularly in PERCENT (%), which features surprising snare sounds, while tracks like Epilogue and Happy Birthday radiate Onew’s genuine energy.
Upcoming Concerts and Fan Engagement
The release of PERCENT will coincide with a series of solo concerts, scheduled for August 2-3 in South Korea, followed by performances in Japan from October 3-5. Extending his reach to a wider audience, Onew has also revealed plans for a world tour encompassing 16 cities globally. In addition, a pop-up store will launch simultaneously with the album, presenting fans with further engagement opportunities.
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