SHINee's Onew to Release Triple Title Tracks for New Single 'Chakgak'

SHINee's Onew is generating buzz in Korea with the upcoming release of his new single album 'Chakgak' (착각). The core reason for the excitement is his unique approach of releasing three title tracks sequentially, showcasing his diverse musical range.

The first title track, "Mind Games," a duet with Yuju, is scheduled for release on September 29, 2026, at 6 PM KST. This single marks Onew's return approximately seven months after his 5th mini-album "TOUGH LOVE" released in March. The subsequent two title tracks will be unveiled on October 7 and October 20, 2026, respectively. Onew, whose real name is Lee Jinki, is known for his warm and soft vocal tone and has been active with Griffin Entertainment for solo work while remaining with SM Entertainment for SHINee group activities. He recently completed a Japanese new album release and a solo concert in Tokyo.

Local bloggers express anticipation for Onew's return, noting his consistent solo career and unique vocal color. They highlight his well-known nicknames like "Jinki Myunggi" (a play on his real name Lee Jinki and 'Jingi Myunggi' meaning 'rare and wonderful') and "Gomak Namchin" (ear-boyfriend), reflecting his pleasant voice. The strategy of releasing multiple title tracks is seen as an exciting way to explore his artistic versatility over several weeks.