SHINee's Onew has unveiled a fresh batch of teaser photos for his upcoming fifth mini album "TOUGH LOVE," highlighting his sweet and charming side ahead of the March 9 release.
In the latest images shared through his official channels, Onew leans into a soft, boyfriend-like concept that emphasizes his warm and approachable appeal. One set of photos shows him in a pink knitted sweater against a matching pastel backdrop, giving off a cozy and affectionate mood that fits the romantic season.
His gentle gaze and relaxed poses accentuate his natural sweetness, offering fans a softer take on the album's "tough" theme, according to allkpop.
Another set of teaser cuts highlights a more refined, slightly nerdy charm, with Onew surrounded by books in an antique-style library. Dressed in a dandy look, he blends a studious image with subtle charisma, suggesting a storyline that explores love with both innocence and maturity.
These contrasting visuals follow earlier concept photos where he switched between a calm denim styling and a stronger red jacket look, underlining his versatility as a performer, chosun reported.
"TOUGH LOVE" is scheduled to drop on March 9 at 6 p.m. KST, marking Onew's return about eight months after his full-length album "PERCENT." His agency has described the new mini album as a project that expands his unique musical world and captures different sides of love through detailed storytelling. The tracks are expected to showcase a dense, sensuous sound that reflects the emotional layers hinted at in the teaser visuals.
Anticipation is particularly high as Onew comes off a successful world tour, "ONEW THE LIVE : PERCENT (%)," which wrapped earlier this year and included shows across multiple continents.
During his Seoul encore concert, he first teased "TOUGH LOVE" with a dramatic trailer featuring hearts that shatter and explode, signaling a deeper and more complex exploration of love.
With the newest teaser photos emphasizing his sweet charm, fans are watching closely to see how Onew will balance softness and strength when the album is finally released, as per soompi.
