SHINee member Minho has officially made his long-awaited solo return with the release of his second mini album, titled “Make It Hot.”
On September 7, 2026, the artist dropped the six-track mini album across global music streaming platforms, marking his first new solo music project in nine months.
Released simultaneously at 6 PM KST alongside the official music video for its titular lead single on the SMTOWN YouTube channel, the record highlights Minho’s evolving musical versatility and polished artistic identity.
To celebrate the comeback directly with his global fanbase, Minho hosted a live countdown broadcast on SHINee’s official channel one hour prior to the album’s drop, sharing behind-the-scenes stories and expressing his gratitude for fans’ ongoing support.
The release of “Make It Hot” follows an extensive promotional campaign throughout late August, which featured sunset-island concept photos captured in warm golden-hour light and high-energy video teasers.
The project further builds upon Minho’s active presence in the entertainment industry, coinciding with his recent inclusion in the performer lineup for the 2026 Korea Grand Music Awards (KGMA) alongside fellow K-pop acts DAY6’s Young K and YENA, as well as his ongoing television appearances on popular variety programs such as MBC’s “I Live Alone.”
Musical Direction and Tracklist Overview
The mini album “Make It Hot” presents an engaging mix of pop dance, synth-pop, R&B, and Afro-house genres across its six carefully curated tracks.
The title song, “Make It Hot,” serves as the anchor of the album, delivering a high-energy pop dance sound built on energetic EDM synth arrangements.
The track’s narrative revolves around the intense, magnetic pull between two people captivated by mutual passion in the heat of the moment.
Complementing the title track is “Liquid,” a rhythmic pop dance piece driven by a punchy bassline and synth melodies that features a vocal collaboration with Belle from the popular girl group KISS OF LIFE.
In addition to its main dance tracks, the album explores diverse emotional moods and mature themes of love and parting:
- “Make It Hot” – The leading pop dance title track incorporating dynamic EDM elements and passionate lyrical themes.
- “Liquid” (feat. Belle of KISS OF LIFE) – A synth-driven pop dance track depicting deep emotional connection, elevated by Belle’s featured vocals.
- “Love Me Now” – An Afro-house dance song featuring stylish rhythms and grooves, portraying the reflective act of letting go of past romance with a warm smile.
- “Time 1.1” – A sleek pop track adding rhythmic balance and vocal depth to the project’s middle section.
- “Out Of My Hands” – A contemporary track highlighting Minho’s signature warm, slightly husky vocal tone and emotive delivery.
- “Ending Scene” – A medium-tempo R&B song enriched with acoustic guitar riffs, percussion, and atmospheric synths, expressing a calm and resolute decision to end a familiar relationship.
Progression of Minho’s Solo Career
Since making his original debut as a member of SHINee in 2008, Minho has continuously expanded his creative reach beyond group activities, excelling as an actor, TV personality, and solo recording artist.
He officially launched his solo discography in December 2022 with his debut mini album “CHASE,” which established his foundational identity as a solo vocalist.
He subsequently released his first full-length album, the ten-track project “CALL BACK,” in November 2024, demonstrating his capability to handle complex vocal arrangements and diverse musical styles.
With “Make It Hot,” Minho reinforces his commitment to solo artistic growth.
By incorporating sophisticated dance subgenres, collaborating with emerging talent like Belle, and delivering grounded emotional storytelling through his R&B and pop tracks, Minho continues to broaden his musical palette while maintaining the charismatic stage presence that has defined his multi-faceted career for over a decade.
