SHINee’s Minho has officially made his solo debut with “Chase” (“놓아줘 (Chase)” in Korean). While mini-album CHASE was released on December 6, 2022, the music video for title track “Chase” was released on December 12, 2022. CHASE has six R&B, soul, rap, and hip-hop-styled tracks, two of which feature GEMINI and Lim Kim. The title track was written by Lee Yeonji, composed by Kimberly “Kaydence” Krysiuk, GEMINI, Kwaca, and IMLAY, and arranged by Childish Major, Quintin “Q” Gulledge, Larrance Dopson, Swish, and IMLAY.

In this intense solo debut, Minho can’t be stopped as he battles the memory of his recently passed partner. After a car accident on a cold night, Minho is left widowed and in shock. Collecting her watch, he steps into their past, visiting the bar they used to meet at. Minho can’t differentiate fantasy from reality, and the same scenes replay as he checks every woman in the bar, looking for his soulmate. This only leads to more horrific nights, as Minho is thrown out of the bar and beaten by angry boyfriends.

A guilt-ridden Minho doesn’t know whether to listen to his partner’s whispers or ignore her as time goes by. Chasing her and trying to leave her simultaneously, all hope seems lost. As the scene of her death replays in Minho’s mind, his partner turns to him one last time. He knows she’s not real, but she feels real as he runs to her. Finally, he’s ready to move on when he realizes that the ghost-version of his partner is just an infiltrator. Or is she telling him to let go? In an anxious twist, Minho picks up a gun and shoots her ghost.

The truth is, you can always run and you can try to hide, but your memories will eat you up inside until you face them. There is no better idol than Minho to act the part of a widow as he channels past loss, reminding us that it’s okay to hurt after losing someone, but eventually, you’ll take your life back into your own hands and everything will be okay again.

Edited by Omani