On November 26, 2018, WINNER member MINO made his solo debut with album XX, written and composed entirely by him. Not only did MINO play a major part in the creation of XX, but he also had a hand in the package design, the promotional material, and the music video concept for title track “FIANCÉ.” According to MINO in his “DIRECT MESSAGE,” XX means “blank blank.” With no real meaning behind it, he said that he wants listeners to add their thoughts and interpretations to the title. Two tracks, “TRIGGER” and “HOPE” featuring Yoo Byungjae, were given “X” ratings, meaning they’re unsuitable for anybody under the age of 19.

“FIANCÉ” takes hip-hop and blends it seamlessly with elements of trot and a sample from “소양강 처녀 (Korean Maiden),” a trot song from 1969, creating an addicting sound. That’s not the only blast from the past for this song, however, as the music video took inspiration from the Korean film Masquerade. The set pieces and costume designs gave the historical setting of the music video a modern vibe, but it worked. Nothing feels awkward or confusing, and the scenes of MINO in more modern apparel walking through a tight garden maze while hands reach out to grab him show that, no matter what era we’re living in, some things never change—like chasing after a person we’re interested in. Whether he’s in the throne room surrounded by women, chasing after a woman in a field, or performing the choreography, MINO’s talent shines throughout the music video. 

The rapper also dropped a performance video and choreography video for “FIANCÉ.” While not an official video, a “music film” was released in partnership with Vogue Korea for “ROCKET.”

MINO had his first solo comeback show on December 1 on Show! Music Core, where he performed “her” and “FIANCÉ.” For his performance of “her,” MINO wore a black suit with the floral top and gloves seen in some of his concept photos. The rapper was on stage with two clear body forms, one female and one male; the female form was filled with blue roses and the male form with what appears to be white lace, but both had white branches. If you go back and watch WINNER’s music video for “MILLIONS,” you can actually see the female form within the first minute. For “FIANCÉ,” MINO wore an outfit from the music video. Flanked by dancers and performing in front of screens with gold designs, MINO showed fans and the audience just how charismatic and charming he can be.

MINO took home six music show wins during promotions for “FIANCÉ,” with his first win coming ten days after his solo debut and making him the fastest male soloist to win on a music show. For his third music show win, MINO rapped his thank you speech.

Commercially, the solo debut of MINO was a success. XX peaked at No. 5 on the Gaon Weekly Album Chart and No. 13 on the Billboard World Albums Chart. “FIANCÉ” debuted at No. 1 on the Gaon Weekly Digital Chart and peaked at No. 1 on the Gaon Weekly Download Chart and the Gaon Weekly Streaming Chart. Outside of Korea, “FIANCÉ” peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard World Digital Song Sales Chart and No. 1 on the Billboard K-Pop 100 Chart, appearing on the chart for a total of 32 weeks.

Nine B-side tracks also appeared on the Gaon Weekly Download Chart for one week: “O2” at No. 53, “LONELY” at No. 56, “TRIGGER” at No. 62, “UM…” featuring Blue.D at No. 66, “AURORA” at No. 70, “ALARM” at No. 74, “ROCKET” at No. 77, “BOW-WOW” featuring YDG at No. 80, and “her” at No. 84. Tracks “HOPE” featuring Yoo Byungjae and “AGREE” did not chart.

As it was released at the end of 2018, XX was not up for any awards that year. However, “FIANCÉ” and MINO were nominated for numerous awards during the 2019 year-end awards season, but unfortunately only took home the “Best Hip-Hop Award” at the 2019 Golden Disc Awards. Other nominations include “Song of the Year (November)” at the Gaon Chart Music Awards and “Best Hip-Hop and Urban Music” and “Song of the Year” at the Mnet Asian Music Awards for “FIANCÉ.” MINO was nominated for “Best Male Artist” and “Artist of the Year” at the Mnet Asian Music Awards.

Edited by Rashelle B.