Onew and former GFRIEND member Yuju showcase a tense, minimalist R&B duet, “Mind Games,” ahead of Onew’s new single release.
September/29/2026 18:58
SHINee’s Onew and former GFRIEND’s Yuju will show off their well-matched singing voices in an attractive duet song. Onew pre-released the title track “Mind Games” from his new single “Illusion” today (the 29th) at 6 p.m. through various music streaming sites. The song, in which Onew himself participated in writing the lyrics, depicts the dangerous relationship of lovers who hurt each other because pride comes before love. It is characterized by a minimalist R&B sound made up only of vocals and acoustic guitar, and Onew’s sweet voice and Yuju’s refreshing tone harmonize to three-dimensionally express the subtle tension that lingers between a man and a woman. In a documentary video released in advance, Onew said about Yuju’s vocals, “It is a voice that suits the word ‘refreshing’ very well, so when it matches with my voice, I thought it would be a vocal that could maximize each other’s synergy. Also, since ‘Mind Games’ is a song based on R&B, I thought it could show a new side of Yuju.” He revealed the background to how the collaboration came about. Yuju also said, “When practicing my part, I practiced thinking of it not as lyrics but as lines. I wanted to give listeners the feeling that the two of us were having a conversation.” She continued, “Senior Onew not only guided me so that I could sing well, but also tried to draw out parts of me that I had never done before one after another, so that back-and-forth was interesting. I hope it becomes a song that makes people feel, ‘They have such a dark and attractive side too.’” Onew, who is making a comeback after 7 months since releasing his 5th mini-album “TOUGH LOVE” in March, will officially release the single “Illusion,” which includes triple title tracks, at 6 p.m. on October 20, and plans to show an even broader range of musicality.
Related Articles
SHINee’s Minho showed a calm, composed mood in a marie claire photoshoot, posing against a wide blue grassland. In an interview, he discussed preparing his second mini album, Make it hot, described it as an “expansion,” and expressed deep gratitude to fans for his growth.
SHINee’s Onew teamed up with Block B’s Zico for “Tic Tac Toe,” the second title track from the single “Illusion,” released on the 7th at 6 p.m. The R&B hip-hop song uses a game metaphor to portray the subtle emotions and relationship between a man and a woman. The core of the song is Onew and Zico’s different interpretations of the “some” relationship, and their unusual collaboration drew attention even before release. Fans have praised their chemistry.
SHINee’s Minho has announced a solo concert, “MINHO CONCERT <MEAN : of feral> in TOKYO,” to be held over two days, February 20 and 21, 2027, at Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo. The show will feature stages expressing his world, and a fan club campaign will also be held.
SHINee’s Onew has teamed up with Block B’s Zico for the title track “Tic Tac Toe” from his new single “Illusion,” set for release on the 20th at 6 p.m. Through official SNS, Onew unveiled a teaser poster and highlighted the collaboration. The single also includes “Mind Games” with former GFRIEND member Yuju, raising expectations for his special musical synergy and triple title-track project.
SHINee’s Onew has teamed up with Block B’s Zico for the title track “Tic Tac Toe” from his new single “Illusion,” set for release on the 20th at 6 p.m. Through official SNS, Onew unveiled a teaser poster and highlighted the collaboration. The single also includes “Mind Games” with former GFRIEND member Yuju, raising expectations for his special musical synergy and triple title-track project.
KGMA will debut “KGMA Star Road” at the 2026 ceremony, replacing the traditional red carpet with a content experience that begins as artists enter the venue and interact with fans. SHINee’s Minho, MONSTA X’s Shownu and Hyungwon, DAY6’s Young K, and many others will appear. The event is set for November 7-8 at Gocheok Sky Dome, with tickets on sale October 2 at 6 p.m. via NOL.
Kstyle and IDOLCHAMP have launched the October vote for Kstyle POWER PUSH. Fans can choose the monthly power-push artist and support their comeback from September 29 to October 8, 2026. Artists include NCT WISH, JO1, YESUNG, and many others. Voting requires Ruby CHAMSIM.
SHINee’s Taemin has postponed the North American leg of his 2026–2027 world tour, LiMiNaL, because U.S. visa and related administrative procedures remain unclear and are affecting production staff. The tour is not canceled, and new dates and venues are being arranged. Ticket refunds are available.
Venue101 EXTRA leaves Studio 101 for a special two-week NHK Hall recording. Week 1 features live performances by Da-iCE, M!LK, ONEW, and Ado? No, New School Leaders, plus a drawing contest and a gesture game, with guest-seat appearances by Ayumu Imazu and ≒JOY.
Kim Jae-won successfully concluded his first solo fan meeting in Japan at LINE CUBE SHIBUYA in Tokyo on September 20. He walked through the venue singing Vaundy’s “Tokyo Flash,” handed flowers to fans, shared photos and stories from Tokyo and his dramas, and performed songs by Taemin, Yeonjun, and CORTIS. He also recreated a scene from “Yumi’s Cells 3” as Shin Seung-rok. He is set to release the film “Final Interview” in Korea in November.
