Connection (Onew EP)

Connection
Digital cover
EP by
Onew
ReleasedJanuary 6, 2025
GenreK-pop
Length17:09
LanguageKorean
LabelGriffin
Onew chronology
Flow
(2024) 		Connection
(2025)
Singles from Connection
  1. "Yay"
    Released: December 12, 2024
  2. "Winner"
    Released: January 6, 2025

Connection is the fourth Korean-language and fifth overall extended play (EP) by South Korean singer Onew. It was released on January 6, 2025, by Griffin Entertainment. The EP was preceded by the first single, "Yay", on December 12, and supported by the lead single, "Winner", released simultaneously with the EP.

Background and release

In September 2024, Onew released Flow, his first project since departing SM Entertainment in early 2024.[1] Following its release, he held a series of concerts in South Korea and Japan that October and November.[2] News of a followup to Flow first came three months after its release, when a single, "Yay", was announced on December 9. The announcement stated that the song was to be a pre-release single for an upcoming EP to be released in January 2025, but no specific date or title were given.[3] "Yay", along with its accompanying music video, were released on December 12.[4]

On December 14, Onew held a fan meeting entitled O! New Day at KBS Arena, which was sold out.[5] The next day, the EP's title, Connection, was officially announced, along with its release date, January 6, 2025.[6] At the same time, a video was published detailing the promotion plan for the EP, including a tour entitled Onew the Live: Connection, to commence in February.[7]

Promotion

Promotional material for the EP, including the lead single's music video, was filmed on-location in Prague, Czech Republic.[8] Onew will promote Connection with his third concert tour, Onew the Live: Connection. The tour is scheduled to begin in Yokohama, Japan, on February 15, 2025, and continue with shows scheduled in South Korea, Taiwan and Macau before concluding in April.[7]

Track listing

Connection track listing
No.TitleLyricsMusicArrangementLength
1."Winner"
  • Josh McClelland
  • Gabriel Brandes
  • Jayble
  • Ditch David
  • Jayble
  • David
3:03
2."Promise You"
  • Onew
  • Hyun Ji-won
  • Davey Nate
  • Chkmate
  • Blkcube
  • David
  • Chkmate
  • Blkcube
  • David
2:40
3."Boy" (Korean: 소년; RR: Sonyeon)
  • Onew
  • Hyun
  • David
  • Robin
David2:40
4."Gradation" (번져; Beonjyeo)
  • Danke
  • Onew
  • David
  • Hahm
  • David
  • Hahm
2:56
5."Conversation"
  • Shin Sa-kang
  • Onew
  • McClelland
  • Robbie McDade
  • Pete Hammerton
Hammerton2:57
6."Yay" (만세; Manse)
  • Onew
  • Lee Seu-ran
  • Ben Samama
  • David
  • Zenon
  • Samama
  • David
2:52
Total length:17:09

Charts

Chart performance for Connection
Chart (2025) Peak
position
South Korean Albums (Circle)[9] 3

References

  1. ^ Yoo, Hong (July 11, 2024). "Onew of Shinee to release solo EP in September". The Korea Herald. Retrieved December 15, 2024.
  2. ^ You-mee, Hwang (August 23, 2024). "[Today's K-pop] SHINee's Onew to hold solo concert in Korea, Japan". The Korea Herald. Retrieved December 15, 2024.
  3. ^ "온유, 12일 싱글 '만세' 발매…미니 4집 수록곡 선공개" [Onew to release single 'Yay' on the 12th… Pre-release of tracks from 4th mini album]. The Dong-a Ilbo (in Korean). December 9, 2024. Retrieved December 15, 2024.
  4. ^ Jeon, Hyo-jin (December 12, 2024). "온유, 오늘(12일) '만세' 선공개…미니 4집 발매 예열" [Onew, pre-release of 'Yay' today (12th)... Warm-up for the release of 4th mini album]. The Dong-a Ilbo (in Korean). Retrieved December 15, 2024.
  5. ^ Ahn, Byung-gil (December 14, 2024). "온유, 오늘 팬들과 생일 파티" [Onew, birthday party with fans today]. Kyunghyang Shinmun (in Korean). Retrieved December 15, 2024.
  6. ^ Yoon, So-yeon (December 16, 2024). "Onew to release fourth EP 'Connection' on Jan. 6". Korea JoongAng Daily. Retrieved December 17, 2024.
  7. ^ a b Gyum, Ida (December 16, 2024). "샤이니 온유, 1월 6일 컴백...미니 4집 '커넥션' 발매" [SHINee Onew, comeback on January 6th... 4th mini album 'Connection' released]. Maeil Business Newspaper (in Korean). Retrieved December 17, 2024.
  8. ^ Kyung, Ji-min (December 16, 2024). "온유, 1월 6일 미니 4집 컴백..체코 프라하 올 로케 촬영" [Onew, 4th mini album comeback on January 6th.. filming all on location in Prague, Czech Republic]. OSEN (in Korean). Retrieved December 17, 2024.
  9. ^ "Circle Album Chart – Week 02 of 2025". Circle Chart (in Korean). Retrieved January 16, 2025.