Following a successful solo stint with his second studio album “Move” in October 2017, Taemin of boy band SHINee returns to the music scene with the new album “Want.”

The title track from the latest EP, set for release Monday, is partly an extension of the song “Move,” according to the artist. But it is more explosive in style and with a clearer narrative than the predecessor, he said.

“I think the song ‘Want’ does share a similar vibe with ‘Move,’” Taemin said in a recent interview held at S.M. Entertainment’s headquarters in Cheongdam-dong, southern Seoul. “But ‘Want’ carries an intense, more explosive aura in comparison to other previous songs.”

Taemin (S.M. Entertainment)

The 26-year-old artist said he doesn’t fear trying out different styles to create his unique identity in his solo endeavors, breaking away from his boyish image stemming from his SHINee days as the youngest member of the boy band.

“Many renowned male solo singers have their own stage attitude, or presence,” he said. “For me, I have my own attitude. It could be more androgynous, and maybe less masculine, making some people wonder why I dance like this. And that’s how I want them to perceive, giving a fresh hunch that will stand out, if done right.”

Taemin revealed he felt pressured to satisfy growing expectations after the success of “Move,” especially for intense and highly sensual dance moves.

Taemin (S.M. Entertainment)

“I considered maybe inserting more catchy choreography to make the performance to stand out,” he said. “But for this song, I focused more on the overall mood of the song, rather than one specific move. From beginning to end, it’s more like one piece of an artwork.”

The dance moves in “Want” could feel rough at first, but he was going for a more laid-back, mature style.

“And I hope after watching the performance and listening to the song, viewers will want me more, and want to watch the performance more, just like the title of the song.”

Taemin (S.M. Entertainment)

He named Japanese choreographer Koharu Sugawara as a source of inspiration in transforming him into a solo artist with a unique style, countering the stereotype of other male solo artists in the industry that is divided between either ballad performances or singers with aggressive, masculine dance moves. Koharu worked on Taemin’s choreography for “Goodbye” and “Move.”

“When I saw her, I realized this is what dance is,” he said. “Her dance expression is extraordinary, and inspired me to do something that is different than other acts.”

Taemin also revealed Norwegian indie folk-pop duo Kings of Convenience is an act he likes and is interested in. “It will be very fresh to dance to this kind of music genre in the future,” he said. “I am open to all types of trends, genre and classics for inspiration for my music.”

Taemin (S.M. Entertainment)

Boasting over 10 years in the K-pop industry, Taemin -- who debuted with SHINee when he was 14 years old in 2008 -- said he wants to focus on making music that satisfies him, even if that means his music will drift from the mainstream K-pop scene.

“I want to continuously work hard so that I can create high-quality works,” he said. “Rather than focus on others, I want to create music that I am really proud of.”

By Ahn Sung-mi (sahn@heraldcorp.com)