Chase is the debut extended play by South Korean singer and rapper Minho. It was released on December 6, 2022, through SM Entertainment. Chase was the last in a string of solo debuts by members of the boy group Shinee. It contains six songs belonging to the hip hop and R&B genres, including lead single "Chase". It peaked at number four on South Korea's Circle Album Chart.
Minho debuted as a member of South Korean boy band Shinee in 2008. The other Shinee members, Taemin, Jonghyun, Key and Onew, had already released solo work previously, leaving Minho the final member to go solo.[1] The name Chase was chosen to match the rhyme scheme established by the other members; Taemin's debut solo EP was titled Ace, followed by Jonghyun with Base, then Key with Face and Onew with Voice.[2] The album packaging also shares the same design. Minho described it as "the last piece of the puzzle".[3] He did not originally intend to release a solo EP, but changed his mind after receiving letters from fans following his mandatory military service.[4] Although it is his first EP release, it is preceded by the Korean singles "I'm Home" and "Heartbreak", the latter of which is included on the EP, and the Japanese singles "Romeo and Juliet" and "Falling Free".[1]
The EP consists of six songs belonging to the hip hop and R&B genres. Lead single "Chase" is a midtempo pop song with hip hop and R&B influences. It combines piano loops and arpeggiosynth sounds with a heavy bassline. The lyrics describe the emptiness felt chasing after a figure in a dream and being unable to reach them.[5] "Runaway" features rapper Gemini, and is a hip hop song with a strong 808 bass. The lyrics, written by Minho and Gemini, discuss trying to repair a broken relationship but instead ruining it further. Lim Kim features on R&B track "Waterfall", which contains "dreamy" synths and a relaxed yet heavy bass. The song uses water as a metaphor for falling in love.[6] "Prove It" is an R&B song with rhythmic guitar riffs and various vocal effects. "Choice" is an autobiographical pop R&B song with simple instrumentation, in which Minho reflects on past choices made in his life.[7] "Heartbreak" is a pop song with intense percussion and synth sounds. The lyrics explore the pain caused by a lover who does not take their relationship seriously.[8][9]
The EP's title and first concept art were revealed on November 22, 2022. Pre-orders began the same day.[1] Minho hosted a countdown livestream on December 6 to celebrate the EP's digital release.[6] He held a fan meeting, 2022 Best Choi's Minho – Lucky Choi's, at Kyung Hee University on December 7–8, which was also streamed online through the Beyond Live platform.[1] On December 12, Minho hosted another livestream in conjunction with the EP's physical release to provide commentary on its contents.[6]
^Yoo, Jung-min (November 24, 2022). 샤이니 민호 "'체이스' 멤버들 앨범명과 라임 맞추고자 지은 것" [Shinee's Minho: "I named it 'Chase' to rhyme with the members' albums"]. iMBC (in Korean). Archived from the original on November 24, 2022. Retrieved November 24, 2022 – via Naver.
^Jeon, Hyo-jin (December 1, 2022). 샤이니 민호, 타이틀 곡은 '놓아줘'... 시크 티저 공개 [Shinee Minho's title track is 'Chase'... Chic teaser revealed]. Sports Dong-a (in Korean). Archived from the original on December 3, 2022. Retrieved December 3, 2022 – via Naver.
^ abcJang, In-young (December 2, 2022). 제미나이·림 킴…샤이니 민호, 첫 솔로 '체이스' 피처링 [Gemini and Lim Kim feature on Shinee Minho's first solo album]. Newsis (in Korean). Archived from the original on December 3, 2022. Retrieved December 3, 2022 – via Naver.
^Seon, Mi-kyung (December 3, 2022). 샤이니 민호, 청량하거나 성숙하거나..'Chase' [Shinee's Minho, cool or mature.. 'Chase']. Osen (in Korean). Archived from the original on December 3, 2022. Retrieved December 3, 2022 – via Naver.
^Lee, Sun-myeong (November 26, 2022). 샤이니 민호 '체이스' 홀로서기 준비 완료 [Shinee's Minho is ready to stand alone with 'Chase']. Sports Kyunghyang (in Korean). Archived from the original on November 27, 2022. Retrieved November 28, 2022 – via Naver.
