Onew released his debut solo EP, Voice, in 2018, after which he enlisted in the military.[1] His second EP was initially scheduled for a September 2021 release,[2] before eventually being confirmed for April 2022, three years and four months after Voice.[3][4] Onew took a greater role in the production process than on his first EP, and stated that he felt increased pressure as a result.[4] Promotional materials, including video and image teasers, were released beginning March 31.[5] Onew hosted a countdown livestream on Shinee's YouTube channel on April 11 to celebrate the EP's release.[6] He promoted it with performances on M Countdown, Music Bank, Inkigayo and Show! Music Core,[7][8] marking his first time engaging in promotional activities for a solo release.[4]
"I wanted to show that Onew is a person who can do not only calm songs, such as ballads or drama soundtracks, but also can dance and try something new."
Onew at a press conference about the selection of songs on the EP[9]
Onew included songs from a wide range of genres in order to showcase his diversity as an artist.[9] The six tracks on the EP represent the six sides of a dice, each reflecting different aspects of his artistry.[4] Lead single "Dice" is a pop song that contains rhythmical guitar plucking and synth sounds. It is about betting on love despite knowing it's a game one will inevitably lose.[10] "Sunshine" is an upbeat electronic pop song about embarking on a spontaneous trip and escaping from the monotony of daily life. It is guided by a bassline which is aided by an electric guitar.[11] "On the Way" is a romantic song with a fantasy sound that utilises piano and guitar adlibs. The lyrics detail losing sleep at night, thinking about another person and wanting to go to them.[12] "Love Phobia" is an alternative pop song that expresses scepticism about love while simultaneously desiring it.[13] "Yeowoobi" is an emotional break-up song with a dreamlike yet lonely atmosphere. The lyrics compare feelings of love that are warm but sad to a rain shower in the sunlight.[14] "In the Whale" is a midtempo pop song that takes the listener on a "metaphorical journey through the insides of a beast".[15][16] The lyrics, written by Onew, express that he will always be by his fans' side, even in the darkness.[15]
Dice received critical acclaim. Tássia Assis from NME gave Dice a 5 out of 5 stars, describing the EP as "multifaceted" as it offered a variety of sounds yet all six tracks sat together cohesively, which allowed Onew to showcase his true talent. She states that: "for a long time, and despite his proven talent, it felt like Onew stood in the shadows – or inside a whale, if you will – but the skies have cleared now. There’s a whole ocean to explore ahead. By taking a chance and trusting his own experience, Onew allows himself to shine in all his multifaceted glory."[16] Sophia Simon-Bashall of The Line of Best Fit felt that the songs "showcase that Onew is an artist of variety" and praised his vocal delivery. She named "On the Way" and "Love Phobia" as album highlights.[17]
^Kim, Ju-hee (March 30, 2022). 온유, 솔로 앨범 '다이스' 스케줄 포스터 공개…내달 컴백 [Onew releases the schedule poster for solo album 'Dice'... Comeback next month]. Newsis (in Korean). Archived from the original on April 9, 2022. Retrieved April 9, 2022 – via Naver.
^Lee, Hye-min (April 14, 2022). 샤이니 온유, '다이스'로 컴백…엠카 첫 방송 [Shinee Onew's comeback with 'Dice'... First broadcast on M Countdown]. Newsis (in Korean). Archived from the original on May 31, 2022. Retrieved May 31, 2022 – via Naver.
^Lee, Hana (April 23, 2022). '음악중심' 빅뱅, 활동 안 해도 1위‥온유·송가인 컴백(종합) ['Music Core': Big Bang takes first place despite not promoting]. Newsen (in Korean). Archived from the original on April 24, 2022. Retrieved May 31, 2022 – via Naver.
^Kang, Da-yun (April 5, 2022). 샤이니 온유, 수록곡 '선샤인' 하이라이트 클립 공개…믿듣 청량 보이스 [Shinee's Onew releases highlight clip of B-side track 'Sunshine'... A refreshing voice]. My Daily (in Korean). Archived from the original on April 5, 2022. Retrieved April 9, 2022 – via Naver.
^Lee, Seung-hoon (April 6, 2022). '컴백 D-5' 샤이니 온유, 솔로 앨범 수록곡 'On the way'로 로맨틱한 설렘 예고 ['Comeback D-5' Shinee's Onew displays romantic excitement with 'On the way' from his solo album]. Osen (in Korean). Archived from the original on April 6, 2022. Retrieved April 9, 2022 – via Naver.
^Son, Ji-na (April 7, 2022). 샤이니 온유, 솔로 앨범 수록곡 'Love Phobia' 세련된 바이브 예고 [Shinee's Onew heralds a sophisticated vibe with 'Love Phobia' in solo album]. MK Sports (in Korean). Archived from the original on April 7, 2022. Retrieved April 9, 2022 – via Naver.
^Oh, Yoon-joo (April 1, 2022). 샤이니 온유, '여우비'로 이별 감성 예고 [Shinee's Onew describes break-up feelings in 'Yeowoobi']. My Daily (in Korean). Archived from the original on April 9, 2022. Retrieved April 3, 2022 – via Naver.
^ abKoh, Young-jun (April 3, 2022). 샤이니 온유, 솔로 앨범 수록곡 'In the whale' 작사 참여 [Shinee's Onew participated in writing lyrics for 'In the Whale' on his solo album]. Sports Dong-a (in Korean). Archived from the original on April 9, 2022. Retrieved April 3, 2022 – via Naver.
^"Os 10 Melhores EPs de 2022" [The 10 Best EPs of 2022]. soundx (in Portuguese). December 7, 2022. Archived from the original on December 10, 2022. Retrieved December 15, 2022.