Tic Tac Toe: Onew and Zico Turn “More Than Friends, Less Than Lovers” Into a Game

Ever been stuck in that gray area where you’re more than friends but less than lovers? Onew and Zico just turned that exact feeling into a song, and they’ve framed it as a game of tic-tac-toe.

Tic Tac Toe: The Release

On October 7 at 6 p.m. KST, SHINee’s Onew released “Tic Tac Toe (feat. Zico).” It’s the second title track from his upcoming single album, Chakgak (romanized title).

What Is the Song About?

“Tic Tac Toe” compares the subtle back-and-forth between two people to a game. Each move, each look and each half-sent text becomes a play on the board. The song centers on the two artists’ contrasting interpretations of that ambiguous “more than friends, less than lovers” stage, so you get two different perspectives on the same situation.

It’s a smart concept, since anyone who has been in that gray zone knows it often feels like a game where nobody has stated the rules.

Why This Collab Matters?

Both Onew and Zico helped write and compose the track, so this isn’t a case of a rapper dropping in for a guest verse. They shaped the song together. Mixing Onew’s smooth vocals with Zico’s rap in an R&B hip hop setting gives the song a relaxed, playful feel that suits its theme.

Since it’s the second title track from Chakgak, it also hints at what the rest of the single album might sound like. Fans will be watching for more details ahead of the full release.

How to Listen?

The song is out now, and a visualizer video for “Tic Tac Toe” is also available on YouTube. If you like conversational, slightly flirty R&B, this is a good one to add to your playlist this week.

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FAQs

When was “Tic Tac Toe” released?
It was released on October 7 at 6 p.m. KST.

What is “Tic Tac Toe” about?
It compares the “more than friends, less than lovers” stage of a relationship to a game, with Onew and Zico offering contrasting views.