Following the release of Shinee's sixth studio album, The Story of Light, in 2018, the group took a three-year hiatus as members Onew, Key and Minho enlisted in the military to complete their mandatory service.

Upon their return, SM Entertainment announced that Shinee would release a new album, titled Don't Call Me, fronted by the single of the same name.

[1] The song was originally intended for their labelmate BoA and favoured by company founder Lee Soo-man, who provided the group with guidance throughout the production process.

[2] Shinee considered a number of songs as lead single, but selected "Don't Call Me" because they felt it was different from what they had done before and left a strong impact.

[9] Two remixes of "Don't Call Me" by Fox Stevenson and ESAI were released on March 27 through ScreaM Records.