The good will prevail. SHINee's Key has soared with the 'K-pop Demon Hunters' syndrome on Netflix.
On the 11th at 3 p.m., a press conference was held in the Grand Ballroom of the Pullman Ambassador Seoul Eastpoles in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, to celebrate the release of SHINee Key's third full-length album 'Hunter.' Key met with reporters at 6 p.m. ahead of his comeback to share various insights about his new album.
Key said, "In this era, mini albums or full albums don't hold much significance. Singles are the same, and it's not like releasing a full album means promoting it for six months. However, what fans enjoy the most is being able to listen to 10 songs when a new album comes out and seeing new performances of those 10 songs at concerts. Outside of the fans, there was really no meaning in releasing a full album. I wanted to gift something to them."
Key's third full-length album 'Hunter' is his new album, released three years after the second full album 'Gasoline' in August 2022. It is an album that weaves together various stories about 'me' and 'self.' It contains 10 tracks, including the title song of the same name. All songs will be available on various music sites at 6 p.m. on that day.
The title track 'Hunter' is a dance song that features grand bass, heavy kick sounds, rhythmic guitar riffs, and harmonizing synth pads. The lyrics, depicting an 'I' obsessed with another person and the 'joy of pain' felt in the complex relationship with that person, along with Key's dynamic vocals, create the song's dramatic appeal.
Key noted, "At first, I wondered if the concept was bright, but it seemed like it would actually create a unique point. Starting with keywords like teeth and claws, the right lyrics emerged. At first, it wasn't a song with this theme. It was about wanting to know your number, but I completely changed it. After 'Gasoline,' it felt like fans were only listening to combative songs. However, I wasn't satisfied with my share. I had a strong desire to return. When I listened to 'Hunter' in the recording studio, I wanted to sing it. I had waited a long time for this," he said, clenching his fists.
The music video for 'Hunter' connects to the previously opened trailer where Key encounters 'another me,' the 'Hunter.' The bizarre and unpredictable story of Key, who confronts the Hunter seeking to replace his existence, is impressive. Ja Ja, who hosted the event, praised it, saying it felt like watching a film by director Tim Burton.
Key stated, "Watching other artists and newcomers, I've received a lot of energetic, airy, and refreshing energy. As I received that energy, I wanted to use it in peculiar ways. I wanted to do something twisted and wanted to show that this exists, so I captured the concept with these keywords. This time, there are various genres, and I aimed to give a distinctiveness to the physical album and visuals like music videos. It's an album and goods that I want to have."
Key's comeback is even more ideal as it coincides with the Netflix 'K-pop Demon Hunters' syndrome and the album release. Moreover, an animator for 'K-pop Demon Hunters' mentioned in an interview that they referenced SHINee to create the lion voice. Key also set the concept as a hunter, which was an unintentional coincidence and stroke of luck.
Key remarked, "I didn't expect 'K-Demon Hunters' to come out on Netflix. I was in the situation of shooting the music video, and then 'K-Demon Hunters' came out. The 'Golden' high note challenge has also coincidentally become popular, which worked out nicely; I wonder if we can ride this wave. There were responses asking if I was influenced by it, but it wasn't that kind of timing. The Hunter came out well when it was familiar," he smiled.
He went on to say, "I heard later that they referenced SHINee. It seems they referenced our iconic concept when we did bright music. Watching 'K-Demon Hunters' later, I could see it. From the costumes to the hair colors, the stability brought by having an odd number of members, and being viewed as a five-member K-pop group, I'm honored that it was us. However, we don't fly around on a chartered plane for tours," he said, pleased.
Following the activities for the release of his third full-length album, Key will hold a solo concert titled '2025 KEYLAND: Uncanny Valley' at the Ticketlink Live Arena (formerly the Olympic Park Handball Arena) in Seoul from September 26 to 28, as he is expected to tour Taipei, Tokyo, and other locations.
Key expressed, "I'm actively doing a lot of work after my discharge. I'm thankful for the opportunities to broadcast, prepare albums, and have many invitations to sing. There's been a time when I couldn't do it without rest, so now that I can, I'm enjoying it with gratitude. It's so much fun. I've wanted to do this since my debut. I feel like it has become an inexhaustible source of energy. I want to do it while I can."
He added, "I appreciate the straightforward compliments that it's enjoyable to watch and listen to. I like it when people say it's good, cool, or that I did well. Some may dissect and express why it's great, while others may simply say it's good, but I hope listeners give my third full-length album more attention than the previous work."
[Photo] Jihyung Jun, reporter jpnews@osen.co.kr
[OSEN]