KEY of SHINee, returning with his third studio album 'Hunter,' enjoyed the fortunate coincidence of perfectly aligning with the Netflix 'K-Pop Demon Hunters' (hereafter referred to as 'Kedehun') syndrome. Thanks to this, the response to KEY's new songs has also been positive.
On the afternoon of the 11th, at a press conference held in the Grand Ballroom of the Pullman Ambassador Seoul Eastpool in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, KEY discussed the first track 'Strange,' stating, 'While doing variety shows, I make a lot of noise, so I thought there was no reason not to sing songs with high vocal ranges.'
He added, 'I didn't expect 'Kedehun' to come out. There are reactions questioning whether I was conscious of it, but it wasn't the right timing. I was in the middle of shooting the music video. Considering that the 'Golden' high note challenge was trending, I felt like I could ride the wave.'
'Golden' is one of the key OSTs of 'Kedehun.' Last month, when the work began to create a global syndrome, it entered the Billboard Hot 100 at 81, and then recorded a 'chart reversion' reaching 23, 6, 4, and finally 2. On the 11th, in its seventh week, it eventually topped the chart.
KEY's comeback is particularly ideal as it coincides perfectly with the 'Kedehun' syndrome. Furthermore, the animator for 'Kedehun' previously stated in an interview that they referenced SHINee among K-Pop groups to create the lion voice in the story. KEY also adopted a hunter concept, which was an unexpected stroke of luck.
KEY expressed satisfaction, saying, "I later heard that they referenced SHINee. It seems they referenced our iconic concept when we were doing upbeat music. When I watched 'Kedehun' later, it was evident. The costumes, hair color, and stability given by an odd number of members have been interpreted as us, and it's an honor. However, we don't tour by plane like them."
KEY's third studio album 'Hunter' is his new regular album released three years after the second studio album 'Gasoline' in August 2022. It incorporates various stories about 'self' and 'ego' throughout, including a title track of the same name, and consists of a total of 10 songs. All tracks were released on music sites at 6 p.m. on the 11th.
The title track 'Hunter' is a dance song that achieves harmony with grand bass, heavy kick sounds, rhythmic guitar riffs, and various synth pads. The lyrics depict the obsession of 'me' and the 'joy in suffering' felt in a complicated relationship, and KEY's dynamic vocals amplify the song's dramatic appeal.
Since its release, there has been a passionate response not only to KEY's new songs but also to the 'Hunter' music video. The synergy between the 'Kedehun' syndrome and KEY's solo comeback has completed the K-Pop phenomenon.
[Photo] OSEN DB, Netflix
[OSEN]