SHINee's Key embraces urban legends, darker sound on 'HUNTER'

Key of K-pop boy band SHINee poses during a press event held to commemorate his new solo album release at a hotel in Seoul’s Gwangjin District, Monday. Yonhap

SHINee's Key is diving into the horror realm with "HUNTER," his third full-length solo album released Monday. Drawing on the eerie allure of urban legends, the 10-track project pairs dark, theatrical imagery with his years of K-pop experience.

The new release marks Key's first studio album in three years, following "Gasoline" in August 2022. SM Entertainment, the SHINee singer's longtime label, described it as "an album that weaves a variety of stories about the self," blending multiple genres and anchored by its eponymous title track.

Speaking to reporters at a hotel in Seoul’s Gwangjin District just hours before the release, Key said he built the album with the stage in mind.

"I chose the title track and the B-sides while picturing myself performing," he said. "It's an album that's really just fun to hear from the opening track straight through."

Key of K-pop boy band SHINee speaks to the press during a conference held to commemorate his new solo album release at a hotel in Seoul’s Gwangjin District, Monday. Yonhap

Its lead single, "HUNTER," pairs a deep bassline and kick drums with deepening guitar riffs, while its lyrics explore the uneasy thrill of a painful relationship.

The song was crafted with longtime SHINee collaborator KENZIE, who has written fan favorites including "Love Sick," "Don't Call Me" and "Why So Serious?" Key said the horror angle emerged during their exchanges.

"It didn't actually start out as a horror concept," he said. "I'd throw out big keywords like 'teeth' and 'claws,' and KENZIE would refine them."

The music video builds on the theme, with Key playing both himself and a menacing alter ego.

"I wanted to show a scene where I'm physically fighting with the other me, the hunter," he said. "The goal was to make viewers think, 'What is this? Something feels so off about it.'"

The official teaser image for Key's latest solo album, "HUNTER" / Courtesy of SM Entertainment

During the event, Key also laughed about the coincidental timing of his comeback with "HUNTER" and Netflix's hit animated film "KPop Demon Hunters."

"The word 'hunter' has been popping up a lot lately, so it's funny that I'm coming back with 'HUNTER' too," he said with a laugh, explaining that "we actually filmed the music video before the animation came out."

"HUNTER" also features an English-language track, "Strange," an experimental punk rock song built on layered synths and distorted vocals. Known for including one English-language song per album, Key said this track is particularly meaningful.

"One thing to note about this song is that it's in English, but it also serves as an important thematic song in this album," the singer said.

The official teaser image for Key's latest solo album, "HUNTER" / Courtesy of SM Entertainment

To promote the release, Key will stage a solo concert series, "Key Land 2025: Uncanny Valley," Sept. 26 to 28 at the Ticketlink Live Arena in Seoul's Songpa District, formerly the Olympic Park Handball Gymnasium. The tour will continue to Taipei, Tokyo and other stops.

"The thought of having more songs to perform for my fans was my driving force," Key said. "You can also look forward to this concert having a concept like a full-on horror film."