1

Key of SHINee has made his first full-length comeback in three years with his third studio album Hunter, released on August 11. At a press conference in Seoul, he revealed that the album’s central theme is “horror,” crafted with the idea of imagining himself on stage and arranged for listeners to enjoy in sequence.

Hunter follows his second album Gasoline (August 2022) and contains 10 tracks centered on the themes of “self” and “identity.” The title track, also named “Hunter,” tells the story of an obsessive “me” and the bittersweet pleasure found in that painful relationship. The song’s dramatic energy is amplified by Key’s dynamic vocals and fluid dance lines, with long-time collaborators Kenzie, Moonshine, and Adrian McKinnon contributing to the composition.

Key explained that the track’s concept shifted drastically during production: “It started with a ‘I want your number’-type vibe, but ended up completely different. I would throw out keywords like ‘teeth’ and ‘claws,’ and Kenzie would refine them.”

The music video depicts a confrontation between Key and his alter ego, “the Hunter,” blending unpredictable scenes with eerie tension and showcasing his dual-role acting. “It’s funny because Netflix’s K-Pop Demon Hunters is trending right now, and here I am coming back as ‘Hunter,’” he said with a laugh, noting that filming was completed before the animation’s release.

The album also includes an English track, “Strange,” a punk rock number with gritty textures and distorted vocals. “It’s in English, but more importantly, it captures a key theme of the album,” he noted.

Describing himself as a “contrarian,” Key said he wanted to reinterpret the bright energy he sees in junior artists’ performances through his own style. This led to the “Hunter” concept.

Following album promotions, Key will kick off his solo tour Keyland: Uncanny Valley from September 26–28 at the Olympic Park KSPO Dome’s Ticketlink Live Arena in Seoul. “Having music to show fans through performances is what drives me,” he said. “Expect the concert to feel like a full-on horror film.”