SHINee’s Key Clears Up Common K-Pop Misconceptions (Exclusive)

SHINee’s Key has dedicated nearly two decades to honing his craft, and he’s determined to clarify one thing: His accomplishments are the result of his own hard work and determination. While casual listeners may view the K-pop industry as a finely-tuned operation, Key emphasizes that artists maintain control over their creative output.

“I don’t want them to perceive me as just a puppet in this industry,” the 34-year-old singer tells Us Weekly in an exclusive interview. “I take charge of my own production. I am an artist. I am forging my own path, and I know what I’m doing.”

Since debuting with SHINee in 2008, the “Hunter” artist released his inaugural solo project in 2018 and has continually matured as both a group member and a solo performer. With his debut solo world tour Keyland: Uncanny Valley, he is inviting fans on this exciting journey.

He shares the sentiment with his fans, known as Shawols, questioning why it took nearly 20 years to embark on a solo tour, yet feels the time is perfect. “I think this is the right moment to be here, and I can see my fans’ faces, like, ‘We’ve been waiting for you for what feels like a million years!’ So, I’m savoring every moment,” the singer notes.

Key is particularly struck by the expanding diversity among his audience, expressing surprise at the number of men attending his concerts. “I asked a lot of questions to them in L.A. and Oakland,” he shares with a smile. “Like, ‘Why are you here? Who brought you? Your girlfriend, wife, or sister?’”

Fans have loved his onstage banter, with numerous clips of him humorously questioning attendees going viral recently. He’s also been amazed by the dedication fans display in their outfits, comparing the atmosphere to Comic-Con. He’s seen fans arrive in elaborate makeup and costumes reflecting his character BOK-SILLee. “They take it so seriously,” he adds, describing the entire experience as “very interesting.”

The extravagant costumes mirror Key’s own performance attire, which he actively designs. Though adept at keeping up with current fashion trends, he admits his style is not solely influenced by what’s hot on TikTok.

“As an individual, Key is quite sensitive to trends, and he enjoys wearing something fashionable,” he explains, emphasizing that his personal creative vision comes first. “I don’t enforce ‘trendy’ as an artist.”

Having evolved into the primary designer of his musical identity has taken time and experience.

“We were expertly managed by a producer at the start of our careers, as is typical in K-pop. However, it was from that foundation that I educated myself,” Key states. He hopes fans, both seasoned and new, acknowledge the creativity artists invest in their work, dispelling the myth that many remain uninvolved in the creative process. “[Idols] can write lyrics or compose, and each has their own unique talents. I hope people recognize that.”

Key radiates confidence, a sentiment echoed in his body of work. His latest album, Hunter, was released in August and he considers it his finest work to date. While he has always exhibited self-assurance, he acknowledges that his 2021 EP, Bad Love, was crucial for boosting his confidence as a solo artist. “I felt so proud of it, thinking, ‘F*** the outcome,’” he laughs. “I felt something new. … I need to create something that makes me proud.”

While Key’s confidence has grown over the years, he admits it’s still a journey. “It wasn’t because my mother always told me, ‘You’re the most beautiful kid in the world.’ It never really worked that way!” he quips, pointing out that his confidence originated from within himself.

Influenced by industry trailblazers, he regards soloist and labelmate BoA as his key inspiration. “She was the first K-pop artist to gain popularity in Japan … and after that, TVXQ followed suit,” he recalls, reflecting on their remarkable performances at Tokyo Dome.

A solo performance at such a massive venue is often seen as a pinnacle achievement for K-pop groups, and Key finally had that opportunity with SHINee in 2015. “I still remember thinking, ‘Wow, I’m actually here,’” he reminisces.

The artist also appreciates groups that came after him, amplifying K-pop’s global reach. Highlighting successes like BTS and NCT as well as cultural events such as KPop Demon Hunters, he admits it’s surreal to witness K-pop’s international acclaim. “I still can’t believe this is happening,” he tells Us. “It feels like a dream.”

Key’s inspirations reach beyond the confines of K-pop, and during his tour, he encountered one of his idols, Cynthia Erivo. “She was an angel,” he exclaims, still astonished by their meeting. After receiving some encouraging words from Erivo, he found himself in awe — much like how his fans feel when they meet him.

Despite his long-standing superstardom, Key has ambitious aspirations that drive him through nearly twenty years in the industry.

“I couldn’t slow down, as there are so many things I still want to pursue,” he shares with Us, adding that a decade ago, he couldn’t have fathomed still being on stage at his age. “I never thought I’d be doing the same stuff at this age,” he jokes, insisting he still feels like he’s 18.

Key is truly unique and remains confident that, even in an era dominated by AI, the human connection inherent in live music “is irreplaceable.” He firmly believes in the charm of traditional performances. “What humans present on stage can never be substituted by robots or AI.”

He finds it difficult to comprehend K-pop’s current success, making it challenging to envision anything beyond its current heights. When asked about his hopes for the genre’s future, he laughs, “Isn’t this enough?”

Given that his career blossomed when K-pop was just beginning to reach beyond South Korean borders, it’s understandable that he remains amazed by its current international acclaim. He takes immense pride in newer K-pop acts that have made their mark on U.S. television, topped international charts, and performed to sold-out stadiums across the globe. “Even though I’m not there, I feel proud of them,” he tells Us, expressing how far his peers have exceeded his expectations.

The future of K-pop appears bright, provided, as Key notes, “[people] recognize that this isn’t a genre — it’s a culture.” In the past, adapting to different markets required varied approaches, but as domestic and international audiences blend, he envisions a time when everyone can appreciate K-pop in all its richness. “I hope that kind of day will come.”

As part of Us Weekly’s Make Us a Mixtape series, we asked Key to share a selection of his favorite songs from over the years. Keep reading to discover which tracks he included as part of the soundtrack to his life:

Song That Reminds Him of Childhood

“When You Wish Upon a Star” from Pinocchio. Pinocchio was my first Disney [movie]. I still listen to this song. Even today … whenever I hear it, I instantly feel like I’m five years old again.

Song That Reminds You of Your Favorite Place

“Both Sides Now” by Joni Mitchell. It may not be my favorite place, but I spend a lot of my time on planes. [This song] really helps me relax when my heart races.

Song to Get Everyone Dancing

“Thriller” by Michael Jackson. I miss him. Who can resist MJ, right?

Song That He Sings in the Car

“Wake Me Up When September Ends” by Green Day. September 23 is both my birthday and the anniversary of my grandmother’s passing, so it’s an emotional day for me. This song offers me peace when I need to reflect. It’s my go-to for comfort.

Song He Wishes He Wrote

“Pop” by ‘NSync! I don’t know why, but it brings back such strong memories. I remember watching it on MTV when I was a kid, I was blown away.