
Key from SHINee Set for Solo Comeback in August 2025
Kim Ki-bum, popularly recognized as Key, a member of the iconic K-pop group SHINee, is gearing up for an exciting solo comeback anticipated in August 2025. This will mark his return to the music scene after a nearly year-long hiatus following his last solo project.
The upcoming release will be Key’s first substantial promotional activity in approximately twelve months, succeeding his mini album, Pleasure Shop, which dropped in September 2024. Fans can expect this eagerly awaited comeback to occur in late summer, with the 33-year-old artist currently in the final stages of preparation.
This announcement arrives shortly after SHINee celebrated their remarkable 17th debut anniversary in May, which included the release of the commemorative single “Poet | Artist.”However, this previous release did not involve promotional activities, making Key’s August comeback his first comprehensive promotional cycle since Pleasure Shop.
Commercial Success and Noteworthy Achievements
Key’s last solo effort, Pleasure Shop, was met with impressive commercial success, breaking previous sales records for the artist. The mini album sold over 114, 000 copies within its debut week, surpassing his own benchmark set by the 2023 mini album, Good & Great, which sold 106, 335 copies. Furthermore, this album garnered Key his inaugural music show win with the title track, as he claimed first place on MBC’s “Music Core”in October 2024.
In an emotional acceptance speech after his “Music Core”victory, Key expressed his gratitude, stating, “At this point in my career, it’s not easy to win first place even once, so I’m deeply grateful.”This victory was especially poignant for him, being his second music show win as a solo artist, following his earlier success with the 2021 single “Bad Love.”
Hints at Artistic Evolution
The forthcoming release is expected to highlight Key’s continuous growth and artistic evolution as a solo musician. In recent interviews, he hinted at the potential return of themes reminiscent of his 2022 album Gasoline, which featured a captivating horror-retro aesthetic and topped iTunes charts across 23 countries. Key’s involvement in crafting lyrics for four of its eleven tracks showcased his artistic versatility and personal touch.
Internationally, Key’s reach has also expanded with new projects, including his debut Japanese single, “Tongue Tied, ”released in August 2024. His journey into the Japanese market commenced with the EP Hologram in 2018, underscoring his flexibility in adapting his artistry to cater to varying audiences.
Anticipation Builds for the New Release
While details surrounding the August comeback—including the concept, tracklist, and promotional schedule—remain undisclosed, excitement continues to escalate among fans on social media. The announcement has already created a buzz within Key’s global fanbase, each eagerly awaiting his return to the solo music stage.
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