SHINee's Key is back with a new breakthrough! Reported via Naver on Monday, July 21, 2025 at 12:00 AM KST, he officially announced the comeback date for his third full album titled " HUNTER ". The album will be released on August 11, 2025 at 6:00 PM KST on various global music platforms.
This announcement immediately sent fans into a frenzy. As an idol who always presents unique and out-of-the-box concepts, Key once again proved his reputation as a "concept genius" with a comeback teaser full of mysteries. "HUNTER" will be Key's third full-length album, following "Gasoline," released in 2022.
It's also his first comeback in a year, following the release of his mini-album "Pleasure Shop" in September of last year. With such a long hiatus, fans' expectations are naturally high for this ambitious project. The album will feature 10 songs spanning diverse genres, including the title track, also titled "HUNTER."
According to SM Entertainment, the album will showcase Key's expanded and mature musical spectrum, making it one of the most anticipated comebacks of the summer. As usual, Key's comebacks have been nothing short of extraordinary since his first teaser.
This time, Key made an announcement with a strange content that appeared on SHINee's official channel. The announcement reads like an emergency guide with 10 strange warnings, mentioning CCTV, missing visitors, and mysterious sounds in the dark.
Lines like "All areas are under CCTV surveillance. If you hear a voice calling in the dark, do not respond" create a tense atmosphere. Many fans suspect the album's concept will be an urban thriller or survival horror, something rarely seen in K-pop.
What's even more intriguing about the announcement flyer is the mysterious phone number. When called, Key's voice can be heard delivering an enigmatic message. This strategy successfully captured attention and piqued fans' curiosity.
As before, there's always something unique and unprecedented in every promotional material. With his image as an idol who dares to experiment, Key has captured attention with retro vibes in "BAD LOVE" and horror concepts in "Gasoline."
He then went on to explore a racer concept in "Killer," an office concept in "Good and Great," and a futuristic concept in "Pleasure Shop." So it's no surprise that fans are eagerly anticipating what other iconic elements will appear in "HUNTER."
For example, what combination of music and storytelling will be presented? Will it be darker, more dramatic, or more futuristic? The released visual teaser also conveys a tense and mysterious atmosphere, as if transporting us to a fictional world full of secrets.
It's no wonder many predict this album will be Key's best concept album yet. Meanwhile, the album is available for pre-order at online and offline music stores starting July 21, 2025. Many fans are calling this concept the “dark Key era” due to its more mysterious feel than before.
Ultimately, Key's comeback with "HUNTER" isn't just a music release, but a project that combines music, visual art, and interactive storytelling. If you're a fan of creative concepts and want to see a different side of Key, don't miss this comeback.
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