SHINee's Key talks about visiting LA, shares how he has changed over the years - deets more on future performances

Time of India

10-06-2025

SHINee's Key is one of the most celebrated and multifaceted artists in the entertainment industry. The idol has actively worked as a soloist and group member, as well as a TV personality on various variety shows.
Key recently sat down for an interview where he opened up about his journey from SHINee to where he is now. The singer also talked about what all has changed in the past couple of years in the entertainment industry regarding Korean music as well.
Key opens up about being in LA
During an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Key talked all about how long it has been since he came to LA and how his group last visited the place 10 years ago. He stated that 'timing was so, so bad for SHINee,' while citing the member's military schedule.
He then continued by talking about how much he misses his American fans. He stated, 'But I've always missed (our) American fans, and of course, I always miss L.A. But you know what? Two days ago I felt—I don't know why—but something's changed a lot.
I know it's (been) like six years, but it changed a lot. (It's the) same, but different. At first, I thought, 'Oh God, I have to visit more.' When I saw the fans with my own eyes today, it was heartwarming.
'I felt love, and I felt sorry too, actually.'
As for working in the U.S., Key shared that he would be highly interested in developing opportunities in the states, both as a soloist and as a group.
Growth of K-pop in the international realm
During the interview, the 'Pleasure Shop' singer was asked about his opinion on the kind of changes in popularity of Korean music he has observed in the past few years. He shared, "K-Pop started (gaining popularity in the U.S.) 15 or 16 years ago.
I think. I thought it was kind of sort of a syndrome or something, like anime music.' Key then continued by saying how initially he thought that it was just a phase; however, the ongoing popularity proved him wrong.
He also talked about how it no longer matters if he sings in English, Korean, or Japanese and that people appreciate music more these days.
He continued, 'In the past, if you couldn't understand the lyrics, people didn't listen, you know what I mean? But these days, it's totally different.
I think it changed a lot. It depends on the artist's expression; singing in English or singing in Korean, it's freeing. I feel more free even now than before as an artist.'
Key as an artist: 'I want to show my junior artists, you guys can do this too into your 30s'
Key was also asked all about how he as an individual has changed, especially after getting discharged from the military. The singer shared how, at different points in life, such as from being a teenager to being a young adult, every version of you has different perspectives of what 30 years old would look like.
He then talked about how 'now it's different. That kind of generation has changed.'
Key also talked about how he wishes to become a role model for his junior artists in this generation. 'I want to show it to my junior artists; you guys can do this too [into your 30s], the same [way] you did before,' the idol said.
All about Key's future performance
As of right now, the SHINee member is in LA to perform at the KCON LA festival. The singer will be performing at the show in LA and has also expressed keen interest in spending his time in the U.S.
relaxing and enjoying everything.
While talking about his performance, Key stated that 'I feel really good that I made a promise to all my U.S. fans. I feel like I'm listening to their wishes. I feel really happy. I'm coming back really soon. It feels like I'm proving something to my fans that I told you, and I'm so excited. Actually, this time we were in Mexicoright before], and we came here straight from Mexico, so I couldn't enjoy Los Angeles. I couldn't go out.
I couldn't enjoy that much, but performing is enough for me, actually.