#wwd

a tribute to the late Ben Bartlett

It’s the morning after Key’s solo concert at the historic King Theatre in Brooklyn, and he almost can’t believe it actually happened.

“Standing alone in a theater in Brooklyn means a lot to me,” says Key, the stage name of Korean musician Kim Ki-bum. The musician is nearing the end of his whirlwind “Keyland: Uncanny Valley” tour in the U.S., which kicked off in L.A.

“It took 18 years for my first solo concert in the U.S.,” he continues. “And especially yesterday, I don’t know why — the design of the theater, a lot of crowds — I thought, like, am I really standing here? And am I really playing this show in New York and Brooklyn? It felt like a dream.”

It’s been a dream nearly 18 years in the making. Key debuted with K-pop boy group SHINee in 2008 after joining SM Entertainment as a trainee in 2005, and launched his solo career in 2018 with the debut album “Face,” shortly before his mandatory military enlistment. He released his third solo album, “Hunter,” in August. 

“ It sounds like a very long time, but I know of course my fans waited such a long time,” says the 34-year-old musician of finally making it to the U.S. as a solo artist. Between starring in regular variety shows in Korea, album releases and touring across Asia, the timing never felt right. “No one forced me for this, and I didn’t force myself for this,” he adds. “I was waiting for the right timing — and he gave me the right timing.” Key points a finger toward the sky, beyond the ceiling of a photo studio green room. “ But you know, nothing’s late, I think.”

The U.S. tour has been an emotionally and creatively fulfilling experience for the K-pop veteran. Key mentions Soundcheck, a VIP fan event held before each concert where he can interact directly with his fans, as a highlight of the tour. He’s also grown comfortable speaking onstage in English, and offstage conversation flows easily as he answers interview questions at length, only pausing once or twice to clarify specific words through a translator. 

“It was like, are they really laughing [along] with my English?” says Key of the crowd’s reception to his onstage banter. “It was a heartwarming moment. They were so open-minded and they were ready to accept everything. It was very pure.”

Key honed his creative voice through his latest album “Hunter,” which was inspired by horror films and urban legends. He’s described the album as his most personal solo project, and the tour is also a reflection of his distinct vision, with Key playing an integral role in crafting the visual identity of Keyland. The tour pays homage to the theatricality of ’80s music videos, and his costumes reflect his childhood interest in visual rock bands, defined by elaborate outfits, hairstyles, piercings, and makeup. “My fashion is part of the expression of my music,” he says. 

The day after his Brooklyn concert, he’s dressed in his own clothing, a keychain of New York-coded charms — gifted to him by a fan the night before — dangling from his belt loop. It’s a tangible memento from his time in the city, a concrete reminder that the career he’s built over the last two decades is real and solid as he enters his mid-30s.

“ Maybe I can look around the city,” says Key, asked how he planned to spend his limited free time in New York before heading on to his next tour stops in Chicago and Seattle. In reality, he was more likely to enjoy his downtime inside his hotel, focused on staying healthy and maintaining his energy for the last two stops of his tour.

His goal for the remainder of his time Stateside is to continue to perform at the same level. “I have to take care of myself very well. That is my very simple goal,” he says. “Don’t get sick. Don’t get exhausted.”

Also, “I don’t want to cry. At the last concert, actually, I got so emotional,” he says, continuing to reflect on the long journey that brought him to the current moment.

Looking ahead to 2026, he’s continuing to create new music, both for himself and with SHINee. The group members are in the process of recording and preparing their next comeback, working around their collectively busy solo schedules. “It’s gonna come out soon. Not soon — but definitely we’ll come back for next year. And I love our new music,” he says, describing the group as his “home.”

“ I’m pretty sure personally nothing’s gonna change really next year,” he adds. “Keep on doing what I can do — that’s the most important thing in my life these days.”

He’s been fielding the question for 18 years: how he wants to end the year, how he wants to start the new year, what his goals are for the year ahead. And his answer remains the same: more music, more touring, more doing what he loves to do.

“In my early 20s, I had a ‘next year’ list or something like that, but no, not anymore,” he says, taking his answer to a more existential space. 

“I turned 30 in the army. I thought there was a hole here, that I want to fill,” says Key, placing a hand decked with rings (and elaborate nail art) over his heart. “I was so obsessed with filling up that hole. But whatever I do, I couldn’t fill up that hole — because it was already full,” he adds. “I’m not looking for something new. I’m already happy.”