Key, a member of the globally renowned K-pop group SHINee, has returned with his third solo EP titled “Pleasure Shop,” released on Monday. The six-track album delves into themes of happiness and technology, led by the title track that explores a futuristic, somewhat dystopian narrative.
Key, known for his creative flair, explained the unique concept behind the lead single “Pleasure Shop.” The track presents a fictional store where happiness is sold but with a twist—Key’s character in the story is a cyborg devoid of emotions. He shared, “I am the person who sells happiness at the shop, but because I am a cyborg, I don’t have feelings. The song reflects the irony of selling something I cannot feel.”
Despite its seemingly cheerful name, “Pleasure Shop” features darker undertones in its lyrics. Key intentionally added depth to the story, explaining how customers leave the shop deprived of happiness, rather than fulfillment, as the cyborg ends up taking their happiness away. This reflective concept was inspired by the rapid advancement of technologies like AI, a theme that resonates throughout the EP.
Courtesy of SM Entertainment
AI played a pivotal role in the creation of the music video for “Pleasure Shop.” Key revealed that many visual elements were crafted using AI-generated scenes, where he inputted words and ideas to create the futuristic world of the pleasure shop. “I want to actively incorporate AI in my future works. I believe that AI can be beneficial, as long as it’s used ethically,” he remarked.
Key has long been known for his keen interest in staying up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies. Initially, he even considered using AI-generated images for the album cover but ultimately decided to go in a different direction. However, he emphasized the growing need for regulations regarding the use of AI in the music industry, especially concerning the unauthorized use of K-pop artists' voices for AI covers.
In the music video, Key’s cyborg character manages a pleasure shop that sells contact lenses allowing customers to see life through a positive lens, a fitting metaphor for the way technology shapes our perception of reality. Key explained, “I thought the concept of a cyborg combined with the album’s title would make for intriguing promotional content.” He has also been deeply involved in the marketing strategy for the EP, coming up with innovative ideas for its release.
Courtesy of SM Entertainment
On the performance front, Key opted for more catchy and playful choreography, a departure from his usual powerful and dynamic moves, which he plans to showcase while promoting “Pleasure Shop” and a B-side track titled “Overthink” on TV music shows.
The album also features a collaboration with Lauv, a renowned American musician, who produced the English-language track “Novacaine.” Key explained how the collaboration came about: “I met Lauv at SM headquarters while eating sushi, and we discussed working together. He was part of our song camp and is a big fan of K-pop. The song turned out so well that there was nothing to fix.”
Reflecting on his artistic journey, Key expressed his ongoing commitment to his craft: “I’m never fully satisfied with my work, but I believe it’s my duty as an experienced artist to invest more in my albums and deliver the best quality. This EP allowed me to showcase what I truly wanted my fans to experience.”
Sayart / Kelly.K, pittou8181@gmail.com
Courtesy of SM Entertainment
Key, a member of the globally renowned K-pop group SHINee, has returned with his third solo EP titled “Pleasure Shop,” released on Monday. The six-track album delves into themes of happiness and technology, led by the title track that explores a futuristic, somewhat dystopian narrative.
Key, known for his creative flair, explained the unique concept behind the lead single “Pleasure Shop.” The track presents a fictional store where happiness is sold but with a twist—Key’s character in the story is a cyborg devoid of emotions. He shared, “I am the person who sells happiness at the shop, but because I am a cyborg, I don’t have feelings. The song reflects the irony of selling something I cannot feel.”
Despite its seemingly cheerful name, “Pleasure Shop” features darker undertones in its lyrics. Key intentionally added depth to the story, explaining how customers leave the shop deprived of happiness, rather than fulfillment, as the cyborg ends up taking their happiness away. This reflective concept was inspired by the rapid advancement of technologies like AI, a theme that resonates throughout the EP.
Courtesy of SM Entertainment
AI played a pivotal role in the creation of the music video for “Pleasure Shop.” Key revealed that many visual elements were crafted using AI-generated scenes, where he inputted words and ideas to create the futuristic world of the pleasure shop. “I want to actively incorporate AI in my future works. I believe that AI can be beneficial, as long as it’s used ethically,” he remarked.
Key has long been known for his keen interest in staying up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies. Initially, he even considered using AI-generated images for the album cover but ultimately decided to go in a different direction. However, he emphasized the growing need for regulations regarding the use of AI in the music industry, especially concerning the unauthorized use of K-pop artists' voices for AI covers.
In the music video, Key’s cyborg character manages a pleasure shop that sells contact lenses allowing customers to see life through a positive lens, a fitting metaphor for the way technology shapes our perception of reality. Key explained, “I thought the concept of a cyborg combined with the album’s title would make for intriguing promotional content.” He has also been deeply involved in the marketing strategy for the EP, coming up with innovative ideas for its release.
Courtesy of SM Entertainment
On the performance front, Key opted for more catchy and playful choreography, a departure from his usual powerful and dynamic moves, which he plans to showcase while promoting “Pleasure Shop” and a B-side track titled “Overthink” on TV music shows.
The album also features a collaboration with Lauv, a renowned American musician, who produced the English-language track “Novacaine.” Key explained how the collaboration came about: “I met Lauv at SM headquarters while eating sushi, and we discussed working together. He was part of our song camp and is a big fan of K-pop. The song turned out so well that there was nothing to fix.”
Reflecting on his artistic journey, Key expressed his ongoing commitment to his craft: “I’m never fully satisfied with my work, but I believe it’s my duty as an experienced artist to invest more in my albums and deliver the best quality. This EP allowed me to showcase what I truly wanted my fans to experience.”
