On January 13, 2025, SHINee's Key made headlines online as he collapsed after his SMTOWN LIVE performance. On January 11 and 12, 2025, SM Entertainment commemorated its 30th anniversary with the "SMTOWN LIVE 2025 [THE CULTURE, THE FUTURE] in SEOUL" concert at the Gocheok Sky Dome. The event featured performances from various SM artists, including SHINee members Key and Minho.
During the concert, Key delivered a dynamic performance alongside Minho. However, as they exited the stage, Key appeared visibly unwell and nearly collapsed. Minho promptly supported him, assisting Key off the stage.
Following the incident, SHINee's Key addressed fans, explaining that he had to leave the concert early due to health concerns. He expressed regret for causing worry and assured fans that he would focus on recovery.
The incident at SMTOWN LIVE 2025 raised concerns among fans about the demanding schedules and health of K-pop idols. Many expressed their support for Key, emphasizing the importance of rest and well-being for artists. One fan wrote on X:
"This broke my heart to see too and I am so glad that Minho was there to help. I hope he gets some rest and recovers soon."
Fans expressed that they were heartbroken to see SHINee's Key perform despite being unwell.
"This is so sad, sm entertainment are disgraceful letting kibum perform in this condition, every time I think they can’t get any lower, they prove me wrong," one fan wrote.
"My heart is breaking apart... kibum collapsed on stage after his ment session... minho literally had to help him walk off the stage. He really tried his best to make it not obvious that he's feeling unwell.. please get well soon," another fan wrote.
"This video is breaking my heart... the way Minho is helping Kibum bc he is so sick that he is literally tumbling on stage... he seemed like he was gonna faint at any moment," another fan stated.
Others highlighted how SHINee's Key kept apologizing for his poor health, which further made the fandom emotional.
"He said on his bubble he went to the hospital earlier in the day. He still came and did his best. He should have been resting," one fan said.
"He really shouldn't have performed, despite everything he was apologizing on bbl prior to the performance for not being able to perform brightly," another fan said.
"I'm worried about him. I'm praying that Key recovers, and I hope that he gets plenty of rest. This breaks my heart. Also, thank you, Minho, for helping Key," one other fan added.
More about SHINee's Key and his solo endeavors
Key, born Kim Ki-bum, debuted as a member of the South Korean boy band SHINee in 2008 under SM Entertainment. His solo music journey began in 2018 with the digital single, Forever Yours, featuring Soyou. This was followed by his first Korean studio album, Face, released on November 26, 2018.
The album included collaborations with artists like Crush and Soyou. In December 2018, he expanded his reach to Japan with the extended play Hologram, featuring five tracks, including a Japanese version of One of Those Nights. In March 2019, SHINee's Key released a repackaged version of his debut album titled I Wanna Be, which included additional tracks and collaborations.
After completing his mandatory military service, SHINee's Key returned to the music scene with the mini-album Bad Love in September 2021. The album was well received, with the title track, Bad Love, earning praise for its retro-inspired sound and aesthetic.
In August 2022, he released his second Korean studio album, Gasoline, followed by its reissue, Killer, in February 2023, both of which showcased his growth as an artist. Continuing his prolific output, Key released his second Korean extended play, Good & Great, on September 11, 2023.
He held his first solo concert, "The Agit: Key Land," in 2018, followed by "Key Land – Key" in 2019. In January 2024, he held his third solo concert, "2024 Keyland On: And On," at the SK Olympic Handball Gymnasium in Seoul, South Korea.
Expanding his reach, SHINee's Key embarked on his first solo Asia tour in the summer of 2024, starting with a concert in Bangkok, Thailand, on July 14.
Beyond music, he pursued acting and television roles. He made his acting debut in the 2016 drama, Drinking Solo, and has appeared in various variety shows, including Amazing Saturday, where he became a regular cast member in 2018.
In June 2024, SHINee's Key released his first Japanese single, Tongue Tied, digitally, with a physical edition following in August. He released his third Korean extended play, Pleasure Shop, on September 23, 2024, coinciding with his birthday.