SHINee’s Key Collapses At “SMTOWN LIVE,” Triggering Concerns
On January 11-12, the SMTOWN LIVE in Seoul concert occurred at the Gocheok Sky Dome. For two nights, fans could see all their favorite SM Entertainment artists in one place.
SMTOWN FAMILY PHOTO📸
in SMTOWN LIVE 2025 [THE CULTURE, THE FUTURE] in SEOUL마지막까지 함께해 주신 PINK BLOOD 여러분께 진심으로 감사드립니다.
앞으로도 계속 소중한 추억을 만들어 나가요! 💖#SMTOWN #SM_30thAnniversary#SMTOWN2025 #SMTOWN_LIVE #SMCU pic.twitter.com/KdPzkpbm72— SMTOWN (@SMTOWNGLOBAL) January 12, 2025
This concert was even more special as it celebrated the company’s 30th anniversary and had many familiar faces join the lineup! For Shawols, just two SHINee members—Minho and Key — were able to participate this year, as they are the remaining members signed to SM Entertainment.
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Yet, Key was also apparently sick during SMTOWN LIVE in Seoul.
A clip circulated of Key following a performance, where he appeared to be fainting or collapsing. Thankfully, Minho was by his side and quickly grabbed ahold of Key, helping him exit the stage.
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 pic.twitter.com/CrqzW3qVRO
— isSHINeeback? (@isSHINeeback) January 12, 2025
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 🤍pic.twitter.com/i2XGrJwgGH
— 큥베리 | Grace 💫 (@Ace_BBH) January 12, 2025
The video went viral across X (formerly Twitter), with Shawols expressing their worry and concern for Key. They hope that he will rest and recover rather than be overworked. Many fans are upset that SM Entertainment let Key perform in his condition.
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 pic.twitter.com/st3MT14Ptu
— mais (@92KWONHYUK) January 12, 2025
This is literally breaking my heart. Kibum need a break…he shouldn't perform when he feels like that pic.twitter.com/Axt66vPXTh
— Sarah 🌌 | fan acc | see Taemin in March (@6v6taeminlovee) January 12, 2025
kibum 😭😭😭😭😭 and minho is holding him the entire time…
kibum please get well soon ㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠ pic.twitter.com/hgvfbacJMu
— vi🍋 (@diorkibum) January 12, 2025
They also commended Key for his professionalism, realizing that he persevered until the very end of his performance. He literally gave it his all.
Poor kibum! 😭 He held it off as much as he could on stage to the point he collapsed at the end of his performance! Get better soon!!! pic.twitter.com/9IElxas0EQ
— Soo (@ForeverHuman7) January 13, 2025
oh Kibum… the fact that you were feeling so sick, but still pushed through and did such a spectacular performance pic.twitter.com/NXyJCyAzT4
— isSHINeeback? (@isSHINeeback) January 12, 2025
I need Kibum to know that he did very well despite not being in the greatest condition and that he has nothing to apologize for. I wouldn't even be able to tell that he was unwell. Thank you for working hard and get well soon. 🩶pic.twitter.com/v5GktM12z3
— Shak (@5hineeingstars) January 12, 2025
When the clip of Key collapsing circulated, Shawols watched the performance back, realizing he was clearly unwell during it.
i couldnt stop thinking about kibum’s gasoline perf yesterday. he was really pushing to his limits for the best stage performance, trying to overcome his condition
but i couldn’t bear this sight :( during the MinKey ment, i was worried key will just pass out. but thank god… pic.twitter.com/pXPkTv1FGW
— mrs freak🍭| 온유의 위너 🐰👑 (@mrsfreakslab) January 12, 2025
My heart hurts so bad ☹️ kibum looked like he was on the verge of fainting but still tried to finish his performance… get well soon bby… pic.twitter.com/JIJVwtdflO
— 큥베리 | Grace 💫 (@Ace_BBH) January 12, 2025
i thought it was strange when he didn't sing some parts and looked really uncomfortable 😢 get well soon kibum you showed us such an amazing performance despite your condition 🩵 pic.twitter.com/SBm8ASPQ1J
— 기범쓰🍸 (@kibumssss) January 12, 2025
Key also updated via bubble to confirm that he was sick with a common cold. He revealed he’s lost his voice and was concerned about performing.
Guys, honestly, I haven’t been feeling well since yesterday, but I pushed through with medication and tea. Today, I felt much worse, so I went to the hospital. I tested negative for Type A flu, so it seems to be just a common cold or exhaustion…
This morning, I completely lost my voice. I thought it would get better, but it looks like I won’t be able to perform on stage with “빛” today. I’m really sorry. I wanted to express my deepest apologies & gratitude to Shawols who came to the venue & those supporting from afar.
— Key (Translation by @callme_lilduck/X)
We hope Key has a speedy recovery.