The music industry is an environment where confidentiality is paramount, particularly when it comes to the release of new music. In numerous instances, an artist's new music is prematurely shared with the public, thus ruining the element of surprise for devoted fans.

Recently, SHINee's Key revealed a business secret about how SM Entertainment tactically tracks down those guilty of leaking their new music and holds them legally accountable.

On the latest episode of the YouTube show 'Ssulply,' Key was invited as a special guest and ushered the show's host, Lee Seok Hoon, around the premises of SM Entertainment.

In a rather intriguing discussion within the A&R department of the company, Key unveiled an industry secret of how SM Entertainment identifies the culprits behind any leaks in their new music if they occur.

Key explained, "For example, there are times when you need the jacket design team to listen to the new music. When we send them the music file, we implant a noise that we only know about at the 10-second mark. In the demo track. But if that version was leaked, that means that team leaked it."

He continued, "When we send one to the broadcasting station, we plant it around the 25-second mark. If that one is leaked, it's the broadcast station that got leaked."

Through this astute strategy, Key explained that SM Entertainment is capable of tracing the exact individual or team responsible for leaking their latest music.

Impressed fans and K-netizens commented, "That's so cool," "That's actually really smart," "They are so thorough," "I think leaking is a problem but they also have people hacking," "This is good how thorough they are though," and "This is a good strategy."