Biography of Key
Kim Ki-bum popularly known as Key is a South Korean singer, dancer, rapper, songwriter, actor, fashion designer and television presenter. In 2008, he debuted as a member of the South Korean boy group SHINee. He is globally recognized as a singer and dancer. Apart from his versatile talent in both, he has also ventured into different careers, notably as a television presenter.
As a singer, he has collaborated with prominent artists. He formed a duo Toheart with Woohyun of Infinite. He made his debut as a solo artist with the release of the digital single ‘Forever Yours’.
He has written lyrics for his solo artistry and for SHINee. He has acted in musicals like ‘Bonnie & Clyde’ (2013), ‘Zorro’ (2014), and ‘Chess’ (2015). Some of his television drama credits include ‘Drinking Solo’ (2016) and ‘The Guardians’ (2017).
Key has showcased his talent as a fashion designer and has been on numerous projects. He worked with the model Irene Kim. His eminent success in his field made him a fashion director for SHINee. He is also popular as a television personality appearing in shows like ‘DoReMi Market’ and ‘I Live Alone’.
Early Life and Education
Key was born on 23 September 1991 in Daegu, South Korea. He is the only child. He represented Yeong Shin Middle School in his hometown as a water skier and competed in water skiing competitions. He later relocated to Seoul after a successful audition at the SM National Tour Audition Casting.
He graduated from Myongji University with a degree in Film and Musicals. He completed his postgraduate studies at Woosuk University majoring in Culture and Education Content Development.
He conducted special seminars at Iksan Namseong Middle School, North Jeolla Province, and Gimje Girls’ Middle School in Seoul. The title of his thesis is ‘The Influence of Styling Education on Appearance Satisfaction and Self-Esteem of Korean Adolescents’.
Career
Key appeared as a background dancer in the film ‘Attack on the Pin-Up Boys’. In 2008, he became a member of the group SHINee and released their first extended play ‘Replay’. The EP peaked at number eight on the charts and their first performance was held on 25 May 2008 on the SBS program ‘Inkigayo’.
In his initial music journey, he participated in labelmate Xiah’s solo performance of ‘Xiahtic’ in TVXQ’s concert 2009: The 3rd Asia Tour Mirotic in Seoul. In 2010, he featured in the song ‘Healing’ on TRAX’s EP ‘Let You Go’ and for the Girls’ Generation’s song ‘Boys & Girls’. Along with Dongho from U-KISS and Thunder from MBLAQ he was a cast member of the show ‘Raising Idol’.
In 2012, he made various collaborations like ‘Bravo’ for the drama ‘History of a Salaryman’ with Leeteuk of Super Junior. He participated in Exo’s song ‘Two Moons’ and BoA‘s song ‘One Dream’ as the theme song for SBS K-pop Star with labelmate Henry of Super Junior-M.
He formed the duo Toheart with Woohyun from Infinite. A collaboration between SM Entertainment and Woollim Entertainment in 2014. The duo was well-received for their photoshoots and activities. The duo won the ‘Popularity Award’ at the 29th Golden Disc Awards.
He played the lead role in the musical ‘Zorro’ with singer Wheesung and Beast’s Yoseob. He participated in the MBC variety show ‘We Got Married’ Global Edition partnering with Alissa Yagi, a Japanese model.
In 2015, he joined the cast of SM Entertainment’s hologram musical ‘School Oz’. The same year Key and CNBLUE’s Jung-shin were appointed as the main presenters of Mnet’s M Countdown. He collaborated with Axodus, a duo formed by Don Spike and DJ Hanmin. On 25 July 2015, he provided vocals for the track ‘Hold On’ which they performed together at the Ansan Valley Rock Festival.
He had musical roles in ‘Chess’ and ‘In the Heights’. ‘In the Heights’ was performed with Japanese subtitles at Kanagawa Arts Theatre in Yokohama in 2016. He starred in his first play as Byeong-gu in ‘Save the Green Planet!’ and he had his own web show entitled ‘Key’s Know-How’ produced by Mnet.
In 2016, Key made his official acting debut in the tvN drama ‘Drinking Solo’. It was his first acting experience and it was well-received by the production team. In 2017, he was one of the main characters in the new MBC drama ‘The Guardians’. He was a cast member in the variety show ‘DoReMi Market’ (2018). On 6 July 2018, a remix of their single ‘If You’re Over Me’, he was featured on ‘Years & Yea’.
On 20 October 2018, Key performed a special stage at Charm’s fashion show during Seoul Fashion Week. He performed a new song titled ‘Chemicals’. Key, along with his best friend and former Sistar member Soyou pre-released the single with the music video on 6 November 2018. His first studio album, titled ‘Face’, was released on 26 November 2018 featuring Crush.
He released his first Japanese extended play, ‘Hologram’ on 26 December 2018. The EP contains a total of five tracks, including the title track ‘Hologram’. To celebrate his Japanese debut, Key held two live shows, titled ‘Key Land’, in Kobe and Yokohama. His first solo concert in South Korea, titled ‘The Agit: Key Land’, was held in February 2019 in Seoul.
He released a repackaged version of ‘Face’ on 4 March 2019. Following the release, he released another single featuring Hanhae and the title track ‘I Wanna Be’, featuring Soyeon of (G) I-DLE.
On 30 August 2021, he released the single ‘Hate That…’, featuring Taeyeon. The single was the pre-release for his upcoming album. He held an online Beyond Live concert, ‘Groks’ in the Keyland. His first Korean extended play, ‘Bad Love’, was released on 27 September 2021. He received his first music show win as a solo artist on MBC’s Show! Music Core on 9 October 2021.
He released his second studio album ‘Gasoline’ on 30 August 2022. He held a concert titled ‘G.O.A.T. (Greatest of All Time)’ in the Keyland at Jangchung Arena in Seoul and at Pia Arena MM in Yokohama. He performed in Osaka in March 2023. His second Korean EP, ‘Good & Great’, was released on 11 September 2023.
The same month, he released his latest album ‘Killer’. It was announced that he will appear in TVING’s ‘Crime Scene Returns’ in the first half of 2024. Key officially confirmed that the SHINee group has renewed their contracts with their agency SM Entertainment.
Achievements
SHINee marked its 15th anniversary in 2023 as a significant milestone with its debut in May 2008. The group still continues to thrive and the members are successful in their solo artistry and other endorsements.
Key is successful with his solo artistry and his contribution of his part in the band. He has a keen interest in composing lyrics and in fashion. He is a flourishing artist building his successful career. Here are some of his notable achievements:
- In 2021, 2022, and 2023 Key won the ‘Male Variety-Idol’, ‘Best Male Idol Entertainment’, and ‘Male Solo Singer’ at the Brand Consumer Loyalty Award.
- At the Brand of the Year Awards, Key won the ‘Entertainment Idol of the Year-Male’ (2021), ‘Best Male Idol Entertainment’ (2022), and ‘Best Male Idol Entertainment’ (2023).
- Key won the ‘Best New Actor’ at the Grimae Awards (2017).
- At the MBC Entertainment Awards (2022) Key won the ‘Excellence Award, Variety Category-Male’ for his work ‘I Live Alone’.
- In 2021, Key won the ‘Popularity Award’ at the MBC Entertainment Awards.
- He was appointed one of SM Entertainment’s fashion directors and has been designing SHINee’s concert outfits since 2015.
- In 2016, Key became a model for Jill Stuart Accessory.
- In 2021, he was selected as a model for health and beauty store Olive Young with labelmate Taeyeon.
- In 2022, he was appointed an ambassador for make-up brand Espoir.
Military Life
On 4 March 2019, Key was enlisted for his mandatory military service as a member of the military band. He went on his final military leave on 2 September 2021 and was originally scheduled to be officially discharged on 7 October 2020.
Personal Life
Key was raised by his grandmother from birth as his mother was sick after giving birth. His father was busy with work. He announced his grandmother’s demise officially through his Instagram account on 23 September 2014. He wanted to announce it himself as it did not feel right for the news to be announced through his company.
In the Interview, ‘Let’s Eat Together’ Key mentioned that he is not dating. He clearly mentioned his take on marriage and divorce. As of the latest update, he is single and is not dating anyone.
Net Worth and Lifestyle
Key has a net worth of 2-3 million US dollars.
Singing for almost nine years in his long career journey, he has acted in four movies, four TV series, eight variety shows and eight times in the theatre. His successful work life has earned him a good name, fame, popularity and recognition. He owns a luxurious bungalow worth 2 billion won.
He is considered one of the best-dressed men in his country. He is known for his ‘unique and unconventional’ style. He always opts for the fusion of different patterns and colours. He always enjoys trying new things to look unique.
Awards
- Brand Consumer Loyalty Award
Male Solo Singer (2023)
Best Male Idol Entertainment (2022)
Male Solo Singer (2021) - Brand of the Year Awards
Best Male Idol Entertainment (2023)
Best Male Idol Entertainment (2022)
Entertainment Idol of the Year-Male (2021) - Grimae Awards
Best New Actor (2017) - MBC Entertainment Awards
Excellence Award, Variety Category – Male (2022) - MBC Entertainment Awards
Popularity Award (2021)
Interesting Facts about Key
- Key is confident that he can be a gourmet chef.
- Key can speak both English and Japanese.
- Key has a love-hate relationship with horror movies and horror stories.
- Kim Ki-bum has been dreaming of becoming a singer since kindergarten.
- Key donates to charities often and tries to do volunteer work too.
- Kim Ki-bum is in a duo band with Woohyun from INFINITE, called Toheart.
- Key made his solo debut on 6 November 2018 with the pre-release single ‘Forever Yours’.
- Kim Ki-bum was in the global edition of ‘We Got Married’ where he was paired with Ari Chan.
FAQs
- Has Key done his military service?
Key went on his final military leave on 24 September 2020. - Does SHINee Key have a photographic memory?
He has a photographic memory when it comes to dances, immediately memorising a dance and he is a great imitator. - How old is Key?
As of 2023, 32 years old. - What is Key’s Instagram ID?
