Key

Kim Ki-bum, popularly known as Key, was born on September 23, 1991, and is a South Korean musician and fashion designer. Ki-bum first auditioned for SM Entertainment and was given an opportunity to make his debut. In 2008, he was launched as a member of “SHINee,” a South Korean boy band, and became one of the top-rated and best-selling artists in the country. He collaborated with other top-performing artists and released three EPs and a Korean studio album. In 2018, his hit single “Forever Yours,” marked his solo debut, and soon, “Face,” his first solo album, came out. Apart from singing, he is also an actor and a songwriter.

Fast Facts

Full Name:

Kim Ki-bum

Nickname:

Key

Birth date:

September 23, 1991

Age:

32

Zodiac Sign:

Libra

Height:

5' 10"

Relationship Status:

Single

Net Worth:

$11 million

Kim's Social Media:

Background

Kim Ki-bum, popularly known as Key, is a well-known South Korean pop singer, songwriter, dancer, and actor. A man of many talents, Ki-bum has collaborated with several top-notch artists on hits such as ‘Toheart.’ In 2018, he made his solo debut with the hit single ‘Forever Yours.’ He has acted in various movies and T.V. series as well. Key was born Kim Ki-bum on September 23, 1991, in Daegu, South Korea. His zodiac sign is Libra and his ethnicity is Korean.

His singing career took off after a successful audition for SM Entertainment. On May 25, 2008, he made his T.V. debut on the show “SBS’s Inkigayo.” The same year, he made his debut as a member of the band “SHINee.” Ki-bum has appeared on various T.V. shows, including “Idol Maknae Rebellion,” “We Got Married,” “Drinking Solo,” “Guardians,” and “Raising Idol.” In 2012, he played the lead role in his theatrical debut “Catch Me If You Can,” a Korean musical. The following year, he did two more Korean musicals: “Bonnie & Clyde” and “Three Musketeers.” The musical collaboration that Ki-bum and Woohyun formed in 2014 for SM Entertainment and Woollin Entertainment, won them the ‘Popularity Award’ at the “Golden Disk Awards.”

Due to his mother’s illness and his father’s hectic schedule, Ki-bum was raised by his grandmother. He earned his graduate and postgraduate degrees from Myongji University and Woosuk University, respectively. He keeps his love life private but is said to be single currently. Apart from his showbiz and musical projects, Ki-bum is much involved into philanthropy. In 2012, he donated tons of rice to World Vision; and in 2015, he encouraged his fans to extend help to victims after a massive earthquake rocked Nepal.

Career timeline

2008
The Debut With Shinee

Ki-bum makes his singing debut with a boy band called SHINee and features in its first mini-album, “Replay.”

2012
The Lead in Hollywood Remake

Ki-bum is chosen to play the lead role in the Korean adaptation of the Hollywood drama, “Catch Me If You Can.”

2014
He Wins a Popular Award

Ki-bum collaborates with Woohyun of Woolim Entertainment on a duet that earns the Popular Award at the 29th Golden Disk Awards.

2015
The Show Presenter

Ki-bum is appointed a presenter of “Mnet M Countdown” alongside Jung-shin.

2018
The Solo Debut

Ki-bum makes his solo debut with the hit single “Forever Yours,” a track from his studio album “Face.”

Why We Love Key

  1. Ki-bum is a philanthropist

    Kind-hearted and a humanitarian, Ki-bum is into charity work. He has helped organizations such as World Vision and U.N.I.C.E.F. and encouraged millions to donate through his social media handles.

  2. Ki-bum is hardworking

    Despite growing up in a difficult environment without much support from his parents, he worked diligently, kept learning new skills, and groomed himself consistently. He has earned his wealth and fame through his hard work.

  3. He is versatile

    Ki-bum is very versatile and an expert in many skills. He is a singer, songwriter, rapper, actor, fashion designer, T.V. presenter, and dancer. Despite all these talents, he is very humble and genuine.

5 Surprising Facts

  1. Ki-bum primary career is singing

    Ki-bum has many talents: singing, acting, rapping, songwriting, and fashion designing.

  2. He loves Spongebob Squarepants

    Ki-bum is a fan of the American animated series, Spongebob Squarepants.

  3. He has acrophobia

    Ki-bum has acrophobia, or the fear of heights, so he avoids high altitudes.

  4. One of the best-dressed men

    For his unique and unconventional fashion sense, Ki-bum is considered one of the best-dressed men in South Korea.

  5. He is an excellent cook

    Ki-bum is a great cook and so confident in his culinary skills that he calls himself a gourmet chef.

Key FAQs

Does Ki-bum from SHINee speak English?

Yes, Ki-bum also speaks Japanese and Mandarin

Is Ki-bum still in SHINee?

Yes, he has also ventured into other acting and fashion design.

Who is the oldest in Shinee?

Onew is the oldest member of the group, followed by Ki-bum.

Key’s birthday dates

YearDateDay
2024September 23Monday
2025September 23Tuesday
2026September 23Wednesday
2027September 23Thursday
2028September 23Saturday

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