Key (Kim Ki Bum)

                                            키    김 기범

SHINee

Key is a South Korean singer, actor, fashion designer and television presenter. Born and raised in Daegu, South Korea, he later travelled to Seoul after a successful audition at the S.M. National Tour Audition Casting. In 2008, Key debuted as a member of South Korean boy group SHINee when he was 16, who later went on to become one of the best-selling artists in Korea. Key is widely recognised as a singer, but he had also ventured into different careers notably as an actor and fashion designer.

Key graduated from Myongji University with a degree in Film and Musical. He currently attends for his graduate degree in Woosuk University, majoring in "Culture and Education Contents Development". His thesis is titled "The Influence of Styling Education on Appearance Satisfaction and Self-Esteem of Korean Adolescents".

As a singer, he had done many collaborations with various artists, and debuted in the sub-unit Toheart with Woo-hyun of Infinite. Key had also vastly contributed in songwriting, which were produced in SHINee' and Toheart's albums. As an actor, he was cast in multiple musicals, such as 'Bonnie & Clyde' (2013), 'Zorro' (2014), and 'Chess' (2015). He has since widened his field as an actor by taking part in several television drama roles, like 'Drinking Solo' (2016) and 'The Guardians' (2017).

In 2015, Key progressed to become a fashion designer and took part in numerous projects. For instance, collaborating with Bridge Shop House to design SHINee concert outfits, and worked with model Irene and the brand Charm's to design fashion apparels. Due to the successes of his works, Key was later appointed as fashion director of the group. In 2016, he became a model for the American fashion brand, Jill Stuarts.

In March 2015, Key and CNBLUE's Jung-shin were appointed as the main presenters of 'Mnet's M! Countdown'. The same year Key collaborated with AXODUS, a duo formed by Don Spike and DJ Hanmin. Key took over the vocals for the track "Hold On," and they made a special presentation on July 25, 2015 at the Ansan Valley Rock Festival. In July 2015, Key was announced to be part of the musical "In the Heights", which was also performed with Japanese subtitles at Kanagawa Arts Theatre in Yokohama in 2016. Key made his theatrical debut as Byeong Gu in "Save the Green Planet!", based on the 2003 film of the same name. Key also had his own web show entitled "Key's Know How" produced by Mnet.

In September 2016, Key made his official acting debut in the tvN drama 'Drinking Solo' which aired from September 5 to October 25. He took the role of a student who has been studying for the civil service exam for 3 years. His character has lived an easy life so far but he's currently experiencing a life with no income. Even though this was Key's first time acting in a network, his acting was well received by the production team.

On October 11, 2018 SM Entertainment confirmed that Key would be making his solo debut through a solo album aimed to be released in November 2018, but before that date Key released a digital single entitled "Forever Yours" to mark his solo debut career.

Key went on his final military leave on September 24, 2020 without returning to the army due to military protocols regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, before officially being discharged on October 7.