Changmin

Changmin
Changmin at the K-pop World Festival
Native name	심창민
Born	Shim Chang-min (1988-02-18) February 18, 1988 (age 28) Seoul, South Korea
Other names	MAX Max Changmin
Occupation	Singer actor
Years active	2003–present
Musical career
Genres	Pop dance R&B electronic rock
Instruments	Vocals guitar
Labels	S.M. Entertainment Avex Trax Rhythm Zone
Associated acts	TVXQ SM Town SM the Ballad

Shim Chang-min (Hangul: 심창민; Hanja: 沈昌珉; born February 18, 1988), also known by his stage name Max Changmin (최강창민; Choikang Changmin) or simply MAX, is a South Korean singer, actor, and a member of the pop duo TVXQ. Born and raised in Seoul, South Korea, Changmin was scouted by an S.M. Entertainment talent agent when he was fourteen years old. He made his debut as TVXQ's youngest member in December 2003.

Fluent in both Korean and Japanese, Changmin has achieved commercial success throughout Asia as a member of TVXQ. Known as "Asia's Stars" and the "Kings of K-Pop", TVXQ have released fifteen studio albums and performed on record-breaking concert tours; their sixth Japan-wide tour, the Time Tour, was the highest-grossing concert tour ever held by a foreign music act in Japan. TVXQ are the first non-Japanese music act to hold a concert in the Nissan Stadium, Japan's largest outdoor stadium. According to the Oricon, TVXQ holds the record for most number-one singles for a foreign music act in Japan. They have since sold over 10 million albums there, making them one of Japan's best-selling foreign artists.

Changmin was born and raised in Seoul, South Korea to a Buddhist family. He has two younger sisters, and both of his parents are teachers. When he was fourteen years old, a talent scout from S.M. Entertainment spotted Changmin while he was singing and playing badminton at the same time during gym class. Attracted to his appearance, the scout suggested him to audition for S.M., but Changmin had no interest in becoming a singer. His mother, wanting for a chance to meet BoA, urged Changmin to attend the casting auditions anyway. Three days after auditioning, S.M. called in Changmin for a second audition, which he passed successfully. After winning the Best Singer and Best Artist award at S.M.'s 6th Annual Youth Competition, Changmin signed with the company.

In 2003, Changmin was put in a boy band with four other members, which included U-Know Yunho, Hero Jaejoong, Micky Yoochun, and Xiah Junsu. At fifteen years old, Changmin was the youngest member. The band, TVXQ, debuted on December 26, 2003 at a SBS showcase for BoA and Britney Spears. The band performed their debut single "Hug" and an a cappella rendition of "O Holy Night." On January 14, 2004, "Hug" was officially released, peaking at #4 on South Korea's monthly music charts. In October 2004, the group released their first studio album Tri-Angle, which was their first number-one record.