Key (entertainer)

Key
Key at the SMTown Coex Artium in January 2015
Native name	김기범
Born	Kim Ki-bum (1991-09-23) September 23, 1991 (age 25) Daegu, South Korea
Residence	Seoul, South Korea
Education	Woosuk University
Occupation	Singer actor television presenter
Musical career
Genres	K-pop R&B
Instruments	Vocals
Years active	2008–present
Labels	S.M. Entertainment
Associated acts	Shinee SM Town Toheart
Signature

Kim Ki-bum (born September 23, 1991), better known by his stage name 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, 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.

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 Lookout (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.

Key was born on September 23, 1991 in Daegu, South Korea. At the age of 14, he represented Dae Gu Yeong Shin Middle School as a water-skier and competed in water-skiing competitions. In 2006, he joined S.M. Entertainment after a successful audition at the SM National Tour Audition Casting. One year later, he appeared as a background dancer in the film Super Junior, Attack on the Pin-Up Boys. Key continued his training under S.M. Entertainment and debuted as a member of Shinee at the age of 16.