Kim Ki Bum (Key)

September 21, 2020

Kim Ki-bum better known by his stage name Key is a South Korean idol singer, rapper, dancer, actor, and promotional model. 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 May 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 South Korea. Key is widely recognised as a singer, but he has also ventured into different careers, notably as an actor and fashion designer.

Born : September 23, 1991 (age 29 years), Daegu, South Korea

Height : 1.78 m

Music groups : SHINee (Since 2008), Toheart

Nicknames : Bummie, Kibummie, Almighty Key

Drama List

Year	Drama	Role
2010	Athena: Goddess of War	Guest Role
2012	Salamander Guru and the Gang	Guest Role
2016	Drinking Solo	Support Role
2017	The Guardian	Main Role

Film List

Year	Film	Role
2007	Attack on the Pin-Up Boys	Support Role
2012	I AM.	Main Role
2015	SMTOWN The Stage	Main Role
2019	Hit-and-Run Squad	Support Role

Key and Jonghyun Relationship

In Jonghyun’s funeral, 21st December 2017, Key wrote a letter to Jonghyun. He shared the handwritten note apologizing for not being there for him.

Screenshot of letter Key wrote for Jonghyun

‘To Jonghyun hyung whom I love!’

‘Hyung. This is Ki Bum~ I sent you off today and even saw your face yesterday, but I still can’t believe it. I’m sorry for visiting you so late because of work, and I’m sorry for not being a source of strength to you when you were lonely.’

Key admitted being one of two stubborn boys in the SHINee group including Jonghyun. They were like close friends who loved talking and going on a vacation.

Key shared Jonghyun’s devastating death on his Twitter

Key said:

‘I’m going to try living a better life, too. When I get older and we meet again, tell me I did well! Jonghyun hyung, you were the best artist, friend, hyung, and colleague to me. ‘You did well, and I love you so much!’

Net Worth

Key has been singing for nine years and has acted on four movies, four TV series, eight variety shows and eight times in the theatre. Having long work life, he has earned good name, fame and increased his net value.

Career

1991–2011: Early life and career beginnings

2016–2017: Acting roles

2018–2019: Solo debut and military enlistment

Personal Life

Key was raised by his grandmother from birth; his mother was sick after giving birth and his father was busy with work. On October 10, 2014, Key announced on his Instagram account that his grandmother had died on September 23, 2014. He stated that he wanted to announce it on his own because it did not feel right for the news to be announced through his company

Philanthropy

In 2012, Key and his fans from Korea, China, Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, Thailand and seven other countries donated 2.12 tons of rice to World Vision, which was able to feed 17,000 undernourished children and elderly among 11 cities.Later on September 23, 2014, Key’s birthday, fans raised a total of 2 million won and established a well in Cambodia, and was also used as medical aid for poor children. In 2015, Key posted on his Instagram account encouraging viewers to help the citizens in Nepal after its earthquake, and sent moral support.In the same year, Key collaborated with designer Ko Taeyong and sold sweatshirts depicting his dogs. All revenue (approximately 12.5 million won) were later donated to the Animal Freedom Union. In 2016, Key along with groupmate Taemin and other artists from SM Entertainment took part in the "Make a Promise" campaign organised by UNICEF and Louis Vuitton, whereby 40% of the proceeds were donated through UNICEF to the children in need.