Key (entertainer)

Key
Key for Marie Claire Korea in 2021
Born	Kim Ki-bum (1991-09-23) September 23, 1991 (age 32) Daegu, South Korea[1]
Education	Myongji University Woosuk University
Occupations	Singer television personality
Musical career
Genres	K-pop PBR&B J-pop electronic music
Instrument	Vocals
Years active	2008–present
Labels	SM Universal
Member of	Shinee SM Town
Formerly of	Toheart
Website	Official website
Musical artist
Korean name
Hangul	김기범
Hanja	金起範
Revised Romanization	Gim Gi-beom
McCune–Reischauer	Kim Kipŏm
Stage name
Hangul	키
Revised Romanization	Ki
McCune–Reischauer	K'i
Signature

Kim Ki-bum (Korean: 김기범; born September 23, 1991), better known by his stage name Key, is a South Korean singer and television personality. Born and raised in Daegu, South Korea, he later moved to Seoul after a successful audition at the SM 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 recognized as a singer and dancer, but he has also ventured into different careers, notably as a television presenter.

As a singer, he has collaborated with various artists, and formed the duo Toheart with Woohyun of Infinite. He made his debut as a soloist in November 2018 with the release of the digital single "Forever Yours", and his first studio album, Face, was released later that month. Key has also contributed to songwriting for himself and Shinee. 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 became active as a fashion designer and took part in numerous projects. For instance, he collaborated with Bridge Shop House to design Shinee concert outfits, and worked with model Irene Kim and the brand Charm's to design fashion apparel. Due to the success of his works, Key was later appointed as a fashion director for the group. Since 2020, he has gained prominence as a television personality, appearing on the variety shows DoReMi Market and I Live Alone as a cast member. He has received the Excellence Award from the MBC Entertainment Awards in recognition of his variety performances.