Key (entertainer)

Quick Facts: Who was Key (entertainer)?

Subject:

Key (entertainer)

Known for:

South Korean singer, songwriter, and versatile entertainer known for his multifaceted career.

Born:

1991-09-23

Century / Era:

1991s Historical Era Archive

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Kim Ki-bum (Korean: 김기범; born September 23, 1991), known professionally as Key (키), is a South Korean singer, songwriter and television personality. Born and raised in Daegu, South Korea, he joined SM Entertainment in 2005 after a successful audition. In May 2008, Key debuted as a member of South Korean boy band 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 personality. As a singer, he has collaborated with various artists, and formed the duo Toheart with Woohyun of Infinite.

Career & Major Achievements

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. Subsequent releases include Bad Love (2021), Gasoline (2022), Good & Great (2023), Pleasure Shop (2024), and Hunter (2025). Key has also contributed to songwriting for himself and Shinee. As an actor, he has been cast in multiple musicals, such as Bonnie & Clyde (2013), Zorro (2014), and Chess (2015), and in television dramas like Drinking Solo (2016) and The Guardians (2017). In 2015, Key became active as a fashion designer and took part in numerous projects.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

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 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. Key was born on September 23, 1991, in Daegu, South Korea, as an only child.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1991 (1991-09-23): Birth of Key (entertainer) — South Korean singer, songwriter, and versatile entertainer known for his multifaceted career.
2. 2005: 2005 Milestone — Born and raised in Daegu, South Korea, he joined SM Entertainment in 2005 after a successful audition.
3. 2008: 2008 Milestone — In May 2008, Key debuted as a member of South Korean boy band Shinee, who later went on to become one of the best-selling artists in South Korea.
4. 2013: 2013 Milestone — As an actor, he has been cast in multiple musicals, such as Bonnie & Clyde (2013), Zorro (2014), and Chess (2015), and in television dramas like Drinking Solo (2016) and The Guardians (2017).
5. 2015: 2015 Milestone — In 2015, Key became active as a fashion designer and took part in numerous projects.
6. 2018: 2018 Milestone — 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.
7. 2020: 2020 Milestone — 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.
8. 2021: 2021 Milestone — Subsequent releases include Bad Love (2021), Gasoline (2022), Good & Great (2023), Pleasure Shop (2024), and Hunter (2025).

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Key (entertainer)

True or False: “Key debuted as a member of Shinee immediately after graduating from high school.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): While he was active in the industry by 2008, his initial training and debut were preceded by years of trainee work starting around 2005.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Abby Stein — Contemporary (Born in 1991) (1991): Israeli-American author, rabbi, and activist who speaks on faith and gender identity.
• Ah Young — Contemporary (Born in 1991) (1991): South Korean singer and actress known for her time in the girl group Dal Shabet.
• Ahn Eun-jin — Contemporary (Born in 1991) (1991): South Korean actress known for roles in Hospital Playlist, The Good Bad Mother, and My Dearest.
• A. S. Neill — Shared historical date (09-23 · Died) (1973): Scottish progressive educator, founder of Summerhill, championing self-governance.
• Adnan Khayr Allah — Shared historical date (09-23 · Born) (1941): Iraqi military officer and Minister of Defense, closely associated with the Ba'ath regime.
• Ahn Woo-yeon — Historical peer (Born in 1991) (1991): South Korean actor known by the stage name Ahn Woo-yeon.
• Aki Takajo — Historical peer (Born in 1991) (1991): Japanese tarento, former member of AKB48 and JKT48, known for her idol career.
• Ahmed Zaki (actor) — Historical peer (Died in 2005) (2005): Iconic Egyptian actor celebrated for intense dramatic performances and masterful impersonation.
• Akira Yoshizawa — Historical peer (Died in 2005) (2005): Japanese origamist, credited with elevating origami from a mere craft to a recognized living art.
• Ahn Jae-hwan — Historical peer (Died in 2008) (2008): South Korean actor known for roles in films like Beautiful Temptation and Show Show Show.
• 1991 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1991
• September 23 (09-23) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on September 23

Frequently Asked Questions about Key (entertainer)