ArtistSM Entertainment
Key
Key (키), born Kim Ki-bum (김기범) on September 23, 1991, in Daegu, South Korea, refuses to sit still within any single category. Signed to SM Entertainment in 2005, he debuted as part of SHINee in May 2008 and spent the next decade becoming the group's restless creative wild card: lead rapper, lead dancer, fashion director, musical theater actor, and variety personality all at once. His solo catalogue spans Face (2018) through Hunter (2025), the latter a horror-influenced concept album treated as a full theatrical production. Along the way he earned Broadway-adjacent musical stage credits in Bonnie and Clyde (2013), Zorro (2014), and Chess (2015), the Excellence Award at the MBC Entertainment Awards for his run on I Live Alone, and became a recognized fashion designer with direct input into SHINee's concert aesthetics. Nine million Instagram followers confirm his reach extends well beyond a dedicated fandom.
1 articles7 creditsDebut: May 22, 2008South Korean
Gallery
Discography
2025
HunterAlbum
Solo ArtistSM Entertainment
2024
Pleasure ShopAlbum
Solo ArtistSM Entertainment
2023
Good and GreatEP
Solo ArtistSM Entertainment
2022
GasolineEP
Solo ArtistSM Entertainment
2021
Bad LoveEP
Solo ArtistSM Entertainment
2018
FaceAlbum
Solo ArtistSM Entertainment
Other Credits
2026
2026 SHINee WORLD VIII: [THE INVERT]Other
Fans Also Ask
What is Key's real name?
Key's real name is Kim Ki-bum (김기범). He was born on September 23, 1991, in Daegu, South Korea, and has been performing under the stage name Key since debuting with SHINee in May 2008 under SM Entertainment.
What solo albums has Key released?
Key has released several solo projects: Face (2018), Bad Love (2021), Gasoline (2022), Good and Great (2023), Pleasure Shop (2024), and Hunter (2025). Hunter, his third full-length studio album, leans into horror and urban legend themes and was supported by the Key Land 2025: Uncanny Valley concert series in Seoul.
Is Key from SHINee a fashion designer?
Yes. Key has been active as a fashion designer since 2015 and serves as SHINee's fashion director. He has collaborated with brands including Bridge Shop House to design the group's concert outfits, and worked with model Irene Kim and brand Charm's on fashion apparel collections.
What variety shows has Key appeared on?
Key is a regular cast member on the MBC variety show I Live Alone, where he has appeared since 2020. He has also appeared on DoReMi Market. His variety work earned him the Excellence Award at the 2024 MBC Entertainment Awards.
Has Key acted in musical theater?
Yes. Key has appeared in multiple stage musicals including Bonnie and Clyde (2013), Zorro (2014), and Chess (2015). He has also appeared in television dramas including Drinking Solo (2016) and The Guardians (2017).
