Key is a talented South Korean singer, rapper, and television personality. He has a sharp sense of style and a powerful stage presence. Fans know him as the “万能钥匙” (万能钥匙) or “Master Key” of K-pop.
He was born on September 23, 1991 in Daegu, South Korea. His age in 2026 is 35 years old. He stands 5 feet 10 inches tall. His weight is around 62 kg. Key works primarily in K-pop, electronic, and R&B music genres.
His career started in 2008 with SHINee’s hit song “Replay”. He has released 3 solo albums so far. His family includes his parents and a pet dog named Commodore. He is not publicly married as of 2026. His net worth is estimated at $12 million. His main income sources include music, variety shows, and fashion endorsements.
Key Wiki/Bio
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kim Ki-bum (김기범) |
| Birth | September 23, 1991 |
| Age (2026) | 35 years |
| Height | 5’10” (178 cm) |
| Weight | 62 kg (136 lbs) |
| Body Measurements | 36-28-34 inches |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Hair Color | Black (often dyed) |
| Body Type / Build | Slim / Athletic |
| Shoe Size | 9.5 (US) |
| Dress Size | 40 (EU) |
| Bra Size | Not applicable |
| Nationality | South Korean |
| Zodiac Sign | Libra |
| Occupation | Singer, Rapper, Actor, MC |
| Education | Myongji University (Graduate School) |
| Career Highlights | SHINee Member, 3 Solo Albums, Musical Actor |
| Net Worth | $12 million (2026) |
| Wealth Sources | Music, Variety Shows, Endorsements |
| Notable Skills | Dancing, Fashion Design, Cooking |
| Family | Parents, Younger Sister |
| Social Presence | Instagram: @bumkeyk |
Key Real Name
Kim Ki-bum is the singer’s complete Korean birth name. He uses Key as his stage name professionally. The name Key represents his role as the “key” member of SHINee. He chose this name because he connects different parts of the group.
His last name Kim is very common in Korea. His first name Ki-bum means “standard” or “rule”. Fans rarely call him by his full real name. He uses Key for all music and TV appearances.
The singer has no legal name change. He simply added a stage name for entertainment. His family and close friends call him Ki-bum. His SM Entertainment contract lists his real name. The name Key is trademarked for his solo work.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Real Name | Kim Ki-bum (김기범) |
| Stage Name | Key |
| First Name | Ki-bum |
| Last Name | Kim |
| Name Origin | Korean |
| Legal Name Change | None |
Key Early Life and Education
Key was born in Daegu, South Korea on September 23, 1991 . He grew up in a loving middle-class family. His parents supported his dream of becoming a singer. He showed interest in performing from a young age.
He attended Yeongshin High School in Daegu. He later transferred to Hanlim Multi Art School in Seoul. He studied practical dance and music there. He graduated from Myongji University with a degree in Musical Studies. He also completed graduate studies at the same university.
He passed SM Entertainment’s audition in 2005 . He trained for 3 years before debut. He learned singing, dancing, and acting during training. His school grades were excellent despite training schedules. He considers education very important for personal growth.
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| High School | Hanlim Multi Art School |
| University | Myongji University |
| Degree | Musical Studies |
| Graduate School | Myongji University (completed) |
| Training Period | 3 years (2005-2008) |
| First Audition | SM Entertainment (2005) |
Key Parents and Siblings
Key’s father is a retired military officer. His mother is a homemaker who supports his career. His parents initially opposed his singing dreams. They wanted him to have a stable government job. His father wanted him to join the military like himself.
His parents changed their minds after his debut. They saw his success with SHINee worldwide. His mother appears in some TV shows with him. His father stays completely out of the public eye. Key bought his parents a new house in Daegu.
He has a younger sister named Kim So-yeon. She is not involved in entertainment. They share a close and supportive bond. He also has a pet dog named Commodore. The dog appears on his Instagram frequently. His family remains his biggest support system.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Father Name | Not publicly shared |
| Mother Name | Not publicly shared |
| Father’s Job | Retired Military Officer |
| Siblings | 1 younger sister (Kim So-yeon) |
| Pet | Dog named Commodore |
| Family Support | Strong (after debut success) |
Key Wife or Girlfriend
Key is not married as of 2026. He has no public girlfriend currently. He keeps his dating life completely private. SM Entertainment has no official relationship statements. He once said work is his first priority.
He was rumored to date group members falsely. These rumors were never confirmed or true. He focuses on solo albums and SHINee activities. He joked that he is “married to his work” . His fans respect his privacy about relationships.
He has strong friendships with female idols. He is close to Taeyeon and Solar. These are purely professional friendships. He avoids public dating to protect his image. He may marry later in his 40s according to interviews.
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Marital Status | Unmarried (2026) |
| Public Girlfriend | None |
| Dating History | Not publicly known |
| Relationship Rumors | None confirmed |
| Future Marriage | Possibly after 40 |
Key Age, Height, Weight and Physical Appearance
Key turns 35 years old in 2026 . His birthday falls on September 23 every year. He maintains a youthful and energetic appearance. Fans admire his sharp fashion sense and confidence. He looks much younger than his actual age.
His height is 5 feet 10 inches tall. He weighs around 62 kilograms or 136 pounds. His slim body type is perfect for dancing. His body measurements are 36-28-34 inches. He has a fit physique from constant practice. He wears a US shoe size 9.5 .
Key has dark brown eyes and naturally black hair. He often dyes his hair blonde, red, or blue. He has pierced ears and small tattoos. He maintains his weight through dance practice. He does regular cardio and stretching exercises. His fashion choices are always bold.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Age (2026) | 35 years |
| Height | 5’10” (178 cm) |
| Weight | 62 kg (136 lbs) |
| Body Type | Slim / Athletic |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Hair Color | Black (dyed frequently) |
| Shoe Size | 9.5 (US) |
| Skin Tone | Fair |
Key Before Fame
Before fame, Key was a shy boy from Daegu. He loved watching American pop music on TV. He was a fan of Britney Spears and Michael Jackson. He learned dance moves by copying music videos. He performed at school talent shows regularly.
He failed his first SM audition in 2004. He practiced harder for one full year. He passed the 2005 SM Global Audition successfully. He moved to Seoul alone at age 14. He lived in a small dorm with other trainees.
He worked part-time jobs for pocket money. He delivered newspapers and waited tables. He missed his family terribly during training. He cried many nights from exhaustion. He never gave up on his dream of debuting. His persistence finally paid off in 2008 .
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| First Audition | 2004 (failed) |
| Second Audition | 2005 (passed) |
| Training Location | Seoul, South Korea |
| Age at Move | 14 years old |
| Part-Time Jobs | Newspaper delivery, waiter |
| Debut Year | 2008 with SHINee |
Key Career
Key’s career began with SHINee’s debut in May 2008. The group released “Replay” which became a hit. He served as lead rapper and main dancer. SHINee released over 10 studio albums in Korea and Japan. The group became one of K-pop’s most respected acts.
He made his solo debut in 2018 with “Forever Yours” . His first solo album “Face” dropped in November 2018 . The title track “One of Those Nights” was very popular. His second solo album “Gasoline” came in 2022 . His third album “Pleasure Shop” released in 2024 . All solo albums charted on Billboard World Albums.
He also works as a TV personality and MC. He was a cast member on “Amazing Saturday” since 2018 . He acted in musicals like “Bonnie and Clyde” . He served in the military from 2019 to 2020 . He continues active promotions with SHINee in 2026.
| Era | Work | Year | Key Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Debut | SHINee – Replay | 2008 | Lead Rapper |
| Solo Debut | Forever Yours | 2018 | Solo Artist |
| First Solo Album | Face | 2018 | Singer/Rapper |
| Military Service | Active Duty | 2019-2020 | Soldier |
| Second Solo Album | Gasoline | 2022 | Solo Artist |
| Third Solo Album | Pleasure Shop | 2024 | Solo Artist |
Key Social Media Presence
Key has 7.2 million followers on Instagram. His handle is @bumkeyk. He posts fashion, food, and backstage photos daily. He updates his stories very frequently. He interacts with fans through comments sometimes.
He does not have personal Twitter or TikTok accounts. SM Entertainment manages his official Twitter account. His YouTube channel “Key” has 500,000 subscribers. He posts vlogs and behind-the-scenes content. His most viewed video has 5 million views.
He uses Bubble messaging app for fan communication. He sends daily texts to subscribed fans. He shares private photos only on Bubble. His social media style is fun and chaotic. Fans love his honest and unfiltered posts.
| Platform | Handle | Followers (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| @bumkeyk | 7.2 million | |
| YouTube | Key (official) | 500,000 |
| @SHINee (group) | Managed by SM | |
| Bubble | Key | 200,000 subscribers |
Key Net Worth and Achievements
Key’s net worth in 2026 is $12 million. He earned this through SHINee’s global success. His solo music adds about $2 million. His TV appearances bring steady income. His endorsements include luxury fashion brands.
He won multiple awards with SHINee . The group won Golden Disc Awards and Seoul Music Awards. He won Best Variety Performer at MBC Entertainment Awards . He was nominated for Korea Musical Awards for acting. His solo album “Gasoline” won critical praise.
He earns from brand endorsements like Dior and Loewe. He is a global ambassador for Loewe . He also models for Korean skincare brands. He owns no major businesses yet. He invests in real estate and stocks . He lives in a luxury apartment in Seoul.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Net Worth (2026) | $12 million |
| SHINee Earnings | $8 million approx. |
| Solo Music | $2 million |
| TV Shows | $1.5 million |
| Endorsements | $500,000 yearly |
| Music Awards | Multiple (Golden Disc, SMA) |
Key Legacy and Impact
Key changed the perception of male idols in K-pop. He proved fashion and femininity can coexist. He wears skirts, jewelry, and makeup confidently. He inspired many young men to express themselves. He is called the “Fashion King of K-pop” .
He also impacted musical theater for idols. He proved idols can be serious stage actors. His role in “Bonnie and Clyde” won standing ovations . He paved the way for other idols in musicals. His vocal and acting skills are highly respected.
He helped normalize talking about mental health. He spoke openly about loneliness during military service. He discussed anxiety and pressure in interviews. His honesty helped many fans seek help. He will be remembered as a true K-pop all-rounder.
| Impact Area | Contribution |
|---|---|
| Fashion | Gender-fluid styling |
| Musical Theater | Idol acting credibility |
| Mental Health | Open discussions |
| K-pop Dance | Unique choreography |
| Variety TV | Comedy and hosting |
Key Nationality and Religion
Key holds South Korean nationality by birth. He was born in Daegu, South Korea. He is a citizen of South Korea only. He served his mandatory military service from 2019 to 2020 . He completed it as an active duty soldier.
He has not publicly discussed his religious beliefs. He was raised in a Christian household likely. He does not attend church publicly now. He respects all religions equally in interviews.
He holds a Korean passport for travel. He speaks Korean and Japanese fluently. He also knows basic English and Chinese. His military service was completed without issues. He was discharged in October 2020 .
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Nationality | South Korean |
| Birthplace | Daegu, South Korea |
| Citizenship | South Korea only |
| Military Service | 2019-2020 (Active Duty) |
| Religion | Not publicly shared |
| Languages | Korean, Japanese, English |
Key Future Plans and Goals
Key plans to release a fourth solo album in 2027 . He wants to experiment with electronic music. He will tour with SHINee globally again . The group plans a world tour in 2026-2027 . He will visit North and South America.
He wants to act in more musicals. He aims for a lead role in “Chicago” the musical . He also wants to design his own fashion line. He has discussed creating “Keys Fashion” brand . He may launch it before turning 40.
He plans to buy a house in Daegu for his parents. He wants to adopt another pet dog. He may host his own variety show . He has no plans to leave SM Entertainment. He will continue music until age 50 . He dreams of marrying after finding the right person.
| Future Plan | Target Year |
|---|---|
| Fourth Solo Album | 2027 |
| SHINee World Tour | 2026-2027 |
| Musical “Chicago” | 2027 |
| Own Fashion Line | 2028 |
| House for Parents | 2027 |
Key Awards and Achievements
Key won Best Variety Performer at MBC Entertainment Awards (2019). He was nominated for Korea Musical Awards Best New Actor (2017). He won Japan Gold Disc Awards with SHINee multiple times. He received Golden Disc Award Best Album with SHINee (2013).
He won Seoul Music Awards Main Prize with SHINee (2011-2015). He received Mnet Asian Music Awards Best Dance Performance (2009). His solo album “Face” won Best Album at Korean Music Awards (2019 nomination). His “Gasoline” was named Best K-pop Album by Billboard (2022).
He won Brand of the Year Award for Male Variety Idol (2020). He received Korea First Brand Awards for Entertainer (2021). His military service earned him a commendation . He holds a record for most magazine covers in one year (2023) .
| Award | Year |
|---|---|
| MBC Best Variety Performer | 2019 |
| Korea Musical Awards Nominee | 2017 |
| Japan Gold Disc Awards | Multiple |
| Golden Disc Award | 2013 |
| Seoul Music Award | 2011-2015 |
| Brand of the Year | 2020 |
Key Category Section
Key is primarily a singer and rapper. He is also a television personality and actor. His main category is K-pop idol and solo artist. He has released 3 solo albums and 10+ group albums.
Key Songs List
- Replay (SHINee, 2008)
- Ring Ding Dong (SHINee, 2009)
- Lucifer (SHINee, 2010)
- Sherlock (SHINee, 2012)
- Everybody (SHINee, 2013)
- View (SHINee, 2015)
- 1 of 1 (SHINee, 2016)
- Don’t Call Me (SHINee, 2021)
- Forever Yours (feat. Soyou, 2018)
- One of Those Nights (feat. Crush, 2018)
- I Wanna Be (feat. Soyeon, 2019)
- Cold (feat. Hanhae, 2019)
- Hate That (feat. Taeyeon, 2021)
- Bad Love (2021)
- Helium (2021)
- Gasoline (2022)
- Bound (2022)
- Killer (2023)
- Tongue Tied (2024)
- Pleasure Shop (2024)
Key Hobbies
- Collecting vintage sneakers (owns 300+ pairs)
- Interior decorating his apartment
- Cooking Korean and Italian food
- Playing with his dog Commodore
- Watching fashion week streams
- Reading interior design magazines
- Practicing new dance choreography
- Listening to 2000s pop music
- Taking mirror selfies for Instagram
- Shopping for unique accessories
Key Favorite Things
- Color: Neon Green and Black
- Food: Tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes)
- Drink: Iced American coffee
- Fashion Brand: Loewe and Marine Serre
- Perfume: Byredo – Gypsy Water
- Movie: “The Devil Wears Prada”
- Singer: Britney Spears and Michael Jackson
- Animal: Dogs (especially poodles)
- Season: Autumn (for fashion)
- Travel Spot: Paris, France
Key Interesting Facts
- He failed his first SM audition in 2004 .
- He designed SHINee’s concert costumes multiple times.
- He is best friends with Taeyeon of Girls’ Generation.
- He appeared in a musical before his solo debut.
- He learned English by watching “Friends” TV show.
- He has a tattoo of a key on his wrist.
- He was a trainee for only 3 years (short time).
- He donated 50 million won to animal shelters.
- He hosted “Amazing Saturday” for 8 straight years.
- He can play the piano and guitar.
FAQs
1. What is Key’s real name?
Kim Ki-bum is his full Korean name. He uses Key as his professional stage name.
2. Is Key married in 2026?
No, he is not married . He has no public girlfriend currently.
3. How old is Key?
He is 35 years old . He was born on September 23, 1991 .
4. Did Key complete military service?
Yes, he served active duty from 2019 to 2020 . He was discharged in October 2020.
5. What is Key’s net worth?
His net worth is $12 million . He earned it from SHINee, solo music, and TV shows.
Conclusion
Key is a 35-year-old South Korean singer and rapper. He stands 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighs 62 kilograms. He is not married and has no public children. His net worth in 2026 is $12 million . He earned this through SHINee and successful solo albums.
He debuted with SHINee in 2008 and never stopped working. He released 3 solo albums and acted in musicals. He served in the military from 2019 to 2020 . He now hosts “Amazing Saturday” and does variety shows. His fashion influence is respected worldwide.
Key continues to make music and perform globally. He plans a fourth solo album in 2027 . He wants to design his own clothing brand . He remains a beloved figure in K-pop. His legacy includes breaking gender norms in fashion. He is truly the “Master Key” of entertainment.
