Kim Bum

Biography

Kim Sang-bum (Korean: 김상범; born July 7, 1989), known professionally as Kim Bum (alternatively Kim Beom), is a South Korean actor and singer. He is best known for his television roles as F4 member So Yi-jung in Boys Over Flowers (2009), half-blood gumiho Lee Rang in Tale of the Nine Tailed (2020), and genius student Han Joon-hwi in Law School (2021). Kim reprised his role as Lee Rang in Tale of the Nine Tailed 1938 (2023).

== Early life and education == Kim Sang-beom was born in Seoul, South Korea on July 7, 1989. He attended Chung-ang University, majoring in Film and Theater.

== Career ==

=== 2006–2007: Beginnings === Kim joined the "Survival Star Audition", and was placed 6th out of hundreds of contestants. However, because he was under 20, he could not proceed in the competition. "Survival Star Audition" opened many opportunities for Kim, and he received multiple roles in television series. Kim made his acting debut in the sitcom High Kick!.

=== 2008–2011: Rising popularity ===

Kim first gained recognition for his scene-stealing role in MBC's anniversary drama East of Eden, winning the Netizen Popularity Award at the Korea Drama Awards. He rose to prominence in 2009 after playing the role of So Yi-jung in the hit drama Boys Over Flowers. He achieved further recognition with his supporting role in fantasy melodrama Padam Padam (2011), written by Noh Hee-kyung.

=== 2012–2015: Solo debut and overseas activities === Kim released his first studio album, Hometown, on June 20, 2012. He performed his first solo concert, Kim Beom Japan Live 2012, at the Stellar Ball in Tokyo's Shinagawa Prince Hotel.

In 2013, Kim reunited with Noh in romance melodrama That Winter, the Wind Blows (2013). He made his Chinese film debut in Young Detective Dee: Rise of the Sea Dragon directed by Tsui Hark, which became one of the highest grossing Chinese films of the year. He then starred in the thriller Miracle Hands by Kwon Ho-young. The same year, he took on his first historical drama Goddess of Fire which co-stars Moon Geun-young. In 2014, Kim was cast in his first Chinese television drama V Love, also known as the Chinese version of Gossip Girl. Kim subsequently starred in two Chinese films; romantic comedy Lovers & Movies and suspense film The Beloved.