Introduction
Kim Sang-bum (Hangul: 김상범; Hanja: 金尚汎; born July 7, 1989), known by the stage name Kim Bum, is a South Korean actor, dancer, singer and model. He is best known for his role as So Yi-jung in Boys Over Flowers.
Early life and education
Kim Sang-bum 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: The Sound of His and Her Heartbeats (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 Girls. Kim subsequently starred in two Chinese films; romantic comedy Lovers & Movies and suspense film The Beloved.
2015–present: Comeback to Korea
Kim made his small-screen comeback in tvN's crime thriller Hidden Identity in 2015. He starred in another crime thriller Mrs. Cop 2, and earned praise for his portrayal of a villain.
In 2017, Kim was cast in third sequel of comedy-mystery film Detective K series, marking his return to Korean cinemas after 4 years.
Personal life
In February 2012 Kim's agency announced that he was suffering from degenerative arthritis due to the dramatic weight-loss he experienced after training for his role in the JTBC cable drama Padam Padam: The Sound of His and Her Heartbeats.
Kim is close friends with fellow actors Lee Min-ho and Jung Il-woo.
It was revealed on November 1, 2013 that Kim Bum was dating his Goddess of Fire co-star, Moon Geun-young. However, on May 15, 2014 media outlets reported that they had ended their 7-month-long relationship. Agencies of both actors confirmed the news stating: "They did break up not too long ago but have decided to remain good friends and supportive colleagues".
Filmography
Film
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | Hellcats | Lee Ho-jae |
| 2008 | The Story | |
| 2008 | Death Bell | Kang Hyeon |
| 2009 | Flight | Si-beom |
| 2013 | Young Detective Dee: Rise of the Sea Dragon | Yuan Zhen |
| The Gifted Hands | Kim Joon | |
| 2015 | Lovers and Movies | Lin Jun |
| The Beloved | Jiang Suying | |
| 2018 | Detective K:3 (Working title) | TBA |
Television series
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | Rude Women | Jeong Hyeon-jun | |
| Unstoppable High Kick | Kim Bum | ||
| 2008 | East of Eden | Lee Dong-cheol (15 years old) | |
| 2009 | Boys Over Flowers | So Yi-jung | |
| Dream | Lee Jang-seok | ||
| High Kick Through the Roof | Ja-ok's nephew | Cameo (episode 72) | |
| 2010 | The Woman Who Still Wants to Marry | Ha Min-jae | |
| Haru: An Unforgettable Day in Korea | Photographer | Produced by the Korea National Tourism Organization. | |
| 2011 | Padam Padam: The Sound of His and Her Heartbeats | Lee Gook-soo | |
| 2012 | High Kick 3 | Cameo (episode 108) | |
| 2013 | That Winter, the Wind Blows | Park Jin-sung | |
| Goddess of Fire | Kim Tae-do | ||
| 2014 | The Micro Era of Love | Ou Hui | |
| 2015 | Hidden Identity | Cha Gun-woo | |
| 2016 | Mrs. Cop 2 | Lee Ro-jun |
Discography
| Year | Title | Details | Track listing | Further Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Eve no Sora / Ima Ai ni Ikimasu |
|
Track listing
|
"지금 만나러 갑니다 (I’m Going To Meet Her Now)" (Korean Ver.) also on "Boys Over Flowers" OST |
| 2012 | Home Town |
|
Track listing
|
Awards
- 2008 2nd Korea Drama Awards: Netizen Popularity Award (East of Eden)
- 2009 Arirang TV 1000th Episode Poll: Best Couple Award with Kim So-eun (Boys Over Flowers)
- 2009 Andre Kim Best Star Awards: Male Star Award
- 2009 SBS Drama Awards: New Star Award (Dream)