Kim Bum

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,^[3] winning the Netizen Popularity Award at the Korea Drama Awards.^[4] He rose to prominence in 2009 after playing the role of So Yi-jung in the hit drama Boys Over Flowers.^[5][6] He achieved further recognition with his supporting role in fantasy melodrama Padam Padam (2011), written by Noh Hee-kyung.^[7][8][9][2]

2012–2015: Solo debut and overseas activities

Kim released his first studio album, Hometown, on June 20, 2012.^[10] He performed his first solo concert, Kim Beom Japan Live 2012, at the Stellar Ball in Tokyo's Shinagawa Prince Hotel.^[11]

In 2013, Kim reunited with Noh in romance melodrama That Winter, the Wind Blows (2013).^[12][13][14] 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.^[15] He then starred in the thriller Miracle Hands by Kwon Ho-young.^[16] The same year, he took on his first historical drama Goddess of Fire which co-stars Moon Geun-young.^[17]

In 2014, Kim was cast in his first Chinese television drama V Love, also known as the Chinese version of Gossip Girl.^[18] Kim subsequently starred in two Chinese films; romantic comedy Lovers & Movies and suspense film The Beloved.^[19][20]

2015–present: Comeback to Korea

Kim made his small-screen comeback in tvN's crime thriller Hidden Identity in 2015.^[21][22] He starred in another crime thriller Mrs. Cop 2, and earned praise for his portrayal of a villain.^[23]

In 2018, Kim appeared in Detective K: Secret of the Living Dead, the third installment in the comedy-mystery Detective K film series, marking his return to Korean cinemas after four years.^[24]

In 2020, he starred in the fantasy drama Tale of the Nine Tailed alongside Lee Dong-wook and Jo Bo-ah.

In 2021, he starred in legal drama Law School.

In 2022, Kim starred in Ghost Doctor, acting alongside Rain.^[25] Later in July, Kim joined the UNIVERSE communication platform.^[26]

In 2023, Kim reprised his role of Lee Rang in Tale of the Nine Tailed 1938 alongside Lee Dong-wook.

Health

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.^[27]

Military service

He enlisted in the military in April 2018 and was released in March 2020.^[28]

Endorsements

In 2007, Kim appeared in advertisements for Crown's Big Pie with co-actors Kim Hye-seong and Park Min-young and for Ottogi's Ramen with actor Kim Kwang-kyu.^[29][30]

In 2008, he endorsed the KTF Show Show rate plan along with Shim Eun-kyung.^[31] In 2009, following his popularity from the drama Boys Over Flowers, he appeared in several commercials. These included ads for the clothing store Spris with Go Ara, for LG U⁺ Teen Ring with co-actors Lee Min-ho and Koo Hye-sun, for Samsung's Anycall with Kim So-eun, for Nintendo's Mario Kart Wii, for Dongseo food's Maxim Cafe with Seo Woo, for the T.I. for Men clothing brand, and for Hanbul Cosmetics' shop brand It's Skin.^{[32][33][34][35][36]} He was also appointed as the ambassador of Kia's Forte Koup.^[37]

In 2009, he appeared in a TV commercial in the Philippines for a beverage brand RC Cola alongside Filipino actress Maja Salvador.^{[38][unreliable source?]}

In 2010, he endorsed the restaurant Demaris with actress Hwang Jung-eum, the clothing brand Edwin with Miss A, and Bon IF's Bonjuk restaurant with Kim So-eun.^[39][40][41]

Ambassadorships

Film

Television series

Musical

Music video appearances

Albums

Soundtrack appearances

Listicles