Kim Kibum (김기범), born September 23, 1991 (1991-09-23) (age 20), better known by his stage name Key (키), is one of the rappers and vocalists in the group. He was born and raised in Daegu. He was a gifted varsity water-skier at Dae Gu Young Shin Middle School. He was discovered at the "2005 S.M. National Tour Audition Casting". Before debuting with Shinee, Key appeared in Super Junior's Wonder Boy MV as an extra dancer. Key was featured in label-mate Xiah's solo "Xiahtic". In 2010 Key was featured in the song "치유 (Healing)" on label-mates TRAX's first mini album "Trax Mini Album Volume 1". Later, it was also announced that Key would have a small part in Girls' Generation's song "Hwaseongin Virus (Boys & Girls)" (Korean: "화성인 바이러스 (Boys & Girls)") on their second studio album Oh!.
In late May 2008 news articles started to surface online about SM Entertainment's new group, Shinee (pronounced "shiny"). On May 23, the group's first mini-album, Replay was released. Replay debuted at #10 on the Korean music charts and peaked at #8, selling 17,957 copies in the first half of 2008.
On June 7, 2008, Shinee participated in the Dream Concert in the Seoul Olympic Stadium along with other high profile Korean stars such as Epik High, Girls' Generation, Super Junior, TVXQ and the Wonder Girls. The group won their first award, Rookie of the Month, at the Cyworld Digital Music Award on June 22, 2008. Shinee took part in SMTown Live '08, which was held on August 18, 2008. They performed alongside labelmates BoA, Zhang Liyin, Cheon Sang Ji Hee the Grace, Girls' Generation, Super Junior and TVXQ. On August 23, 2008, Shinee attended MNet's 20's Choice Awards 2008, where they won the "Hot New Star" award. Shinee released their full debut album, The Shinee World, on August 28, 2008. The album debuted on the charts at #3, selling 30,000 copies.