Kim Sang-bum, known by the stage nameKim 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.
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, 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. He made his Chinese film debut in 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 dramaGoddess of Fire which co-stars Moon Geun-young. In 2014, Kim was cast in his first Chinese television dramaV Love, also known as the Chinese version of Gossip Girls. Kim subsequently starred in two Chinese films; romantic comedyLovers & Movies and suspense filmThe Beloved.
2015–present: Comeback to Korea
Kim made his small-screen comeback in tvN's crime thrillerHidden Identity in 2015. He starred in another crime thriller Mrs. Cop 2, and earned praise for his portrayal of a villain. In 2018, Kim appeared in , the third installment in the comedy-mystery Detective Kfilm series, marking his return to Korean cinemas after four 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. Kim is close friends with fellow actors Lee Min-ho and Jung Il-woo. It was revealed on November 1, 2013, that Kim was dating his Goddess of Fire co-star, Moon Geun-young. 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". On March 29, 2018, it was confirmed that Kim is in a relationship with actress Oh Yeon-seo. However, after a few months of dating they were reported to have parted ways.
