Changmin

Changmin
Changmin in 2019
Born
Shim Chang-min

(1988-02-18) February 18, 1988 (age 36)
Seoul, South Korea
Other names
  • Max
  • Max Changmin
Education
Occupations
  • Singer-songwriter
  • lyricist
  • actor
Years active2003–present
Spouse
Unnamed
(m. 2020)
Children1
Musical career
Genres
Instrument(s)
  • Vocals
  • guitar
Labels
Member of
Websitemax.smtown.com
Korean name
Hangul
심창민
Hanja
Revised RomanizationSim Changmin
McCune–ReischauerSim Ch'angmin
Stage name
Hangul
최강창민
Hanja
最强昌珉
Revised RomanizationChoegang Changmin
McCune–ReischauerCh'oegang Ch'angmin
Signature

Shim Chang-min (Korean심창민; Hanja沈昌珉; born February 18, 1988), also known by his stage name Max Changmin (최강창민; Choegang Changmin) or previous simply as Max, is a South Korean singer, songwriter, actor, and a member of the pop duo TVXQ. Born and raised in Seoul, South Korea, Changmin was scouted by an SM Entertainment talent agent when he was fourteen years old. He made his debut as TVXQ's youngest member in December 2003.

Fluent in both Korean and Japanese, Changmin has achieved commercial success throughout Asia as the main vocalist of TVXQ. He has also starred in several dramas.

Early life

Changmin was born and raised in Seoul, South Korea to a Buddhist family. He has two younger sisters and both of his parents are teachers. When he was fourteen years old, a talent scout from S.M. Entertainment spotted Changmin while he was singing and playing badminton at the same time during gym class. The scout suggested that he audition for S.M., but Changmin had no interest in becoming a singer. His mother, wanting a chance to meet BoA, urged Changmin to attend the casting auditions anyway. Three days after auditioning, S.M. called Changmin in for a second audition, which he passed. After winning the Best Singer and Best Artist award at S.M.'s 6th Annual Youth Best Contest, Changmin signed with the company.

Music career

TVXQ

The final lineup of TVXQ consisted of Changmin, U-Know Yunho, Kim Jae-joong, Park Yoo-chun, and Kim Jun-su. The group officially debuted on December 26, 2003, during a BoA and Britney Spears showcase. They performed their debut single "Hug", which became a hit in South Korea. TVXQ has been releasing number one albums in Korea since their second studio album Rising Sun (2005), which was also the album that gave the group their first Daesang (대상), or Grand Award, at the Mnet KM Music Festival. Their fourth Korean album Mirotic (2008) was the Album of the Year at the 2008 Mnet KM Music Festival and the 2008 Golden Disc Awards. The album features the group's most well-known and bestselling single, "Mirotic."

In 2005, TVXQ made their Japanese debut with the single "Stay with Me Tonight," debuting at number 37 on the Oricon Singles Chart. They grabbed their first number one single in Japan with "Purple Line" (2008). Their fourth Japanese album The Secret Code spawned two platinum-selling singles "Dōshite Kimi o Suki ni Natte Shimattandarō?" and Share the World" (2009), a theme song for the anime One Piece.

TVXQ was plunged into legal turmoil when members Jaejoong, Yoochun, and Junsu filed an injunction against their agency in July 2009. This led to their much-publicized departure from the group in 2010. A year later, Changmin and Yunho returned as a duo, releasing albums in both Korean and Japanese. As a duo, TVXQ set sales records and concert attendance records in Japan, becoming the country's bestselling and highest-grossing foreign music act.

S.M. The Ballad and solo career

In 2014, Changmin joined the ballad group S.M. the Ballad, initially formed by S.M. Entertainment in 2010. On the group's 2nd album Breath, he sang the Japanese version of the title track "Breath" with f(x)'s Krystal Jung.

2015–present: Close to You, Chocolate, Human, and Devil

Changmin released his first Japanese solo mini album Close to You on November 18, 2015, one day before his enlistment. The lead single is a ballad titled "Into the Water", among six other tracks.[unreliable source?] Bundled with a DVD that includes a music video and behind-the-scenes footage, Close to You was a limited release and was only made available for purchase to members of TVXQ's Japanese fanclub, Bigeast.

On March 13, 2020, it was reported that the TVXQ member was preparing to release a solo album. A source from SM Entertainment confirmed the news and stated, "Changmin is currently working hard, with the goal of releasing his solo album in April."

On March 23, 2020, SM Entertainment announced that Changmin would be releasing his debut mini album Chocolate on April 6. The mini-album consists of six songs of varying genres—including the title track "Chocolate" and features a collaboration with Korean singer Chungha.

Although Changmin had previously released solo songs in the past, through TVXQ's albums, contributions to soundtracks and as well as a Japanese solo mini-album, Chocolate marked Changmin's official solo debut in Korea after debuting in the band more than 16 years ago. Fellow member Yunho also released his first solo mini-album True Colors the previous year.

On December 8, 2021, Changmin released his second Japanese mini album Human.

On January 13, 2022, Changmin released his second mini album Devil.

Television and acting career

Changmin made his acting debut alongside TVXQ in the miniseries Vacation, which had a special premiere and screening at the main auditorium of Yonsei University. He also participated in a number of episodes of Banjun Drama, a popular mini series that aired on SBS network.

In 2010, Changmin had a guest role in the action thriller series Athena: Goddess of War, playing a NIS explosives specialist.

In 2011, Changmin took on his first lead role in the romantic comedy drama Paradise Ranch opposite Lee Yeon-hee. He also dubbed his own voice for the Japanese release of Paradise Ranch.

In 2012, Changmin made his big-screen debut in the Japanese film Fly With the Gold based on the novel by Takamura Kaoru. He plays Momo, a North Korean spy disguised as an engineering student. He has been praised for his fluent Osaka dialect in the film by director Izutsu Kazuyuki. Changmin was nominated for the Newcomer Award at the prestigious 37th annual Hochi Film Awards in Japan, becoming the first Korean artist to be nominated. On January 21, 2013, it was announced that Changmin had won the Newcomer of the Year award at the 36th Japanese Academy Award.

In 2013, Changmin became a co-host alongside Kang Ho-dong for the KBS variety show Moonlight Prince. This was Changmin's first stint as a regular host. Following the end of the show in March, Changmin joined the cast of sports variety show Cool Kiz On The Block as a cast member and left in 2014.

In 2014, Changmin starred in Mnet's four-episode miniseries Mimi. He next starred in the historical fantasy drama The Scholar Who Walks The Night as Crown Prince Lee Yoon.

Artistry

24-year-old Korean man with a microphone and purple clothing
Changmin at the 2012 K-pop World Festival

Changmin is known for his high tenor register, particularly his screams and high notes. He is also active as a lyricist, and has written for several of the band's music, including 2007's "Evergreen" (Only Love), the Korean version of "Love in the Ice" (Mirotic), "Confession" (Keep Your Head Down), and "I Swear" (Catch Me).

Changmin has also written for other groups and artists; such as "Sleepless Night", a track in SHINee's third album Chapter 2. Why So Serious? – The Misconceptions of Me; and "Ace", the title track of Taemin's album Ace; as well as "My Thoughts, Your Memories", a track on Kyuhyun's album At Gwanghwamun.

Personal life

Besides his native Korean, Changmin is fluent in Japanese. Changmin graduated from Gaepo High School in 2006 and was accepted into Kyung Hee University in 2009, majoring in postmodern music. In 2011, he pursued a second degree in Film and Arts at Konkuk University. He went on to pursue a master's degree at Inha University.[citation needed] He is also interested in becoming a professional photographer and is a student of photographer Kim Young-joon.[citation needed]

Relationship and marriage

The singer originally had planned to marry his non-celebrity girlfriend on September 5, 2020, but the wedding was later postponed due to concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic. The couple subsequently married in a private ceremony on October 25, 2020. His wife gave birth to their first son on October 17, 2022.

Volunteer work

In January 2008, Changmin volunteered with his father in the cleanup of the beaches in Taean, South Korea following the nation's worst oil spill in history. His trip to Taean was intended to be done secretly during a short break from his activities with TVXQ during the new year and was only made known to the media and public when another volunteer posted his sighting on a fan site. The incident was later confirmed by TVXQ's agent.

Military service

On July 7, 2015, Changmin applied for the Military Police to fulfill his compulsory national service. He was inducted into the Republic of Korea Armed Forces as a conscripted policeman on November 19, 2015. Changmin received five weeks of basic training at the Chungnam Nonsan Military Training Camp and was the leader of his squad. He was honorably discharged from service on August 18, 2017.

Discography

Extended plays

Title Details Peak chart positions Sales
KOR
JPN
Korean
Chocolate 2 3
  • KOR: 109,711
  • JPN: 18,171
Devil
  • Released: January 13, 2022
  • Label: SM Entertainment
  • Formats: CD, digital download, streaming
7 17
  • KOR: 34,910
  • JPN: 2,643
Japanese
Close to You
  • Released: November 18, 2015 (limited)
  • Label: Avex Trax
  • Formats: CD+DVD
Track listing

CD

  1. "Into the Water"
  2. "Michinori" (道程) (The Journey)
  3. "Oh No!"
  4. "Rock with U"
  5. "Gold Dust"
  6. "Admit It, You Love It"
  7. "Kogarashi ga Todoku Koro ni" (木枯らしが届く頃に) (When the Cold Winter Wind Comes)

DVD

  1. "Into the Water" (Video clip)
  2. Jacket Making Movie
  3. Off Shot Movie
Human
  • Released: December 8, 2021
  • Label: Avex Trax
  • Formats: CD+DVD
Track listing

CD

  1. "Don't Let Me Down"
  2. "Human"
  3. "You Light My Moon"
  4. "Mo Aisiteruto Ienai" (もう愛してると言えない) (I Can't Say I Love You Anymore)
  5. "Put Your Records On"
  6. "Over"

DVD

  1. "Human" (Video clip)
  2. Jacket Making Movie
  3. Video Clip Off Shot Movie
2
  • JPN: 28,480
"—" denotes releases that did not chart or were not released in that region.

Singles

Song Year Originating album Notes
"Wild Soul" 2008 Two Hearts/Wild Soul
"Big Time" 2010 Performed at SM Town Live '10 World Tour
"고백 (Confession)" 2011 Keep Your Head Down
"눈물 같은 사람 (A Person Like Tears)" 2012 Jeon Woo-chi Original Soundtrack
"Rock With U" 2013 Close To You Performed at Time: Live Tour 2013
"Gold Dust" Performed at The Mission II tour
"Breath" (Japanese version) 2014 SM the Ballad Vol. 2 – Breath duet with Krystal of f(x)
"Heaven's Day" Spellbound
"슬픔 속에 그댈 지워야만 해 (Because I Love You) – Acoustic version" Mimi Original Soundtrack
"Over" Performed at Tree: Live Tour 2014
"사랑한다 그 말을 못해서 (Because I couldn't say the words "I Love You")" The Night Watchman's Journal Original Soundtrack
"Rise as One" 2015 Rise as God
"Apology"
"In a Different Life" 2017 TVXQ! WEEK - STATION SPECIAL PACKAGE
"Closer" 2018 New Chapter No. 1: The Chance of Love Co-written by Duncan Laurence
"아스라이... (Beautiful Stranger)" New Chapter No. 2: The Truth of Love
"Chocolate" 2020 Chocolate
"All That Love" SM Station Season 4
"Devil" 2022 Devil

Lyric credits

Song Year Artist(s) Originating album Notes
"Evergreen" 2007 TVXQ 2007 Winter SMTown – Only Love
"Love In the Ice" 2008 Mirotic Korean version of "Love In the Ice"
"12시 34분 (Nothing Better)" 2009 2009 Summer SMTown – We are Shining
"고백 (Confession)" 2011 Max Changmin Keep Your Head Down Also recorded in the original soundtrack for Paradise Ranch
"I Swear" 2012 TVXQ Catch Me
"기억을 따라서 (Everlasting)" Live World Tour: Catch Me in Seoul Korean version of "Toki o Tomete"
"떠나지 못해 (Sleepless Night)" 2013 Shinee Why So Serious? – The Misconceptions of Me
"Rise..." 2014 TVXQ Tense
"Heaven's Day" Max Changmin Spellbound
"Ace" Taemin Ace
" 나의 생각, 너의 기억 (My Thoughts, Your Memories)" Kyuhyun At Gwanghwamun
"In a Different Life" 2017 Max Changmin
"Sun & Rain" 2018 TVXQ New Chapter No. 1: The Chance of Love
"Jelly Love" New Chapter No. 2: The Truth of Love
"아스라이... (Beautiful Stranger)" Max Changmin
"Come a Little Closer" (너와 나) 2019 Leeteuk, Shindong, Eunhyuk, Donghae Analog Trip Original Soundtrack
"Chocolate" 2020 Max Changmin Chocolate
"No Tomorrow"
"All That Love" SM Station Season 4
"Human" 2021 Human
"Devil" 2022 Devil
"Alien"
"Hybrid" 2023 Max Changmin, Ha Hyun-woo SM Station Season 4 Co-credited with Ha Hyun-woo
"Promise" TVXQ 20&2

Filmography

Film

Title Year Role Notes
Dating on Earth 2009 Changmin Direct-to-video
I AM. 2012 Himself Documentary film
Fly with the Gold Momo Japanese film
SMTOWN The Stage 2015 Himself Documentary film

Television series

Title Year Role Notes
Banjun Drama 2005 Max Changmin
Vacation 2006 Episode: "Beautiful Life"
Athena: Goddess of War 2010 Choi Tae-hyun Guest role
Paradise Ranch 2011 Han Dong-joo
Welcome to the Show Himself Cameo (Episode 1)
Saki 2013 Cafe customer Cameo (Episode 11)
Mimi 2014 Han Min-woo
The Scholar Who Walks the Night 2015 Crown Prince Lee Yoon
Tensai Bakabon 3 2018 Changmin Cameo

Musical

Title Year Role Notes
Hologram Musical: School Oz 2015 Oscar Main role

Travel series

Title Year Role Notes
Analog Trip 2019 Himself

Variety show

Title Year Notes Ref.
Cool Kiz On The Block 2013–14 Cast Member
Kingdom 2021 Host
Free Hug Host
Along with the Gods 2 Special MC
Bistro Shigor cooking department
My: Humanities that Open Work 2022 Regular Member
My Teenage Boy 2023 Host
The Return of Superman 2023–present Narrator

Web show

Year Title Role Notes Ref.
2021 Check This Out Cast Member with Jung Yun-ho
2022 Changminho's Birdie Buddy Host with Choi Min-ho

Selected awards

Award Year Category Recipient Result Ref.
Hochi Film Awards 2012 Best New Artist Fly with the Gold Nominated
Japan Academy Awards 2013 Newcomer of the Year Won
Japan Film Critics Awards Best New Artist Won
KBS Entertainment Awards Best Entertainer (Variety) Cool Kiz On The Block Won
Best Newcomer Moonlight Prince Nominated

This page was last updated at 2024-03-20 13:02 UTC. Update now. View original page.

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