MEAWW.COM / NEWS / CELEBRITY NEWS

SHINee's Kim Ki-bum is back after military service, fans say 'missed you so much' as they welcome K-pop icon

SHINee announced the return of Kim Ki-bum saying, '2020 KEY'S BACK!' along with a photograph of Key in military uniform

South Korean pop star, actor and member of the boy group SHINee, Kim Ki-bum, better known by his stage name Key, is back after serving his country's mandatory military conscription. Key was officially discharged as a corporal on Wednesday, October 7, 2020. Prior to his official discharge, Key stayed home after a vacation in late September not returning to the military unit due to its coronavirus policy.

SHINee's official Twitter account announced the return of Key saying, "2020 KEY'S BACK!" A photograph of Key in military uniform was also posted along with the tweet.

Key, who enlisted in the South Korean Army in March 2019, fulfilled his service in the military band. His fans, who call him Captain Freak, celebrated his return with the hashtag #Myfreak_Key_is_back making it trend worldwide. His fans, who are called "little freaks", showed love, support and happiness on their favourite idol's return.

A fan of Kim Ki-bum, elated by the superstar's discharge, tweeted, "it’s midnight so Kibum is finally free. We’ve missed you so much and cannot wait to see you again and see what this next chapter has in store for you. You’ve worked so hard Kibum and Shawols love you dearly." The fan then continued, "congratulations Kibum! We welcome you back with all the love possible and there are not enough words to describe how much we have missed you and how much we will continue to love you." Another fan, wishing the best for Kim Ki-bum, simply wrote, "Knowing you’re back safely makes everything so much better. I really missed you every single day and I love you so much, let’s meet soon!!"

Translating Key's message, which he posted on Instagram, a fan wrote, "Key's message: SHINee World, I am back!!! As promised, I have returned healthy! Thank you for waiting. Please anticipate my various activities and let’s make more memories! Love you all, Key." A fan, congratulating Key, tweeted, "End of enlistment! Congratulations to Kim Ki-bum on completing your mandatory service!! I’ve missed you beyond words but you’ve worked very hard and I can’t wait to see what you have in store for us in the future, much love."

Counting the time for which Key has been away, an excited fan tweeted, "It’s been 1 year, 7 months, 3 days; 19 months, 3 days; 83 weeks and 2 days; 583 days; 13,992 hours; 839,520 minutes; 50,371,200 seconds, and today we finally have our Captain Freak back. Welcome back #Kibum!" Another fan wrote, "from "I’ll go and return well energetically and healthily" to "your Captain Freak got ready to fly" now finally our Captain Freak is back to little freaks! You’ve worked hard our pride soldier Kim Ki-bum, welcome home, Shinee’s Key."

Welcoming Key back and anticipating another SHINee member Min-ho's return, a fan tweeted, "Welcome back Kibummie!!! Finally, you’re home. You did so well in the military. Can’t wait for your Bubble, Vlive, and more Key content. 4/5 Minho we’re waiting for youuu!!! SHINee’s almost Back!!!!"

SHINee haven't released an album since 2018's Korean album 'The Story of Light' and 2017's Japanese album 'Five'. But, with the members gradually returning, we'll be getting more new SHINee content in no time, hopefully.