MAX CHANGMIN
Name: Shim Changmin 심창민
Stage Name: MAX Changmin 최강창민 (최강→ choikang = max)
Birthday: February 18, 1988 (age 37)
Born: Seoul, South Korea
Education: Kyunghee University ⫶ Konkuk University (second degree in films and arts) ⫶ Inha University (master's degree)
Occupations: Singer Songwriter Lyricist and Actor
Years active: 2003–present
Spouse: - (m. 2020)
Children: 1
Musical career: Benjamin Button (2024)
Genres: K-pop Pop dance R&B electronic rock
Member of: TVXQ ⫶ SM Town ⫶ SM the Ballad
Labels: SM Ent. ⫶ SMAvex
Shim Changmin (Korean: 심창민; born February 18, 1988), better known by his stage name Max Changmin (최강창민; Choikang Changmin), 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.
Changmin was born and raised in Songpa District, 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.
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. 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 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.On December 8, 2021, Changmin released his second Japanese mini album Human.On January 13, 2022, Changmin released his second mini album Devil. The EP contains six tracks including the lead single of the same name. The title song “Devil” is a slow R&B song that blends groovy drums, grand bass riffs and heavy a cappella chorus creating an overwhelming atmosphere featuring Changmin's colourful ad-libs and delicate vocal techniques that express the exploding emotions.
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.In 2024, Changmin made his musical debut in the musical Benjamin Button achieving sold-out tickets for all of his days.
Artistry
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" (Album=Only Love), the Korean version of "Love in the Ice" (Album=Mirotic), "Confession" (Album=Keep Your Head Down), and "I Swear" (Album=Catch Me), and more.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
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. He is also interested in becoming a professional photographer and is a student of photographer Kim Young-joon.
Volunteer work
Changmin participates in volunteer works whenever he can and is actively donating to multiple charities and centers. He is a member of the Green Umbrella Children's Foundation. 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.
Relationship and marriage
Changmin 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.