Exo members: everything you need to know about the band

Exo (Korean: ; RR: Ekso; all caps) is a South Korean-Chinese boy band based in Seoul that was established in 2011 by SM Entertainment and debuted in 2012. There are nine members in the group: Xiumin, Suho, Lay, Baekhyun, Chen, Chanyeol, D.O., Kai, and Seun. They are widely known for releasing music and performing in Korean, Mandarin, and Japanese.

Exo-K (Suho, Baekhyun, Chanyeol, D.O., Kai, and Sehun) and Exo-M (Xiumin, Lay, Chen, Kris, Luhan, and Tao) debuted with twelve members. In 2014 and 2015, Kris, Luhan, and Tao left the group individually due to legal disputes with SM Entertainment. Prior to the 2014 release of their third EP Overdose, Exo-K and Exo-M performed music in Korean and Mandarin, respectively. Since then, Exo have performed exclusively as a single unit, although their music continues to incorporate multiple languages. Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin debuted as Exo-CBX members in 2016, while Sehun and Chanyeol began promoting as Exo-SC members in 2019. Each member also maintains solo careers in cinema, television, and music.

Exo’s first studio album, XOXO (2013), was released alongside their breakthrough single “Growl” and received favourable reviews and sold over one million copies, making them the first Korean act in twelve years to achieve this feat. The group’s subsequent Korean studio albums each sold more than one million copies, expanding on their initial commercial success. Don’t Mess Up My Tempo (2018), Exo’s sixth studio album, debuted at number 23 on the US Billboard 200 and sold over 1.9 million copies in South Korea, making it their best-selling album there.

Exo have won numerous accolades, including five consecutive Album of the Year awards at the Mnet Asian Music accolades and two consecutive Artist of the Year awards at the Melon Music Awards, and have performed more than one hundred concerts across four headlining tours and multiple joint tours. From 2014 to 2018, the group rated among the top five most influential celebrities on the Forbes Korea Power Celebrity list and have been dubbed the “Kings of K-pop” and “biggest boyband in the world” by various media outlets. Outside of music, the group members endorse brands such as Nature Republic and Samsung and partake in philanthropic endeavours such as Smile For U, a 2015-launched, ongoing collaboration between SM Entertainment and UNICEF.

Learn all about the Exo boys right here!

In reality, there were a total of 12 Exo members who were divided into two groups: Exo K and Exo M. Exo K consists of Kai, Sehun, Baekhyun, Suho, Chanyeol, and D.O., whereas Exo M consists of Chen, Lay, Xiumin, as well as previous members Luhan, Tao, and Kris, and they performed in Mandarin. When three of the band’s members left, the group merged into one. The three members are Exo’s former members Luhan, Tao, and Kris Wu. Here, every aspect of the band’s current lineup—including the Exo age hierarchy—has been covered in detail.

• Baekhyun

This band member was born on May 6th, 1992. He joined SM Entertainment in 2011. Baekhyun’s actual name is Byun Baekhyun. He stands 174 centimetres tall and weighs approximately 65 kilogrammes. If this band member has exceptional vocal abilities, he holds the position of primary vocalist.

• Chanyeol 

Chanyeol, an Exo member, was born on November 27, 1992, and his given name is Park Chane Yeol. Regarding his physical aspect, he is approximately 186 cm tall and weighs approximately 72 kg. Chanyeol entered SM Entertainment as an apprentice in 2008. Chanyeol’s function in the band is that of sub-vocalist, visual, and visual of the group.

• Lay

This group member was born on October 7, 1991, and his given name is Zhang Yixing. In addition, he stands 176 cm tall and weighs approximately 60 kilogrammes. He is one of the band’s Chinese members. Lay directs the band’s primary dancer, sub-rapper, and sub-vocalist positions. He performs his duties very efficiently.

• Suho

This individual was born on 22 May 1991. The original name of Suho is Kim Jun Myeon. Physically, he stands 173 centimetres tall and weighs approximately 64 kilogrammes. When he joined SM Entertainment’s training programme, he was 16 years old. Suho is in control of the band, the lead vocalist, the visual position, and the leader.

• Xiumin

Kim Min Seok is the original name of Xiumin, who was born on March 26, 1990. In terms of his physical appearance, he is 172 centimetres tall and weighs approximately 60 kilogrammes. In the ensemble, Xiumin is responsible for directing the sub-vocalist and sub-rapper positions. In addition, he is the senior member of the ensemble.

• D.O.

His actual name is Do Kyung Soo and he was born on January 12, 1993. Regarding his physical aspect, he is approximately 173 centimetres tall and weighs 64 kilogrammes. 2010 was the year he entered as an intern. As a result of his extraordinary vocal abilities, he is the primary vocalist in the ensemble.

• Kai

Kai, a member of the group Exo, was born on January 14, 1994. The actual name of the Exo member Kai is Kim Jong In. Regarding his physical aspect, he is approximately 68 kilogrammes and 180 centimetres tall. In 2010, he joined SM Entertainment as a trainee. In the ensemble, he is responsible for being the primary dancer, sub-vocalist, sub-rapper, centre, and visual of the group.

• Sehun

Sehun, an Exo member’s real name is Oh Se Hun, and he was born on April 12, 1994. Sehun stands 183 cm tall and weighs approximately 66 kg. He was only 14 when he joined SM Entertainment as a trainee. Sehun is the group’s youngest member, and as such, he serves as the band’s lead rapper, lead dancer, and visual.

• Chen

Kim Jon Dae is the actual name of Chen, and he was born on September 21, 1992. Thus, Chen, Exo is 29 years old. In 2011, he joined SM Entertainment as a trainee. He is 173 centimetres tall and weighs around 60 kilogrammes. Chen is gifted with astounding vocal abilities, which is why he holds the position of primary vocalist.

EXO’s net worth

The group has a combined net worth of USD 1 billion, according to a 2022 South China Morning Post report (via multiple Korean media outlets).

EXO members’ romantic lives 

In addition to each member’s complete profile and personal information, their dating history is also available for all to see. Kai dated Krystal of F(X), and they reportedly broke up in 2016. Kai and Jennie of Blackpink were disclosed to be dating in January 2019, but they ended their relationship the same month. Although the majority of members are unattached, they are very vocal about their ideal partners. Kindness complements Sehun’s timid personality, which he finds attractive. D.O desires a kind and healthy-eating woman, given that he enjoys cooking so much. Chanyeol, on the other hand, desires a partner who is as adorable, sincere, and gregarious as he is. Since Chen’s disposition is similar to that of a child in that he is playful and humorous, he desires a carer like Noona. Baekhyun’s ideal sort of woman possesses an abundance of charisma. 

To a humorous and naughty man like Lay, cuteness is important. Xiumin desires someone who can be hugged or who is huggable, and who is skilled at providing solace to others. 

Suho, on the other hand, is very specific when describing his ideal lady, whereas everyone else describes the personality they desire in a woman. He once stated that he prefers someone with a literary bent and long, straight hair. 

Exo is a worldwide sensation, and their music and performances continue to amuse and inspire people all around the world. Exo is set to be a presence in the K-pop business for years to come, thanks to their catchy melodies, powerful vocals, and demanding touring schedule.