EXO (band) Biography: Members, Albums, Awards, Net Worth, Debut, K-pop, Success, Global Impact

EXO is an acclaimed South Korean-Chinese boy band renowned for their electrifying performances, harmonious vocals, and innovative concepts that have captivated audiences worldwide.

Formed by SM Entertainment in 2011, the group officially debuted in 2012 with twelve members divided into two sub-units: EXO-K, focusing on Korean promotions, and EXO-M, targeting the Mandarin-speaking market.

The original lineup included Suho, Baekhyun, Chanyeol, D.O., Kai, Sehun, Xiumin, Lay, Chen, Kris, Luhan, and Tao. Following the departures of Kris, Luhan, and Tao between 2014 and 2015, EXO continued as a nine-member ensemble, with Lay later pursuing solo activities.

Profile

• Members’ Real Names: Kim Min-seok (Xiumin), Kim Jun-myeon (Suho), Zhang Yixing (Lay), Byun Baek-hyun (Baekhyun), Kim Jong-dae (Chen), Park Chan-yeol (Chanyeol), Do Kyung-soo (D.O.), Kim Jong-in (Kai), Oh Se-hun (Sehun)
• Stage Name: EXO
• Active From: 2012
• Origin: Seoul, South Korea
• Nationality: South Korean and Chinese
• Occupation: Singers, Dancers, Actors, Models, and Brand Ambassadors
• Net Worth: $1 billion

Early Life and Members

EXO is a South Korean-Chinese boy band formed by SM Entertainment in 2011, comprising twelve members at debut: Xiumin, Suho, Lay, Baekhyun, Chen, Chanyeol, D.O., Kai, Sehun, Kris, Luhan, and Tao. The group was divided into two sub-units: EXO-K, promoting in Korean, and EXO-M, promoting in Mandarin. Each member brought unique talents and backgrounds to the group, contributing to EXO’s diverse appeal.

Xiumin, born Kim Min-seok, was born on March 26, 1990, in Seongbuk-dong, Seoul, South Korea, and grew up in Guri, Gyeonggi Province. He developed an early interest in martial arts, earning black belts in Kendo and Taekwondo, and also trained in Wushu and fencing. Xiumin became a trainee at SM Entertainment in 2008 after placing second in the SM Everysing Contest.

Suho, born Kim Jun-myeon, was born on May 22, 1991, in Yeoui-dong, Seoul, South Korea. An academically inclined student, he served as class president in elementary school and vice-chairman of his high school’s student body. Suho was discovered by an SM casting manager on the streets in 2006 and became the first EXO member to join the company as a trainee.

Lay, born Zhang Yixing, was born on October 7, 1991, in Changsha, Hunan, China. He began his career as a child actor, appearing in several Chinese television programs. Lay joined SM Entertainment in 2008 through a global audition and moved to South Korea to train. His background in traditional Chinese dance and music contributed to his versatility as a performer.

Baekhyun, born Byun Baek-hyun, was born on May 6, 1992, in Bucheon, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea. Influenced by singer Rain, he began vocal training at age 11 and was the lead singer of his high school band, Honsusangtae. Baekhyun was scouted by an SM agent in 2011 while preparing for entrance exams to the Seoul Institute of the Arts and joined the company shortly thereafter.

Chen, born Kim Jong-dae, was born on September 21, 1992, in Siheung, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea. Known for his powerful vocals, he joined SM Entertainment in 2011 through the company’s casting system. Chen was the last member to be formally introduced as part of EXO-M and brought a strong vocal presence to the group.

Chanyeol, born Park Chan-yeol, was born on November 27, 1992, in Yeokchon-dong, Seoul, South Korea. He developed an interest in music after watching School of Rock and began playing the drums. Chanyeol joined SM Entertainment in 2008 after winning second place in the Smart Model Contest and trained in both acting and music before debuting with EXO.

D.O., born Do Kyung-soo, was born on January 12, 1993, in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea. He began singing in local competitions during high school and was recommended to audition for SM Entertainment after winning a festival. D.O. became a trainee in 2010 and was introduced as the eighth member of EXO in 2012.

Kai, born Kim Jong-in, was born on January 14, 1994, in Suncheon, South Jeolla Province, South Korea. Encouraged by his father, he began dancing at age seven, studying ballet and jazz. Kai joined SM Entertainment in 2007 after winning the 10th SM Youth Best Contest and was the first member to be introduced to the public through teaser trailers.

Sehun, born Oh Se-hun, was born on April 12, 1994, in Seoul, South Korea. He was scouted by an SM Entertainment agent at age 12 and went through four auditions over two years before becoming a trainee in 2008. Sehun was the final member to be introduced to the public before EXO’s debut.

Kris, born Wu Yifan, was born on November 6, 1990, in Guangzhou, Guangdong, China. He moved to Vancouver, Canada, at age 10 and later returned to China. Kris joined SM Entertainment in 2008 through a global audition and became the leader of EXO-M. He filed a lawsuit against SM in 2014 to terminate his contract and subsequently left the group.

Luhan, born Lu Han, was born on April 20, 1990, in Beijing, China. He studied at the Beijing Shida Middle School and later attended Yonsei University as an exchange student. Luhan was scouted by an SM representative in 2008 while studying in South Korea and joined the company after a successful audition. He left EXO in 2014 after filing a lawsuit against SM Entertainment.

Tao, born Huang Zitao, was born on May 2, 1993, in Qingdao, Shandong, China. He practiced Wushu from a young age and won several martial arts competitions. Tao joined SM Entertainment in 2010 through a global audition and trained for less than a year before being introduced as a member of EXO-M. He filed a lawsuit against SM in 2015 and departed from the group.

Formation

EXO is a South Korean-Chinese boy band formed by SM Entertainment in 2011. The group officially debuted on April 8, 2012, with twelve members divided into two sub-units: EXO-K, promoting in Korean, and EXO-M, promoting in Mandarin. This dual-unit strategy was designed to simultaneously target the South Korean and Chinese music markets.

Prior to their debut, SM Entertainment introduced the members through a series of teaser videos and performances, generating significant anticipation. On December 29, 2011, EXO made their first televised appearance at the annual SBS Gayo Daejeon event. The group’s debut single, Mama, was released on April 8, 2012, followed by their first extended play (EP) of the same name on April 9. EXO-K performed on South Korea’s music program Inkigayo, while EXO-M performed at China’s Top Chinese Music Awards in Shenzhen on the same day. The EP achieved commercial success, with the Korean version topping South Korea’s Gaon Album Chart and the Mandarin version reaching number two on China’s Sina Album Chart.

The name “EXO” is derived from “exoplanet,” reflecting the group’s concept of being new and unknown stars from another world. Each member was assigned a unique superpower, adding a distinctive narrative element to their brand. This innovative approach, combined with their musical talent and synchronized performances, quickly garnered them a substantial fanbase, setting the stage for their future success in the global music industry.

Career

EXO, the South Korean-Chinese boy band formed by SM Entertainment, has significantly impacted the global music scene since their debut in 2012. Initially divided into two sub-units—EXO-K for Korean promotions and EXO-M for Mandarin promotions—the group quickly gained attention for their synchronized performances and diverse musical styles.

Their first studio album, XOXO (2013), featuring the hit single Growl, was a commercial success, selling over one million copies and earning them multiple awards, including Album of the Year at the Mnet Asian Music Awards. This achievement marked them as the fastest-selling K-pop artist in twelve years and the youngest boy band to win such a prestigious award.

EXO continued to build on their success with subsequent albums like Exodus (2015), The War (2017), and Don’t Mess Up My Tempo (2018), each selling over a million copies. By 2023, they had become “septuple million sellers,” with seven different albums surpassing the one million sales mark.

Their influence extended beyond music charts. EXO was named the most powerful celebrities in South Korea by Forbes Korea in 2015 and 2016 and received a Prime Minister’s Commendation at the Korean Popular Culture & Arts Awards in 2017. They also set a Guinness World Record for the most Daesang (“Grand Prize”) awards won at the Mnet Asian Music Awards.

EXO’s global reach was evident with their first Japanese full-length album, Countdown (2018), debuting atop the Oricon Weekly Chart, making them the first non-Japanese group to achieve this feat. Their performances at international events, including the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics Closing Ceremony, further solidified their status as global ambassadors of K-pop.

Despite challenges such as member departures and mandatory military service, EXO has maintained a strong presence in the music industry. Their ability to adapt and evolve has kept them relevant, with members pursuing successful solo careers in music, acting, and fashion, contributing to the group’s enduring legacy.

EXO’s career is characterized by their innovative approach to music and performance, their significant contributions to the global spread of K-pop, and their unwavering connection with a diverse and dedicated fanbase. Their journey reflects a blend of talent, resilience, and cultural impact that continues to influence the music industry worldwide.

Social Media

• Instagram handle: @weareone.exo (official)
• Twitter handle: @weareoneEXO

Personal Life

The members of EXO have largely kept their personal lives private, but some details have emerged over the years.

Chen (Kim Jong-dae) is the only EXO member known to be married. In January 2020, he announced his engagement to his longtime non-celebrity girlfriend, who was expecting their first child at the time. The couple welcomed their daughter in April 2020. Chen’s marriage and fatherhood were met with mixed reactions from fans, but he continues to be active in his music career.

Suho (Kim Jun-myeon) has been linked to dating rumors, notably with actress Kang Han-na in 2024. Speculation arose from cryptic online posts, but neither party confirmed the relationship.

Lay (Zhang Yixing) was rumored to be dating Chinese actress Zhao Lusi after being spotted leaving a hotel around the same time. However, Lay’s agency addressed the rumors, stating that they were unfounded.

Chanyeol (Park Chan-yeol) has an older sister, Park Yoo-ra, who is a former news anchor. He has kept his romantic life private, with no confirmed relationships.

Baekhyun (Byun Baek-hyun) has an older brother named Byun Baek-beom. He was previously in a public relationship with Girls’ Generation’s Taeyeon, which ended in 2015.

D.O. (Do Kyung-soo) is known for his reserved nature and has not publicly confirmed any romantic relationships.

Kai (Kim Jong-in) was previously in a relationship with BLACKPINK’s Jennie, which ended in early 2019. He has since focused on his solo career and fashion endeavors.

Sehun (Oh Se-hun) has maintained a low profile regarding his personal life, with no confirmed relationships.

Xiumin (Kim Min-seok) has a younger sister, whose identity he keeps private. He has not publicly disclosed any romantic relationships.

Overall, EXO members prioritize their privacy, sharing limited information about their personal lives while focusing on their careers and artistic pursuits.

Net Worth

EXO, the South Korean-Chinese boy band formed by SM Entertainment, has achieved remarkable financial success since their debut in 2012. As of 2025, the group’s collective net worth is estimated to be over $1 billion, positioning them among the wealthiest K-pop acts globally.

This substantial net worth is attributed to multiple revenue streams, including album sales, world tours, brand endorsements, and individual member activities. EXO’s extensive discography, featuring eight studio albums and numerous singles, has sold millions of copies worldwide. Their global tours and concerts have consistently sold out, contributing significantly to their earnings.

Endorsement deals have also played a crucial role in their financial success. EXO has collaborated with major brands such as Nature Republic and Samsung, enhancing their marketability and income.

Individually, members have pursued solo ventures that have further augmented their wealth. For instance, Suho’s net worth is estimated at approximately $18 million, stemming from his music career, acting roles, and brand endorsements. Chen, another member, has a net worth of around $10 million, earned through his solo music releases and contributions to drama soundtracks.