2016 has already seen some great Korean acts make their way over to North America for concerts, and now one of the most popular groups in K-pop is joining the scene. SM Entertainment's boy band EXO is bringing their bringing their EXO PLANET #2 - The EXO'luXion tour to five different North American cities in February, and many of their ardent fans will be heading to the shows.
EXO debuted under SM Entertainment with 12 members in 2012 and have become one of K-pop's most popular groups, with hits like "Growl" and "Call Me Baby." Following several member departures and absences, it may be confusing for newer fans. So, in case you need a refresher of which of these handsome men are which, our guide to EXO's members will sure to be of help.
Name: Suho
Birth Name: Kim Jun Myeon
Age: 24
EXO-K
Role: Leader and vocalist
Elemental Power Based On EXO Mythology: Water
Individual Projects: Appeared in the dramas "To The Beautiful You," "Prime Minister and I," "EXO Next Door," and the film "One Way Trip." He also voiced a character in the 2013 animated film, "Saving Santa," and appeared in the SM Entertainment "School Oz" hologram musical.
Notable Facts: Was cast by SM Entertainment when he was 16. Known for coming from a wealthy background.
Name: Xiumin
Birth Name: Kim Min Seok
Age: 25
EXO-M
Role: Lead vocalist and dancer
Elemental Power Based On EXO Mythology: Frost
Individual Projects: Appeared in dramas "EXO Next Door" and "Falling For Challenge," the film "Kim Seon Dal," and the SM hologram musical "School Oz." He also appeared in multiple music videos.
Notable Facts: Oldest member of EXO. Korean member of EXO-M subgroup. Known as "Baozi" (steamed bun) for his round cheeks.
Name: Lay
Birth Name: Zhang Yixing
Age: 24
EXO-M
Role: Main dancer and vocalist
Elemental Power Based On EXO Mythology: Healing
Individual Projects: Has appeared in the dramas "To Be A Better Man," "Exo Next Door," and "Old Nine Gates," and the films "SMTOWN The Stage," "Ex Files 2: The Backup STraikes Back," "Oh My God," "Kung Fu Yoga" and the planned "Unexpected Love."
Notable Facts: Wrote EXO's "Promise 2014" and composed several other songs. Lay has an individual studio, Zhang Yixing Studio, in China that handles his Chinese promotions. He is one of China's most popular rising stars. Lay will not be attending EXO's North American tour due to his personal projects.
Name: Baekhyun
Birth Name: Byun Baek Hyun
Age: 23
Role: Main vocalist
EXO-K
Elemental Power Based On EXO Mythology: Light
Individual Projects: Appeared in "Exo Next Door" and upcoming drama "Moon Lovers." He starred in the role of Don Lockwood in "Singing' in the Rain" in 2014.
Notable Facts: Achieved number 1 on Korean music charts with collaborative track "Dream" along with miss A's Suzy. Has black belt in hapkido.
Name: Chen
Birth Name: Kim Jong Dae
Age: 23
Role: Main vocalist
EXO-M
Elemental Power Based On EXO Mythology: Lightning
Individual Projects: Appeared in "EXO Next Door" and made his musical debut in 2015's "In The Heights" as Benny. He is a member of SM The Ballad, and released a song on the soundtrack of the popular 2014 drama "It's Okay, That's Love."
Notable Facts: Has the highest vocal range among EXO. Korean member of EXO-M subgroup.
Name: Chanyeol
Birth Name: Park Chan Yeol
Age: 23
Role: Rapper
EXO-K
Elemental Power Based On EXO Mythology: Flame
Individual Projects: Featured rapper on songs by Henry Lau, Zhou Mi, and Heize. Co-wrote EXO's "Run" and "Promise." Appeared in films "Salut d'Amour" and "So I Married My Anti-Fan" and dramas "High Kick!", "Royal Villa," and "EXO Next Door."
Notable Facts: Nicknamed "happy virus" by fans for his bright personality.
Name: D.O
Birth Name: Do Kyung Soo
Age: 23
Role: Main Vocalist
EXO-K
Elemental Power Based On EXO Mythology: Earth
Individual Projects: Appeared in films "Cart," "Pure Love," "Older Brother" and upcoming "Underdog," and dramas "It's Okay, That's Love," "EXO Next Door," and "I Remember You."
Notable Facts: Rising actor and singer in South Korea.
Name: Kai
Birth Name: Kim Jong In
Age: 22
Role: Dancer and rapper
EXO-K
Elemental Power Based On EXO Mythology: Teleportation
Individual Projects: Appeared in "To The Beautiful You," "EXO Next Door" and upcoming "Choco Bank" dramas. Member of SM Entertainment's Younique Unit.
Notable Facts: First member of EXO introduced to the public and seen as the "face" of the group.
Name: Sehun
Birth Name: Oh Se Hun
Age: 21
Role: Lead dancer and rapper
EXO-K
Elemental Power Based On EXO Mythology: Wind
Individual Projects: Appeared in dramas "To The Beautiful You," "Royal Villa," and "EXO Next Door." Had lead role in music video of BoA's 2015 single "Who Are You."
Notable Facts: Youngest member of EXO.
Kris (Wu Yi Fan), Luhan, and Tao (Huang Zi Tao) were excluded from this guide due to their ongoing contract nullification lawsuits against SM Entertainment.
Tamar Herman is a multi-media journalist and the co-founder of KultScene. She is a freelance writer and copy editor, and has written for MTV Iggy, Noisey, and Paste Magazine.
