What amazes us, even more, is that he was recently hailed as the global ambassador for the Italian luxury fashion house Gucci for its eyewear campaign, and the first-ever male Korean to be appointed with the monumental title. EXO-Ls, as expected, lost it on social media when the announcement was made as they can't be any more proud of the EXO member.
Just in case you're new to K-pop and is yet to be aware of this phenomenal idol, let us take to the role to give you a crash course regarding him. Below are just some of the many moments when the major players in the industry-idols, choreographers, staff, other celebrities, etc-praised South Korea's sexiest man and named him as their role model.
1. KARA's Nicole
In 2013, the member of the now-disbanded girl group revealed that she was interested in Kai when she guested at a variety show. She was quoted saying, "Out of all the idols lately, EXO's Kai seems very cool." Take note that Kai was just a year old as an idol back then.
2. Block B's UKwon
In an interview in 2012, the Block B members revealed that EXO (which just debuted that year) got his interest and he also made a comment about Kai.
"Kai...ZZANG (is great). Kai dances really well."
3. Hello Venus' Juniel
Juniel confessed in a mini-interview that Kai was the reason why she took an interest in dancing. "I've seen Kai dance a lot. I know nothing about dancing, but he was the first person who made me realize that dancing could be so beautiful," she shared.
4. Girls' Generation's Hyoyeon
Hyoyeon was once asked who she'd love to be paired up with for a couple of dance, and she chose Kai because "he's the best on stage. I've been saying it before EXO's debut. Kai dances so well."
5. Kasper (renowned choreographer)
The well-known choreographer named Kai, who he has worked with many times, is the idols' idol and that many idols are "Kai wannabes." "He's a great dancer. His strong point is that he's a balanced dancer, with contemporary dance as well as jazz. He's very talented," he said.
6. Shim Jaewon, SM's choreographer
Kai just debuted in 2012, but he was already dubbed as "perfection" by a known choreographer. Shim Jaewon, during that year, said in an interview, "Perfection. That's all I can say. Having various dance backgrounds is really an advantage for him. Smart and creative, he also creates the dance steps in his own teasers. Full of improvisation, power, and expressions."
7. Stray Kids' Lee Know
In one interview this year, Lee Know was asked about the idol he wants to take after and he picked Kai. He said, "There are a lot of people who perform well on stage that I respect, but for me, it's senior EXO Kai."
8. WayV's Lucas
Lucas, who is now Kai's band member in SuperM, admitted that he learned to dance by watching the EXO member's videos. "When I was a trainee, I learned how to dance by watching his videos. I thought it was amazing how he always seems to transform into a different person whenever he's on stage. I want to be like him and showcase my ability on stage."
9. ITZY's Yeji
When the rookie girl group made an appearance at "Knowing Brothers," Yeji was asked to perform a contemporary dance before being asked if she watches Kai's performances, to which she said yes. She added, "Of course. I respect him a lot." This statement was then agreed on by her fellow member Yuna.
