1. Overview
Kim Jong-in, professionally known as Kai, is a South Korean singer, dancer, and actor. Born on January 14, 1994, in Suncheon, South Korea, he is the main dancer, center, and visual the renowned boy group EXO under SM Entertainment, where he debuted on April 8, 2012.
Kai is renowned for his unparalleled dance skills, earning him the nickname "Dancing Machine." He has also ventured into solo music and acting, showcasing his versatile talents.
2. Discography
As a solo artist, Kai's discography includes:
- "Kai" - His debut solo EP with tracks like "Mmmh" and "Reason," which highlighted his dance-pop style. It was released in November 2020.
- "Peaches" - His sophomore EP, released in November 2021, explores a more laid-back R&B aesthetic.
- "Rover" - His 3rd mini-album, launched in March 2023. The EP is notable for its title track, "Rover," and showcased Kai's evolution as a solo artist.
3. Career Highlights
- 2012: Debuted with EXO, gaining fame with “MAMA.”
- 2014: First acting role in the web drama "EXO Next Door."
- 2016: Appeared in web shows “Choco Bank” and “7 First Kisses.”
- 2017: Starred in the TV series “Andante.”
- 2018: Further showcased his acting skills through “Miracle That We Met” and the Japanese drama “Spring Has Come.”
- 2019: Joined the lineup of the supergroup SuperM as the main dancer and vocalist, expanding his international influence.
- 2020: Solo debut with the album "Kai," making waves in the K-pop scene.
- 2020: Became the global ambassador for the Italian luxury fashion house Gucci.
- 2021: Made a comeback through the EP “Peaches.”
- 2022: Announced as the ambassador for Yves Saint Laurent Beauty (YSL Beauty).
- 2023: Launched "Rover," further cementing his status as a solo artist.
4. Recent Activities
Kai is scheduled to be discharged from his mandatory military service on February 10, 2025. He's set to release his fourth mini-album in 2025, as announced by SM Entertainment. Fans are eagerly awaiting his return to the music scene with new performances and music.
5. Solo Activities
- Acted in dramas like "Andante," “Miracle That We Met,” "Spring Has Come," and more.
- Endorsed luxury brands like Gucci, becoming their first Korean global ambassador.
- Released solo mini-albums “Kai,” “Peaches,” and “Rover.”
6. Achievements
In addition to his role as a member of EXO, Kai has garnered significant acclaim for his solo endeavors.
- Multiple awards and nominations for his dancing and solo releases, including the Best Male Artist from the 2021 Asian Pop Music Awards for his debut album "Kai," as well as the Best Dance Performance – Male Solo from the 2023 MAMA Awards for his hit song "Rover."
- Kai received the Favourite Korean Drama Character award at the StarHub Night of Stars for his role in "Andante" and was nominated for Best New Actor at the KBS Drama Awards for his performance in "Miracle That We Met."
7. Album Sales
- "Kai" sold over 350,000 copies, achieving Platinum certification from the Korean Music Content Association. The album peaked at No. 3 on Korean music charts, marking a strong debut for a solo artist.
- “Peaches” also earned Platinum certification from the KMCA, with over 265,000 album copies sold and a peak position at No. 2 on the Korean charts.
- "Rover" reached No. 1 on the Korean music charts with an impressive 240,000 sales, demonstrating his exceptional capabilities as a solo artist.
8. Personal Life
Kai is known for his love of photography and often shares his work on social media. He's affectionately called "Bear" by fans due to his bear-like features and his love for bear-themed items. He's also involved in charity work, notably with the Smile For U project with EXO.
Kai's personal life is kept relatively private, but he's known for his dedication to both dance and music.
