Which EXO Members Have Solo Careers?

EXO's journey has had its share of ups and downs, and member departures definitely left a mark. Initially debuting with 12 members, the group saw three departures: Kris (Wu Yifan) in 2014, Luhan in 2014, and Tao in 2015. Each left due to contractual disputes and health concerns, which sparked massive debates among fans. It's wild how their exits reshaped EXO's dynamic—transitioning from 12 to 9 members, yet the group still dominated charts with bangers like 'Call Me Baby' and 'Monster.' Honestly, as someone who followed their early days, it felt like watching a phoenix rise from ashes. The remaining members carried forward with insane synergy, proving EXO's resilience. Even now, their OT9 performances hit differently, like a testament to sticking together through chaos. Those departures? Painful but oddly pivotal in their story.

The members of Red Velvet are incredibly talented, and it’s always fascinating to see how they shine individually alongside their group activities. Wendy, for instance, has made significant waves in her solo career. In 2021, she released her first solo mini album, 'Like Water', which beautifully showcased her vocal prowess and emotional depth. The title track, also named 'Like Water', is a soothing ballad that reflects her artistry so well. I truly admire how she combines her contemporary pop style with heartfelt lyrics; it really feels personal as if she's sharing a piece of her soul with us! Joy is another standout member who has ventured into her own solo path. Last year, she dropped her first solo album, 'Hello,' featuring her powerful and sweet vocals. Songs like 'Smooth' are catchy and radiate such vibrant energy! She has a knack for infusing a sense of joy and positivity through her music, which always lifts my spirits. I absolutely love seeing her grow as an artist and express herself beyond the group's boundaries. Then there's Seulgi, who is not only exceptional in 'Red Velvet' but has also made her mark as a solo artist. She released her solo debut, '28 Reasons.' The album represents her unique style, blending diverse genres while reflecting her personal journey. It’s really exciting to witness these members explore themselves artistically, offering fans a peek into their individual stories while still remaining a close-knit family within the group!

The journey of the SHINee leader, Onew, is pretty fascinating, filled with all kinds of diverse solo projects that showcase his versatility and talent. One standout moment was his debut solo mini-album, 'Voice', which hit us with such heartfelt tracks. The lead single, 'Sunflower', really allowed him to shine and showcase his unique vocal color. I remember just getting lost in the melodies while driving, thinking how beautiful the lyrics were. It's so personal and resonates deeply, especially for those of us who have been following him since SHINee's early days. His venture into acting is also noteworthy. I was surprised yet thrilled to see him taking on a role in the drama 'Descendants of the Sun'. It was like seeing a whole new side of him, immersing himself into acting while still maintaining his musical identity. His charm really came through, capturing the hearts of many fans, including mine. And then there’s his musical contributions for soundtracks; I absolutely loved his track for 'The King: Eternal Monarch'. It's that kind of song that can bring back emotional moments from the series and still feel fresh every time you listen. He definitely knows how to tug at those heartstrings! Beyond music and drama, Onew's also explored theater! His role in the musical 'Gwanghwamun Sonata' was such a bold step, proving he’s willing to push boundaries. The love he received for his performances was totally deserved— it’s hard work, and he poured his heart into it. Knowing he thrives on stage, transcending the typical pop idol image, is inspiring. You can't help but cheer him on, as Onew continues to carve his path, showing that there’s so much more to him beyond just SHINee. Onew’s solo journey reflects not only his growth as an artist but also his genuine passion for music and performance. I can’t wait to see what he comes up with next!

2PM's leader, Jun.K, has had quite an impressive solo career outside the group. His voice is just chef's kiss—seriously, if you haven't listened to his solo tracks like 'No Love' or 'Think About You,' you're missing out. He dropped his first mini album 'Love & Hate' back in 2016, and it was a moody, R&B-infused masterpiece that showed off his vocal range. Then came '77-1X3-00,' which had this raw, emotional vibe that hit differently. He also ventured into musicals, proving he's not just a idol but a legit performer. Nichkhun, another member who often shares leader-like roles, took a different route with his solo work. His Thai-English single 'Let It Rain' was a smooth, tropical bop, and he's been dipping into acting too—remember 'Meow, the Secret Boy'? Adorable. Both bring such distinct flavors to the table, and it’s cool seeing how their solo projects reflect their personalities. Jun.K’s all about deep vocals and soulful beats, while Nichkhun leans into that sunny, cross-cultural charm.

The BTS members have been killing it with their solo projects lately! RM dropped his solo album 'Indigo' last year, and it's this gorgeous blend of hip-hop and introspective lyrics—perfect for late-night drives. Suga released 'D-Day' under his Agust D alias, and man, the raw energy in tracks like 'Haegeum' hits different. J-Hope's 'Jack In The Box' was a total vibe shift with its gritty, experimental sound, and his Lollapalooza performance? Legendary. Jimin’s 'FACE' gave us sultry bops like 'Like Crazy,' while V’s 'Layover' oozed that smooth, jazz-infused charm. Jungkook’s 'Golden' is pure pop gold—'Seven' had everyone humming for weeks. Even Jin’s solo single 'The Astronaut' (collab with Coldplay!) was a heartfelt goodbye before enlistment. Each project feels like a love letter to their individual artistry, and I’m here for it all.

EXO in 2023 is still one of those groups that feels like a warm hug to longtime fans, even with all the changes over the years. Right now, the active lineup includes Suho, Xiumin, Baekhyun, Chen, Chanyeol, D.O., Kai, and Sehun. It’s wild to think how far they’ve come since debut—I mean, Kai’s solo work slaps, and D.O.’s acting gigs? Chef’s kiss. The absence of Lay (Zhang Yixing) is noticeable since he’s been focusing on his solo career in China, but he’s still technically part of EXO under SM’s 'inactive but not departed' umbrella. Their group dynamic shifts a bit with military enlistments (looking at you, Baekhyun and Chanyeol), but the fandom’s loyalty is unshaken. I’ve got a soft spot for how they balance solo projects while keeping that EXO spirit alive. What’s cool is how each member brings something unique—Suho’s leadership, Chen’s vocals that could melt glaciers, Sehun’s chaotic energy. Even with fewer comebacks lately, their bond feels genuine, and that’s what keeps me invested. Plus, their discography? Timeless. I still loop 'Love Shot' like it dropped yesterday.

EXO has been one of my favorite K-pop groups for years, and their members' real names are always fun to dig into because some stage names differ! The current lineup includes Suho (Kim Junmyeon), Xiumin (Kim Minseok), Lay (Zhang Yixing), Baekhyun (Byun Baekhyun), Chen (Kim Jongdae), Chanyeol (Park Chanyeol), D.O. (Do Kyungsoo), Kai (Kim Jongin), and Sehun (Oh Sehun). Former members like Kris (Wu Yifan), Luhan (Lu Han), and Tao (Huang Zitao) also had their unique stage names before leaving. What's interesting is how their real names reflect their personalities—like Kyungsoo's soft-spoken nature versus his powerful vocals, or Chanyeol's energetic vibe matching his given name. I love how their identities blend artistry and authenticity!

Xiumin and D.O. have already completed their service—Xiumin was actually the first EXO member to enlist back in 2019, and D.O. followed shortly after with his quiet but impactful service. Currently, Suho and Chen are actively serving; Suho enlisted in 2020 as a social worker, and Chen joined the military band in 2021. Chanyeol enlisted earlier this year, and Baekhyun just started his service recently too. It’s wild seeing so many of them gone at once, but it makes their eventual comeback even more exciting. What’s interesting is how each member’s enlistment reflects their personality—D.O. kept it low-key, Chen’s musical talent landed him in the band, and Baekhyun’s enlistment had fans scrambling for updates. Kai and Sehun are the only ones left who haven’t enlisted yet, but they’ll likely go soon too. Feels like a bittersweet pause in EXO’s journey, but I’m replaying their old albums while waiting.

Oh, the EXO members' ages are something I've debated with fellow fans for hours! The youngest is definitely Sehun—our maknae who debuted at just 18 back in 2012. Watching him grow from that lanky kid in 'Mama' to the confident performer in 'Obsession' has been wild. He’s got this effortless coolness now, but I still crack up remembering his early variety show clumsiness. Fun fact: he’s actually older than some 4th-gen idols now, which makes me feel ancient! What’s fascinating is how Sehun’s role evolved. Initially just a sub-vocalist and main dancer, he’s now killing rap parts and even acted in dramas like 'Now We Are Breaking Up'. His solo song 'On Me' showed such mature vibes too. Makes you realize how time flies when you stan groups long-term—I still mentally categorize EXO as "new gen" sometimes before remembering they’re veterans.

WayV's members have been branching out into solo projects, and it's been exciting to see their individual colors shine. Kun was the first to drop his solo track 'Back to You,' a smooth R&B vibe that totally suits his velvety vocals. Then there's Ten, who's been killing it with singles like 'Paint Me Naked' and 'Dream in a Dream'—his performance skills are next level. Xiaojun also joined the solo game with 'Falling In Love,' showcasing his powerful voice. Yangyang hasn't released a full solo song yet, but his rap in WayV's tracks always stands out. Hendery and Winwin have been more focused on group activities, but I wouldn't be surprised if they surprise us with something soon. Kun's producing skills give me hope for more self-composed tracks, and Ten's versatility makes him a strong candidate for future releases. The way they balance group and solo work reminds me of how NCT's system encourages individuality while maintaining teamwork. I'm really looking forward to seeing how each member's unique style develops outside the group context.