The8

Who Is The8 of SEVENTEEN?

The8, born Xu Minghao, is the lead dancer, sub vocalist, and sub rapper of the 13-member K-pop group SEVENTEEN, signed to Pledis Entertainment under HYBE Labels. As one of SEVENTEEN’s Chinese members, The8 has become a bridge between the group’s Korean idol identity and the wider Chinese entertainment industry, all while carving out a reputation as one of K-pop’s most artistically distinctive performers.

Early Life and B-Boy Roots

Born in Anshan, Liaoning, China, Xu Minghao spent six years b-boying before he was ever scouted, and he has practiced Chinese Wushu martial arts since age five, even winning a national children’s competition. That street-dance foundation still shapes his choreography today, giving his movement a raw, breaking-inspired edge rarely seen in traditional idol performance. He became a Pledis trainee and moved to Korea to prepare for his debut, ultimately training for about a year and a half.

Rise With SEVENTEEN

The8 debuted with SEVENTEEN on May 26, 2015, as part of the group’s Performance Team alongside Hoshi, Jun, and Dino. His b-boying background and technical precision have made him one of the unit’s most respected dancers, and he is frequently credited with adding an authentic street-dance dimension to SEVENTEEN’s tightly synchronized choreography. Beyond the stage, The8 is known for his experimental fashion sense and visual art projects, earning him a reputation as one of K-pop’s most avant-garde style icons.

Solo Career in China

Under his birth name, Xu Minghao has built a parallel solo career in the Chinese market, releasing digital singles such as “Dreams Come True” (2019), “Falling Down” (2020), and “Side By Side” (2021), each showcasing a more personal, experimental sound than his work with SEVENTEEN. He has also appeared on Chinese variety and dance-mentor programs, including two seasons of Idol Producer, further strengthening his standing as a cross-border entertainer.

New Chapter: V8

In 2026, The8 and fellow member Vernon were announced as the two halves of SEVENTEEN’s newest sub-unit, V8, set to debut on June 29, 2026. The pairing brings together two of the group’s most internationally minded members and marks an exciting new chapter for both artists. Calm, philosophical, and endlessly creative, The8 continues to prove that SEVENTEEN’s self-producing spirit extends far beyond the group’s main stage.