Kai

Kai, born Kim Jong-in, is the main dancer of EXO and one of the most influential performers in modern K-pop. Renowned for his fluid, powerful choreography and effortless stage presence, Kai has spent over a decade shaping how idol groups approach dance as an art form.

Born on January 14, 1994, in Suncheon, South Jeolla Province, Kai started training in jazz and ballet as a child before winning SM Entertainment’s Youth Best Contest in 2007 at age thirteen. He became the very first EXO member to be formally introduced to the public, appearing in teaser trailers ahead of the group’s April 8, 2012, debut with Mama.

Kai’s dance skills have produced some of K-pop’s most replayed viral moments, from his solo stage at the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics closing ceremony to fan-cam clips of “Love Shot” and “Tempo” that have racked up tens of millions of views. In 2019, he expanded his reach internationally as a member of the SM supergroup SuperM.

He launched his solo career in 2020 with the EP Kai, followed by Peaches, Rover, and Wait On Me, each showcasing a different side of his artistry, from sensual R&B grooves to Afrobeats-inflected pop. The “Rover Challenge” became a defining viral dance trend of 2023, drawing in celebrities well beyond the K-pop world.

Beyond music, Kai has built a reputation as one of K-pop’s leading fashion icons, serving as a brand ambassador and muse for houses including Gucci and Lacoste, and has starred in dramas such as Andante and The Miracle We Met. After completing his military service in 2025, he returned to both his solo stage and EXO’s ongoing group activities.