Xiumin
시우민 · Kim Min-seok (김민석)
Kim Min-seok — Vocalist · Sub-Rapper
July 6, 2026 Korean 173 cm 57 kg Type B ISTJ Aries
Xiumin is the eldest member of EXO, the SM Entertainment boy group that helped define modern K-pop, and one half of the leadership duo fans trust to keep the group grounded. Born Kim Min-seok in Seoul on March 26, 1990, he trained for four years before debuting in 2012, and today he's known just as much for his rounded, boyish features as for a work ethic that never really switches off. Xiumin sings, raps a little, and dances with a precision that other idols quietly admire, but what really wins fans over is his personality: tidy almost to a fault, an early riser, and the group's resident prankster. As part of EXO-CBX alongside Baekhyun and Chen, he helped prove that EXO's members could headline their own charts, and in 2022 he went fully solo with the mini album Brand New, followed by Interview X in 2025 under his current label, INB100. Along the way he's tried his hand at musical theatre, led a web drama, hosted variety shows, and even completed his mandatory military service without missing a beat in his career. Xiumin's story is really about consistency: an idol who has spent over a decade proving that steady hands, a disciplined routine, and genuine warmth toward fans and members alike can carry a career just as far as flashy visuals or record-breaking vocals. For EXO-L, he's less the center of attention and more the quiet backbone of the group — the member you can always count on.
Story
Biography
Who Is Xiumin?
Xiumin, born Kim Min-seok on March 26, 1990, is a South Korean singer and actor best known as the eldest member of the boy group EXO under SM Entertainment. Cast into the company after placing second in an internal singing contest in 2008, he trained for four years before officially debuting with EXO in April 2012.
Early Life and Trainee Days
Born in Seoul and raised in Guri, Gyeonggi Province, Xiumin grew up practicing martial arts, eventually earning skill in taekwondo and kendo. He was scouted by SM Entertainment’s casting system and moved through years of vocal, dance, and language training before being unveiled as EXO’s seventh member.
Career With EXO
Since EXO’s 2012 debut with the mini album Mama, Xiumin has been a key vocal and dance presence in the group, contributing to era-defining releases such as XOXO, Exodus, and Don’t Mess Up My Tempo. In 2016, he became the leader of EXO’s first sub-unit, EXO-CBX, alongside Baekhyun and Chen, expanding his range as a performer beyond the main group’s promotions.
Solo Career and Acting
Xiumin made his solo debut in September 2022 with the mini album Brand New, which topped iTunes album charts in more than thirty regions on release day. He followed it with his second EP, Interview X, in March 2025 under his current agency, INB100. Beyond music, he has taken on acting roles in musical theatre and web dramas, and has hosted or appeared on numerous Korean variety programs.
Personality and Public Image
Known among fans and members alike for being remarkably tidy, an early riser, and a good-natured prankster, Xiumin’s baby-faced looks often surprise people once they learn he’s actually the oldest member of EXO. That mix of a youthful appearance and a grounded, disciplined personality has made him one of the group’s most relatable and dependable figures.
Profile
Basic Information
| Stage Name | Xiumin |
| Full Birth Name | Kim Min-seok (김민석) |
| Date of Birth | March 26, 1990 |
| Birthplace | Seoul, South Korea |
| Hometown | Guri, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea |
| Nationality | Korean |
| Height | 173 cm (5'8") |
| Weight | 57 kg (126 lbs) |
| Blood Type | B |
| Zodiac Sign | Aries |
| MBTI | ISTJ (previously ENFJ) |
| Education | Catholic Kwandong University (Broadcasting Entertainment) |
| Agency | INB100, formerly SM Entertainment |
| Debut | April 8, 2012 (EXO, "Mama") |
| Languages | Korean, basic Mandarin |
| Nicknames | Baozi (Little Bun), Mandoo, King of Detail |
| Hobbies | Soccer, working out, cooking, tidying up |
| Favorite Color | Blue |
| Ideal Type | Someone caring and easy to be around, who enjoys simple daily routines |
Membership
Groups & Positions
EXO
SM Entertainment
Vocalist Sub-Rapper Sub-Dancer
April 2012 – Present
The Lineup
Group Members — EXO
Xiumin
Vocalist · Sub-Rapper
This Idol
Suho
Leader · Lead Vocalist · Visual
Lay
Main Dancer · Vocalist
Baekhyun
Main Vocalist
Chen
Main Vocalist
Chanyeol
Main Rapper · Dancer
D.O.
Main Vocalist
Kai
Main Dancer · Visual
Sehun
Lead Dancer · Vocalist · Maknae
Journey
Career Timeline
2008
Became an SM trainee
Placed second in the SM Everysing Contest and joined SM Entertainment's trainee program at age 18.
2012
Debuted with EXO
Introduced as the seventh member of EXO with the release of the mini album "Mama" on April 8, 2012.
2015
Musical and drama debut
Played Aquila in the SM musical "School OZ" and starred opposite Kim So-eun in the web drama "Falling for Challenge."
2016
Formed EXO-CBX
Debuted as the leader of EXO's first official sub-unit, EXO-CBX, with Baekhyun and Chen through the mini album "Hey Mama!"
2019
Enlisted for military service
Enlisted for mandatory military service on May 7, 2019, pausing his group and solo activities.
2020
Discharged from the military
Completed his service and was discharged on December 6, 2020, rejoining EXO's promotions.
2022
Went solo with Brand New
Made his official solo debut on September 26, 2022, with the mini album "Brand New," which topped iTunes charts worldwide.
2025
Returned with Interview X
Released his second solo mini album, "Interview X," on March 10, 2025, under his new label INB100, followed by an Asia fan concert tour.
Music
Discography
🎵
Brand New
EP
2022
🎵
Interview X
EP
2025
💜
XOXO
Studio Album
2013
💜
Exodus
Studio Album
2015
💜
EX'ACT
Studio Album
2016
💜
The War
Studio Album
2017
💜
Don't Mess Up My Tempo
Studio Album
2018
💜
Obsession
Studio Album
2019
💜
EXIST
Studio Album
2023
🎧
Hey Mama! (EXO-CBX)
EP
2016
🎧
Blooming Days (EXO-CBX)
EP
2018
🎧
Girls (EXO-CBX)
EP
2019
🎧
Who (feat. Eunha)
Digital Single
2023
Recognition
Awards & Achievements
Album of the Year – XOXO (with EXO)
Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA)
2013
Best Male Group (with EXO)
Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA)
2016
Album Division Bonsang – Don't Mess Up My Tempo (with EXO)
Golden Disc Awards
2019
Most Popular Singer
Click! StarWars Awards
2017
Best Male Solo Singer
Korea First Brand Awards
2023
Did You Know?
Trivia & Fun Facts ✨
★
Was born in Seongbuk-dong, Seoul, but grew up in Guri, Gyeonggi Province.
★
Is actually the oldest member of EXO, despite having one of the most youthful faces in the group.
★
Earned his spot at SM Entertainment by placing second in the 2008 SM Everysing Contest.
★
Has a black belt-level background in taekwondo and kendo, and also trained in wushu and fencing.
★
Picked up the nickname "Baozi" (steamed bun) from former member Luhan because of his round, chubby face.
★
Is famously one of the tidiest members of EXO and reportedly showers every single day without fail.
★
Is known as the group's prankster, always looking for a chance to tease his members.
★
Has a younger sister whose identity he has kept private out of respect for his mother's wishes.
★
Used to be afraid of cats after being scratched by one as a child, but later chose to adopt two cats of his own.
★
Graduated from Catholic Kwandong University, where he studied broadcasting and entertainment.
★
Made his musical theatre debut in 2015, playing Aquila in SM's original musical 'School OZ.'
★
Led a web drama the same year, starring opposite actress Kim So-eun in 'Falling for Challenge.'
★
Became the leader of EXO's first official sub-unit, EXO-CBX, formed with Baekhyun and Chen in 2016.
★
Enlisted for mandatory military service in May 2019 and was discharged in December 2020.
★
Made his solo debut in September 2022 with the mini album 'Brand New,' which hit number one on iTunes charts in over thirty countries.
★
Left his long-time label SM Entertainment for solo activities in January 2024, signing with INB100 alongside Baekhyun and Chen.
★
Returned with his second solo EP, 'Interview X,' in March 2025, followed by his first solo fan concert tour across Asia.
★
Is a well-known football fan and has served as an honorary ambassador for the Korea Football Association.
★
Enjoys cooking and is considered one of the better cooks among EXO's members.
★
Was chosen by his fellow members as the one least likely to cry.
★
Has a soft spot for steamed buns, kimchi soup, and spicy Sichuan-style hot pot.
★
His stage name blends a Chinese character meaning 'beautiful' or 'elegant' with part of his birth name, Min.
★
Has appeared as a host and mentor on several Korean variety and survival shows, including 'Mr. Trot 3.'
★
Once had to share a dorm room with EXO's Chinese members so he could pick up conversational Mandarin.
★
Likes pumpkins and says blueberry is his favorite flavor.
★
Contributed vocals to the OST 'For You' for the drama 'Scarlet Heart: Ryeo' alongside fellow EXO-CBX members.
★
Is described by his members as approachable, understanding, and unexpectedly manly despite his cute image.
The Fandom
Fan Club & Fan Name 💜
Official Fan Name
EXO-L
EXO's official global fanclub name, meaning "EXO Love." The letter L sits between K and M in the alphabet, symbolizing fans linking and supporting both original sub-units, EXO-K and EXO-M, as one. The fanclub was officially launched on August 4, 2014.
Official Fan Color
Cosmic Latte (Silver-White)
SM Entertainment has never confirmed a single official fandom color for EXO, so fans generally point to the soft, silvery cream tone of the official light stick, nicknamed Cosmic Latte, as the closest thing to an EXO color, alongside the silver tone long used on SMTOWN's website.
Official Light Stick
EXO Official Light Stick (EriBong)
Nicknamed the EriBong by fans, the light stick has a slim white handle topped with a glowing hexagonal crystal bearing the EXO logo. It first launched in October 2015 and has since been updated with Bluetooth syncing so it can change colors together during concerts.
Fan Community Platform
Weverse
EXO connects with EXO-L through Weverse, where the members post updates, go live, and share exclusive content and membership perks with fans around the world.
Stay Connected
Social Media
Photos
Gallery 📷
