Chen (singer)
His soaring, technically flawless voice became the emotional anchor for one of K-pop's biggest bands, while his solo work revealed a heartfelt artistry.
Born 1992 (age 34)·South Korean singer and songwriter·Birthday: September 21·Millennials
Biography
If EXO's music has a soul, for many it is embodied in the voice of Kim Jong-dae, known universally as Chen. Debuting as a main vocalist, his contribution was never just about power—though he has that in spades—but about a crystalline, emotive quality that could elevate a pop track into an anthem. He mastered the high notes that became EXO's signature, yet his true impact expanded with his solo ventures. Releasing mini-albums like 'April, and a Flower' and 'Dear my dear', Chen stepped out with a warmer, acoustic-driven sound that showcased his songwriting and connected on a deeply personal level. This duality defines him: the indispensable pillar of a global supergroup and a sincere solo artist who trades spectacle for intimacy, proving his artistry extends far beyond the group's shadow.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Chen was born in 1992, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Chen Was Born
The biggest hits of 1992
#1 Movie
Aladdin
Best Picture
Unforgiven
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
Chen's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1992Born
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
1997Started school
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
2005Became a teenager
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Could drive
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2010Could vote
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2013Turned 21
Edward Snowden reveals NSA surveillance programs
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $152,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Thrift Shop" — Macklemore & Ryan LewisBest Picture: 12 Years a Slave
2022Turned 30
Russia invades Ukraine; Queen Elizabeth II dies
Gas: $3.97/galHome: $348,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"As It Was" — Harry StylesBest Picture: Everything Everywhere All at Once
2026Age 34 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Released multiple solo mini-albums, including 'April, and a Flower' and 'Dear my dear', which topped South Korean music charts.
- As EXO's main vocalist, he is known for performing some of the group's most challenging high notes and ad-libs.
- Recorded hit OSTs for major dramas like 'Everytime' for 'Descendants of the Sun' and 'Best Luck' for 'It's Okay, That's Love'.
- Won several 'Best OST' awards at major Korean award shows for his drama contributions.
Did You Know?
He was accepted into SM Entertainment after winning second place at the 2011 S.M. Everysing Contest.
Chen is known for his love of baseball and is a fan of the Doosan Bears.
He is a devout Christian and has spoken about his faith influencing his life and music.
Before his debut, he trained for only seven months, which is considered a very short period in the K-pop industry.
“I want to be a singer who can move people with sincerity, not just with skill.”
