Suho
As the steady leader of the global phenomenon EXO, Suho has anchored K-pop's artistic ambition with his calm guidance and elegant solo artistry.
Born 1991 (age 35)·South Korean singer-songwriter and actor·Birthday: May 22·Millennials
Biography
Kim Jun-myeon, known as Suho, stepped into the spotlight not just as a vocalist but as the foundational leader of EXO, a group that would define a generation of K-pop. Born in Seoul, he was trained under SM Entertainment's rigorous system, where his sense of responsibility and quiet strength earmarked him for leadership long before the group's 2012 debut. While EXO's concept involved cosmic powers and intricate lore, Suho's role was decidedly human: the glue holding twelve distinct personalities together through explosive fame and member changes. His 2020 solo debut, 'Self-Portrait', revealed an artist deeply invested in classic rock and balladry, offering a refined, personal counterpoint to EXO's high-energy productions. Beyond music, he has carefully built an acting career, choosing projects from indie films to historical dramas that allow him to explore complex characters, proving his depth extends far beyond the idol stage.
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.
Suho was born in 1991, 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 Suho Was Born
The biggest hits of 1991
#1 Movie
Terminator 2: Judgment Day
Best Picture
The Silence of the Lambs
#1 TV Show
Cheers
Suho's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1991Born
Soviet Union dissolves; World Wide Web goes public
Gas: $1.14/galHome: $82,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" — Bryan AdamsBest Picture: The Silence of the Lambs
1996Started school
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
2004Became a teenager
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2007Could drive
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2009Could vote
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2012Turned 21
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2021Turned 30
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
2026Age 35 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Debuted as the leader of EXO, one of South Korea's best-selling and most influential boy groups.
- Released his first solo EP 'Self-Portrait' in 2020, showcasing his songwriting and vocal style.
- Starred as the male lead in the historical romance television series 'Missing Crown Prince' (2024).
- Won multiple 'Best Leader' awards from Korean music programs and fan polls throughout his career.
Did You Know?
His stage name 'Suho' means 'guardian' in Korean, a name given by his company that reflects his leadership role.
He holds a degree in Culture and Design from Korea National University of Arts.
He is a certified lifeguard and has rescued a staff member from drowning during a filming session.
He served as a public relations ambassador for the Korean National Police Agency.
““I want to be a leader who can embrace everything.””
