Xiumin
A foundational pillar of the global K-pop phenomenon EXO, known for his steady vocals, sharp dance moves, and quiet, enduring presence.
Born 1990 (age 36)·South Korean singer and actor·Birthday: March 26·Millennials
Biography
Born Kim Min-seok in 1990, Xiumin was discovered by SM Entertainment and trained for years before debuting in 2012 as the eldest member of the groundbreaking boy group EXO. While often noted for his youthful appearance, his role within the group has been one of a reliable anchor, contributing clean vocals and precise performance across EXO's complex musical concepts. He expanded his reach early on as part of the Mandarin-speaking sub-unit Exo-M, helping cement the group's massive popularity in China. Beyond the stage, he built a parallel career in musical theatre, showcasing a different facet of his performing artistry, and later stepped into a leadership role for the sub-unit Exo-CBX. His long-awaited solo debut in 2022 with 'Brand New' finally placed him alone in the spotlight, revealing an artist comfortable in his own mature musical skin after a decade of collective success.
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.
Xiumin was born in 1990, 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 Xiumin Was Born
The biggest hits of 1990
#1 Movie
Home Alone
Best Picture
Dances with Wolves
#1 TV Show
Roseanne
Xiumin's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1990Born
Hubble Space Telescope launched; Germany reunifies
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.80/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Hold On" — Wilson PhillipsBest Picture: Dances with Wolves
1995Started school
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
2003Became a teenager
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2006Could drive
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2008Could vote
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
2011Turned 21
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2020Turned 30
COVID-19 pandemic shuts down the world
Gas: $2.17/galHome: $248,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Blinding Lights" — The WeekndBest Picture: Nomadland
2026Age 36 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Debuted as a core member of EXO, a group that became one of South Korea's best-selling musical acts.
- Led the sub-unit Exo-CBX, which achieved commercial success in both Korea and Japan.
- Successfully transitioned to musical theatre, starring in productions like 'School Oz' and 'Return: The Promise of the Day'.
- Released his first solo EP 'Brand New' in 2022, charting successfully in South Korea.
Did You Know?
He is a certified master in hapkido, a Korean martial art.
He served his mandatory military service as an active-duty soldier in the South Korean army.
He graduated from Korea National University of Arts with a degree in Practical Music.
“I want to be remembered as a singer who always gave a stable performance.”
