Which EXO Members Have Solo Careers?

EXO in 2023 is still one of those groups that feels like a warm hug to longtime fans, even with all the changes over the years. Right now, the active lineup includes Suho, Xiumin, Baekhyun, Chen, Chanyeol, D.O., Kai, and Sehun. It’s wild to think how far they’ve come since debut—I mean, Kai’s solo work slaps, and D.O.’s acting gigs? Chef’s kiss. The absence of Lay (Zhang Yixing) is noticeable since he’s been focusing on his solo career in China, but he’s still technically part of EXO under SM’s 'inactive but not departed' umbrella. Their group dynamic shifts a bit with military enlistments (looking at you, Baekhyun and Chanyeol), but the fandom’s loyalty is unshaken. I’ve got a soft spot for how they balance solo projects while keeping that EXO spirit alive. What’s cool is how each member brings something unique—Suho’s leadership, Chen’s vocals that could melt glaciers, Sehun’s chaotic energy. Even with fewer comebacks lately, their bond feels genuine, and that’s what keeps me invested. Plus, their discography? Timeless. I still loop 'Love Shot' like it dropped yesterday.

The BTS members have been killing it with their solo projects lately! RM dropped his solo album 'Indigo' last year, and it's this gorgeous blend of hip-hop and introspective lyrics—perfect for late-night drives. Suga released 'D-Day' under his Agust D alias, and man, the raw energy in tracks like 'Haegeum' hits different. J-Hope's 'Jack In The Box' was a total vibe shift with its gritty, experimental sound, and his Lollapalooza performance? Legendary. Jimin’s 'FACE' gave us sultry bops like 'Like Crazy,' while V’s 'Layover' oozed that smooth, jazz-infused charm. Jungkook’s 'Golden' is pure pop gold—'Seven' had everyone humming for weeks. Even Jin’s solo single 'The Astronaut' (collab with Coldplay!) was a heartfelt goodbye before enlistment. Each project feels like a love letter to their individual artistry, and I’m here for it all.

As a longtime fan of My Chemical Romance, I've followed the members' solo ventures closely. Gerard Way, the iconic frontman, launched a successful solo career with his debut album 'Hesitant Alien' in 2014, blending alternative rock with glam influences. He also wrote the Eisner Award-winning comic series 'The Umbrella Academy', which later became a hit Netflix show. Frank Iero has been prolific with projects like 'Frank Iero and the Patience' and 'Death Spells', exploring raw punk and electronic sounds. Ray Toro released a solo album, 'Remember the Laughter', in 2016, showcasing his melodic rock style. Even Mikey Way formed the band 'Electric Century' with Dave Buck, leaning into synth-driven alternative. Each member carved their own unique path while keeping the MCR spirit alive.

The members of Red Velvet are incredibly talented, and it’s always fascinating to see how they shine individually alongside their group activities. Wendy, for instance, has made significant waves in her solo career. In 2021, she released her first solo mini album, 'Like Water', which beautifully showcased her vocal prowess and emotional depth. The title track, also named 'Like Water', is a soothing ballad that reflects her artistry so well. I truly admire how she combines her contemporary pop style with heartfelt lyrics; it really feels personal as if she's sharing a piece of her soul with us! Joy is another standout member who has ventured into her own solo path. Last year, she dropped her first solo album, 'Hello,' featuring her powerful and sweet vocals. Songs like 'Smooth' are catchy and radiate such vibrant energy! She has a knack for infusing a sense of joy and positivity through her music, which always lifts my spirits. I absolutely love seeing her grow as an artist and express herself beyond the group's boundaries. Then there's Seulgi, who is not only exceptional in 'Red Velvet' but has also made her mark as a solo artist. She released her solo debut, '28 Reasons.' The album represents her unique style, blending diverse genres while reflecting her personal journey. It’s really exciting to witness these members explore themselves artistically, offering fans a peek into their individual stories while still remaining a close-knit family within the group!

EXO has been one of my favorite K-pop groups for years, and their members' real names are always fun to dig into because some stage names differ! The current lineup includes Suho (Kim Junmyeon), Xiumin (Kim Minseok), Lay (Zhang Yixing), Baekhyun (Byun Baekhyun), Chen (Kim Jongdae), Chanyeol (Park Chanyeol), D.O. (Do Kyungsoo), Kai (Kim Jongin), and Sehun (Oh Sehun). Former members like Kris (Wu Yifan), Luhan (Lu Han), and Tao (Huang Zitao) also had their unique stage names before leaving. What's interesting is how their real names reflect their personalities—like Kyungsoo's soft-spoken nature versus his powerful vocals, or Chanyeol's energetic vibe matching his given name. I love how their identities blend artistry and authenticity!

As a longtime K-pop fan who’s followed TXT since their debut, I’ve seen how the industry evolves, and solo careers don’t necessarily mean disbandment. Groups like BTS and SHINee have members thriving solo while still maintaining group activities. TXT’s label, HYBE, has a history of supporting both group and individual endeavors. For example, BTS members began solo projects years into their career, but the group remains active. TXT’s bond is strong, and their creative synergy is a huge part of their appeal. Disbandment would likely only occur if all members mutually agreed to prioritize solo work permanently, which seems unlikely given their current trajectory. HYBE’s system allows for overlapping schedules, so fans can expect years of OT5 content alongside solo ventures. Historically, K-pop groups start exploring solo opportunities around the 5–7-year mark, but disbandment hinges on contracts and member aspirations. TXT debuted in 2019, so they’re still in their early stages. Their recent contract renewals suggest long-term plans. Even if members like Taehyun or Yeonjun pursue acting or solo albums, HYBE’s infrastructure supports multi-career paths. Look at Super Junior or EXO—decades-old groups with thriving soloists who still reunite. TXT’s musical versatility and fanbase loyalty make abrupt disbandment improbable. If it happens, it’d be a gradual shift post-2030, but for now, they’re building legacy as a group first.

Xiumin and D.O. have already completed their service—Xiumin was actually the first EXO member to enlist back in 2019, and D.O. followed shortly after with his quiet but impactful service. Currently, Suho and Chen are actively serving; Suho enlisted in 2020 as a social worker, and Chen joined the military band in 2021. Chanyeol enlisted earlier this year, and Baekhyun just started his service recently too. It’s wild seeing so many of them gone at once, but it makes their eventual comeback even more exciting. What’s interesting is how each member’s enlistment reflects their personality—D.O. kept it low-key, Chen’s musical talent landed him in the band, and Baekhyun’s enlistment had fans scrambling for updates. Kai and Sehun are the only ones left who haven’t enlisted yet, but they’ll likely go soon too. Feels like a bittersweet pause in EXO’s journey, but I’m replaying their old albums while waiting.

Oh, the EXO members' ages are something I've debated with fellow fans for hours! The youngest is definitely Sehun—our maknae who debuted at just 18 back in 2012. Watching him grow from that lanky kid in 'Mama' to the confident performer in 'Obsession' has been wild. He’s got this effortless coolness now, but I still crack up remembering his early variety show clumsiness. Fun fact: he’s actually older than some 4th-gen idols now, which makes me feel ancient! What’s fascinating is how Sehun’s role evolved. Initially just a sub-vocalist and main dancer, he’s now killing rap parts and even acted in dramas like 'Now We Are Breaking Up'. His solo song 'On Me' showed such mature vibes too. Makes you realize how time flies when you stan groups long-term—I still mentally categorize EXO as "new gen" sometimes before remembering they’re veterans.

EXO's journey has had its share of ups and downs, and member departures definitely left a mark. Initially debuting with 12 members, the group saw three departures: Kris (Wu Yifan) in 2014, Luhan in 2014, and Tao in 2015. Each left due to contractual disputes and health concerns, which sparked massive debates among fans. It's wild how their exits reshaped EXO's dynamic—transitioning from 12 to 9 members, yet the group still dominated charts with bangers like 'Call Me Baby' and 'Monster.' Honestly, as someone who followed their early days, it felt like watching a phoenix rise from ashes. The remaining members carried forward with insane synergy, proving EXO's resilience. Even now, their OT9 performances hit differently, like a testament to sticking together through chaos. Those departures? Painful but oddly pivotal in their story.

I’ve spent way too much time deep-diving into Kris/EXO fanworks, and the creative takes on his bond with members like Chanyeol or Baekhyun are fascinating. Writers often frame their dynamic as a tragic love story—powerful but doomed by external forces, mirroring his real-life departure from EXO. The angst is chef’s kiss, with fics like 'Neon Lights' painting them as soulmates torn apart by duty or betrayal. Some AUs reimagine them as rivals-turned-lovers, adding layers of tension that feel raw and visceral. Others soften the edges, focusing on pre-debut days with Suho as a quiet, nurturing bond. What stands out is how fanfic transforms real-life silence (no interactions post-exit) into something loud—unspoken pining, secret reunions, even supernatural AUs where fate forces them back together. The fandom doesn’t just romanticize; it grieves and rebuilds, turning absence into a narrative device that’s heartbreaking but addictive.