1. Biography
- Real Name: Byun Baek-hyun (변백현)
- Stage Name: Baekhyun
- Date of Birth: May 6, 1992
- Country of Origin: South Korea (Bucheon, Gyeonggi Province)
- Field of Activity: Singer, Songwriter, Actor
- Notable for: Main vocalist of EXO, successful solo career, member of SuperM
- Instagram: @baekhyunee_exo
- Twitter: @B_hundred_Hyun
- Weibo: @边伯贤FearlessBaek
2. Early Life and Background
Growing up in Bucheon, Baekhyun was raised in a supportive family environment alongside his older brother, Baekbeom. His natural inclination toward performing arts became evident during his elementary school years, where he actively participated in various musical activities. Beyond his musical pursuits, Baekhyun demonstrated discipline and dedication through his training in hapkido, eventually earning a black belt. His path to stardom began unexpectedly when an SM Entertainment casting agent discovered him while he was preparing for a school music festival. This chance encounter would prove pivotal, as Baekhyun had been inspired to pursue singing after being influenced by K-pop icon Rain’s performances.
3. Career
Baekhyun’s journey in the entertainment industry began with an impressively short training period of just 11 months under SM Entertainment, a testament to his natural talent and quick learning ability. In January 2012, he was revealed as a member of EXO, making his official debut with the group in April 2012 with their first single, “MAMA.” The group’s innovative concept of being divided into EXO-K and EXO-M, promoted simultaneously in Korea and China, helped establish their unprecedented international success.
His career reached new heights in July 2019 when he embarked on a solo journey with his first mini-album “City Lights.” The release showcased his artistic maturity and unique musical color, setting new standards for solo artists in K-pop. This success was followed by “Delight” (2020) and “Bambi” (2021), with “Delight” making history as the first million-selling solo album in Korea since 2001. Each release demonstrated his growing artistry and ability to connect with audiences through diverse musical styles.
In 2019, Baekhyun’s career expanded further when he was selected as a member of SuperM, a supergroup formed by SM Entertainment featuring top artists from their various boy groups. This project allowed him to showcase his talents to a broader international audience, particularly in the Western market. His versatility as an artist was further demonstrated through his acting debut in the popular drama “Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo” (2016), where he proved his ability to excel in different entertainment fields.
On January 8, 2024, Baekhyun officially began his solo activities under his own label, INB100, along with fellow Exo members Xiumin and Chen while Exo activities remains under SM Entertainment.
4. Style and Influence
Baekhyun’s artistic style is characterized by his extraordinary vocal abilities, featuring a unique tone color and impressive control that spans multiple octaves. His musical repertoire encompasses various genres, from emotional ballads to upbeat R&B tracks, showcasing his versatility as a vocalist. Beyond his musical talents, he has established himself as a fashion icon, effortlessly transitioning between casual streetwear and high-fashion looks, influencing trends and inspiring fans worldwide.
His impact on the K-pop industry extends beyond his musical contributions. Baekhyun has redefined the possibilities for idol-turned-soloists, setting new benchmarks for album sales and digital performance. His success has paved the way for future artists, demonstrating that group members can maintain successful individual careers while remaining active in their groups. His influence in the industry is further reflected in his strong brand power, making him a sought-after figure for advertisements and endorsements.
5. Personal Life/Dating News/Rumors
In terms of his personal life, Baekhyun’s most publicized relationship was with Girls’ Generation’s Taeyeon, which was confirmed in 2014 and ended in 2015. Despite the intense media attention surrounding their relationship, Baekhyun has maintained a relatively private personal life since then. He is known for his close friendships with his EXO members and other celebrities in the industry, often sharing glimpses of these relationships through social media and variety show appearances.
6. Scandals/Controversies
Throughout his career, Baekhyun has maintained a remarkably clean image, with few notable controversies. The revelation of his relationship with Taeyeon initially caused some fan controversy, as is common in K-pop, but his sincere approach to addressing the situation helped maintain his positive public image. Any minor misunderstandings, usually stemming from social media posts, have been quickly resolved through direct communication with fans.
In 2023, Baekhyun, along with fellow EXO members Chen and Xiumin, was involved in a high-profile contract dispute with SM Entertainment. The trio alleged unfair treatment and overdue payments, leading to a temporary halt in their activities. However, the dispute was eventually resolved, and the members renewed their contracts with SM Entertainment. In 2024, Chen joined Baekhyun’s label, INB100, to manage his solo activities while continuing to participate in EXO group activities under SM Entertainment.
7. Achievements and Awards
Baekhyun’s journey to becoming one of K-pop’s most accomplished artists is marked by several groundbreaking achievements. As the main vocalist of EXO, he helped establish the group as one of K-pop’s most influential acts. His solo career has been particularly remarkable – beginning with his debut EP “City Lights” (2019) selling over 500,000 copies. He then made history with “Delight” (2020), becoming the first solo artist in 19 years to sell over a million copies in South Korea, followed by his second million-seller “Bambi” (2021). His excellence has been recognized with three consecutive Mnet Asian Music Awards for Best Male Artist (2019-2021).
As a member of SuperM, Baekhyun contributed to the group’s historic achievement of becoming the first Asian act to top the Billboard 200 with a debut release. His versatility extends to acting, winning the New Star Award at the 2016 SBS Drama Awards for “Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo.” Beyond entertainment, he has performed the Korean national anthem at significant events, including the 132nd International Olympic Committee session (2018) and the MLB World Tour Seoul Series (2023), where he also sang the U.S. national anthem. In the fashion world, he made history as the first male K-pop artist to appear solo on Harper’s Bazaar’s cover and became a global ambassador for Burberry in 2020.
