Chen Profile: Age, Height, Career, Facts & More
As one of EXO’s main vocalists, Chen has built a reputation over more than a decade for a singular vocal specialty: powerful, effortless high notes that have made him one of the most technically respected singers in K-pop.
Beyond the stage, he’s also become known for a genuinely playful, prankster personality — and for being the first member of EXO to become a husband and father, a milestone he’s navigated openly alongside his career.
This complete profile breaks down everything fans want to know about Chen — his age, height, career, personality, and the fun facts that keep circulating through the fandom.
Quick Facts About Chen
- Real Name: Kim Jong-dae (김종대)
- Stage Name: Chen (첸)
- Birth Date: September 21, 1992
- Zodiac Sign: Virgo
- Birthplace: Siheung, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea
- Position: Main Vocalist
- Height: Approximately 173 cm (5’8″)
- Nationality: South Korean
- Agency: INB100 (his own solo activities)
- Group: EXO / EXO-M, EXO-CBX
Early Life and Background
Chen was born Kim Jong-dae on September 21, 1992, in Siheung, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea, and has an older brother. His father is a singer as well, giving Chen a musical household background before he ever pursued a career himself.
He earned a degree from Hanyang Cyber University with a focus in Advertisement Media MBA, and became an SM Entertainment trainee in 2011, notably becoming the last member to join EXO-M before the group’s 2012 debut.
Career Highlights
Debut and EXO’s Formation Chen officially debuted with EXO and its sub-unit EXO-M on April 9, 2012, with the mini album Mama. As main vocalist, his powerful high notes quickly became one of his signature contributions to the group’s sound, frequently anchoring the emotional peaks of EXO’s discography.
EXO-CBX and OST Career In 2016, Chen became part of the sub-unit EXO-CBX alongside Baekhyun and Xiumin, further showcasing his vocal versatility outside the group’s core discography.
He’s since become especially known for his powerful contributions to Korean drama OSTs, a body of work that’s built him a strong reputation as one of the industry’s most reliable soundtrack vocalists.
He also appeared in the Korean production of the musical In the Heights, playing the character Benny alongside a cast of fellow idols and solo performers.
Solo Music Career Chen made his solo debut with the single “Beautiful Goodbye,” further establishing his individual artistic identity beyond both EXO and EXO-CBX. Since January 2024, his solo and sub-unit activities have been managed by INB100, the independent label founded by fellow member Baekhyun.
Marriage, Fatherhood, and Military Service On January 13, 2020, SM Entertainment confirmed that Chen was getting married to his pregnant non-celebrity girlfriend, and the couple welcomed their first child, a daughter, on April 29, 2020, in Cheongdam-dong, Seoul — making Chen the first EXO member to become both a husband and a father.
He enlisted for mandatory military service on October 26, 2020, and was discharged on April 25, 2022.
Contract Situation and EXO’s 2026 Comeback In June 2023, Chen, along with fellow EXO-CBX members Baekhyun and Xiumin, notified SM Entertainment of their intention to terminate their contracts, later filing a joint lawsuit over concerns about earnings transparency.
As of EXO’s 2026 comeback — featuring Suho, Chanyeol, D.O., Kai, Sehun, and Lay — Chen remains outside the group’s official comeback activities while negotiations with SM continue through INB100.
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Chen is often described by fellow members as humorous, playful, and something of a troll, known for a habit of sticking his tongue out whenever he laughs.
He’s part of EXO’s so-called “beagle line” alongside Chanyeol and Baekhyun — the group’s most mischievous, high-energy members — though he’s also been described by fellow member Sehun as someone who genuinely enjoys spending time alone.
Despite his playful public persona, his technical vocal ability has earned him consistent respect within the industry as one of K-pop’s strongest live singers.
That contrast between his goofy public persona and his serious approach to vocal technique has made Chen something of an underrated figure within EXO, someone whose reputation among fellow musicians and industry professionals often outpaces his general public profile.
His transition into fatherhood in 2020 also brought a notably more private, protective side of his personality to the forefront, as he’s worked to shield his family from public scrutiny while continuing to build his career.
That balance between a public performer’s life and a private family life has become one of the more distinctive aspects of how Chen has navigated his career in recent years.
Fun Facts and Trivia
- Chen’s father is also a singer, giving him a musical family background.
- He’s known for his ability to sing powerful high notes with apparent ease.
- He was the first EXO member to become both a husband and a father.
- He appeared in the Korean production of the musical In the Heights.
- He has a habit of sticking his tongue out whenever he laughs.
- He’s part of EXO’s “beagle line” alongside Chanyeol and Baekhyun.
- He was the last member to join EXO-M before the group’s debut.
Social Media and Where to Follow
Chen is active across his own platforms and EXO’s official group accounts, including Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and YouTube, where his powerful vocal performances, OST contributions, and playful personality continue to draw significant fan engagement.
His reputation as one of K-pop’s strongest technical vocalists remains a consistent point of praise among both EXO-Ls and the broader K-pop community.
As contract negotiations with SM Entertainment continue, Chen’s work through INB100 remains his primary creative focus, with fans hopeful for a full EXO reunion that includes him in future group activities.
Conclusion
From a Siheung trainee with a singer father to EXO’s high-note specialist and one of K-pop’s most respected technical vocalists, Chen’s career reflects a rare combination of raw vocal power and genuine warmth.
Whether fans are drawn in by his powerful live singing, his extensive OST catalog, his playful “beagle line” personality, or his milestone as the first EXO member to become a husband and father, Chen continues to prove why he’s regarded as one of the most vocally gifted members of his generation.
As his contract situation with SM Entertainment continues to develop, fans remain hopeful to see Chen reunite with the full EXO lineup soon.
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