CHEN

Early Life

Kim Jong-dae, known professionally as Chen, was born on September 21, 1992, in Daejeon, South Korea. He grew up in the Jeongwang-dong neighborhood of Siheung and began his journey in music at a young age. In 2011, at the age of 19, he became a trainee at SM Entertainment after being discovered through the company's Casting System. His talent quickly shone through, leading to his formal introduction as the fourth member of the boy band EXO on December 29, 2011.

Career

Chen made his first public appearance with EXO at the 2011 SBS Gayo Daejeon alongside fellow members Luhan, Tao, and Kai. He has since become known as the main vocalist of the group, contributing to their immense popularity. In 2014, he expanded his musical repertoire by joining the ballad group SM the Ballad, where he showcased his vocal prowess through various collaborations. His solo career took off with the release of "The Best Luck," an original soundtrack for the drama "It's Okay, That's Love," which earned him accolades at several award ceremonies. Chen has also been involved in numerous projects, including singles and EPs, and has participated in SM's various musical initiatives.

Personal Life

On January 13, 2020, Chen announced his marriage to his girlfriend in a private ceremony attended by family. The couple welcomed their first daughter on April 29, 2020, and their second daughter on January 19, 2022. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Chen's wedding was rescheduled to take place in October 2023, marking a significant personal milestone in his life.