Kai is a charismatic South Korean singer, dancer, and actor. He is best known as a main dancer of the famous K-pop group EXO. Fans admire his incredible stage presence and sharp moves. His real name is Kim Jong-in. People know him by his stage name Kai.
He was born on January 14, 1994 in Suncheon, South Korea . His age in 2026 is 32 years old. He stands 5 feet 11 inches tall. His weight is around 68 kg. Kai works as a singer, dancer, rapper, and model.
His career started in 2012 with EXO’s debut. He has released 4 solo albums so far. His family includes his parents and two older sisters. He is not married and has no children. His net worth is estimated at $13 million . His main income sources include music, concerts, brand endorsements, and acting.
Kai Wiki/Bio
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kim Jong-in (김종인) |
| Stage Name | Kai (카이) |
| Birth | January 14, 1994 |
| Age (2026) | 32 years |
| Height | 5’11” (182 cm) |
| Weight | 68 kg (150 lbs) |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Body Type / Build | Slim, Athletic |
| Shoe Size | 10 (US) / 270 mm |
| Chest Size | 38 inches |
| Waist Size | 28 inches |
| Biceps Size | 12.5 inches |
| Skin Tone | Fair |
| Nationality | South Korean |
| Zodiac Sign | Capricorn |
| Occupation | Singer, Dancer, Actor, Model |
| Education | School of Performing Arts Seoul |
| Career Highlights | EXO Main Dancer, SuperM Member, Solo Debut 2020 |
| Net Worth | $13 million (estimated) |
| Wealth Sources | Music, Tours, Endorsements, Acting |
| Notable Skills | Ballet, Contemporary Dance, Choreography |
| Family | 2 older sisters, parents |
| Social Presence | Instagram: @zkdlin |
Kai Real Name
Kim Jong-in is the singer’s complete Korean birth name. His name in Hanja is 金鍾仁. He chose the stage name Kai for his professional career. The name Kai has a special meaning. Its Chinese character “开” means “to open” .
His stage name represents opening new doors in music. Fans sometimes call him by affectionate nicknames. These include Nini, Kkamjong, and Bear. His family and close friends call him Jong-in. The name Kai is recognized worldwide by K-pop fans.
He shares his full name publicly for official purposes. His birth name appears on all legal documents. He rarely uses his real name in promotions. The brand “Kai” is worth millions today. His identity as Kai is stronger than his birth name.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Real Name | Kim Jong-in (김종인) |
| Hanja Name | 金鍾仁 |
| Stage Name | Kai (카이) |
| Name Meaning | “To Open” |
| Nicknames | Nini, Kkamjong, Bear |
| Name Origin | Korean |
Kai Early Life and Education
Kai was born on January 14, 1994 in Suncheon, South Korea . He grew up in a loving family environment. His parents ran a bakery near his elementary school . He has two older sisters who cared for him. His mother kept his hair long as a child. People often mistook him for a girl because of this.
He started ballet lessons in second grade. His passion for dance began after watching “The Nutcracker” performance. He won a national ballet competition at a young age. He later expanded into contemporary and hip-hop dance. Michael Jackson’s performances deeply inspired his style. His father recorded his early dance routines on video.
He attended School of Performing Arts Seoul . He studied dance and music there. He passed the 2007 SM Entertainment audition. He won first place in the dance category. He became a trainee at age 13. He trained for 5 years before debut . His family moved to Seoul to support his career .
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Elementary School | Suncheon Local School |
| High School | School of Performing Arts Seoul |
| Dance Training Start | 2nd grade (ballet) |
| SM Audition Year | 2007 |
| Audition Result | 1st place (dance) + Popularity Award |
| Training Period | 5 years |
Kai Parents and Siblings
Kai’s father is Kim Gyu Ho . His mother’s name is not publicly disclosed. His parents owned a bakery in Suncheon. They supported his dance dreams from childhood. His father recorded his dance practices on camera. His father told him he “danced really well objectively” .
He has two older sisters. Their names are not known to the public . His sisters are 5 and 9 years older than him . They helped raise him when he was young. He is the youngest child and only son. His family relocated to Seoul in 2007 for his training.
He has a close bond with his mother. She encouraged his ballet lessons as a child. His father showed unwavering support throughout. His parents still live in South Korea privately. He buys them gifts and supports them financially. He rarely shares family photos publicly.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Father Name | Kim Gyu Ho |
| Mother Name | Not disclosed |
| Father’s Job | Bakery Owner (former) |
| Siblings | 2 older sisters |
| Birth Order | Youngest (3rd child) |
| Family Support | Strong parental encouragement |
Kai Wife or Girlfriend
Kai is not married as of 2026. He has no children. He was previously in a public relationship with Jennie. Jennie is a member of BLACKPINK. They dated for a short period in 2018-2019. The couple reportedly separated in early 2019 .
He has not confirmed any relationships since then. He is currently believed to be single . He focuses on his career and music projects. He keeps his private life very confidential. He rarely discusses dating in interviews.
His fans respect his privacy about relationships. He was also rumored to date other idols. None of those rumors were confirmed by SM Entertainment. He currently lives alone in Seoul. His main focus is his solo tour and EXO activities. He has stated he wants to marry later in life.
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Marital Status | Single (2026) |
| Previous Relationship | Jennie (BLACKPINK), 2018-2019 |
| Children | None |
| Current Status | Focused on career |
| Marriage Plans | Not disclosed |
Kai Age, Height, Weight and Physical Appearance
Kai turns 32 years old in 2026. His birthday is January 14 every year. He looks younger than his actual age. His dance training keeps him fit. He maintains a slim and athletic physique. His black hair is his natural color. He often changes hair colors for comebacks.
His height is 5 feet 11 inches tall . He weighs around 68 kilograms or 150 pounds . His body type is slim and lean. He has dark brown eyes. He wears a shoe size 10 in US measurements. His chest size is 38 inches. His waist size is 28 inches very slim.
He practices dance for hours every day. This keeps his body in top condition. He has a small mole below his left eye. Fans find this feature very attractive. He has no visible tattoos. He prefers a clean and polished look. His skin tone is fair and clear.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Age (2026) | 32 years |
| Height | 5’11” (182 cm) |
| Weight | 68 kg (150 lbs) |
| Body Type | Slim, Athletic |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Hair Color | Black (dyes frequently) |
| Shoe Size | 10 (US) |
| Chest Size | 38 inches |
| Waist Size | 28 inches |
Kai Before Fame
Before fame, Kai was a ballet dancer in Suncheon. He started ballet at age 8. He won a national ballet competition. He later learned jazz and contemporary dance. He watched Michael Jackson videos for inspiration. He dreamed of becoming a singer like Shinhwa .
He first auditioned for SM at age 12. He was rejected because he was too young. He practiced harder for 2 more years. He auditioned again in 2007 at age 13. This time he won first place in dance. He also won the Popularity Award at the contest.
He moved to Seoul alone at a young age. His family joined him later to support him. He trained for 5 long years. He learned singing, rapping, and acting. He appeared in TVXQ’s UCC广告 in 2008 . He was the first EXO member revealed to public. SM introduced him on December 23, 2011 . This was his big break before debut.
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| First Audition Age | 12 years (rejected) |
| Second Audition Age | 13 years (passed) |
| Training Start | 2007 |
| Training Duration | 5 years |
| First Public Reveal | December 23, 2011 |
| Pre-debut Appearance | TVXQ UCC ad (2008) |
Kai Career
Kai debuted with EXO on April 8, 2012. The debut song was “MAMA” . He became the main dancer of the group. He is also the center and face of EXO. His superpower is teleportation in EXO lore . EXO became one of the best-selling K-pop groups ever.
He debuted as a solo artist on November 30, 2020. His first EP was “KAI (开)” . The title track “Mmmh” was a huge hit. He released “Peaches” in November 2021. This was his second solo EP. He released “Rover” in March 2023 . He joined SuperM in October 2019. SuperM is called the “Avengers of K-pop” .
He completed mandatory military service from 2023 to 2025. He was discharged on February 10, 2025 . He released “Wait On Me” on April 21, 2025 . He started his first solo world tour “Kaion” in 2025 . He performed in 10 Asian cities on tour. EXO plans a full group comeback in 2026 .
| Era | Activity | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Debut | EXO “MAMA” | 2012 |
| First Sub-unit | EXO-K | 2012 |
| SuperM Debut | “Jopping” | 2019 |
| Solo Debut | “KAI” EP | 2020 |
| Second Solo | “Peaches” | 2021 |
| Third Solo | “Rover” | 2023 |
| Military Service | Social Service Agent | 2023-2025 |
| Fourth Solo | “Wait On Me” | 2025 |
| First Solo Tour | “Kaion” | 2025 |
Kai Social Media Presence
Kai has an Instagram account @zkdlin. He has over 20 million followers. He posts selfies, dance videos, and photos. He shares behind-the-scenes content frequently. He does not post personal family photos often. His Instagram stories get millions of views quickly.
He does not have a personal Twitter account. EXO’s official accounts post his updates. He is not active on TikTok personally. His dance challenges appear on EXO’s TikTok. He prefers Instagram for fan communication. He sometimes goes live on Instagram.
He has a YouTube channel for solo content. He posts dance practice videos there. His “FILM : KAI” series is very popular. He does not post daily on any platform. He maintains a mysterious online presence. His social media is professionally managed.
| Platform | Handle | Followers (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| @zkdlin | 20+ million | |
| None (uses EXO account) | N/A | |
| TikTok | EXO official account | Via group |
| YouTube | KAI (SMTOWN) | Via label |
Kai Net Worth and Achievements
Kai’s net worth in 2026 is $13 million . He earned this through music sales and concerts. EXO albums have sold over 10 million copies. His solo albums sold over 500,000 copies. He earns from brand endorsements and modeling.
He is a global ambassador for GUCCI . He also represents Yves Saint Laurent Beauty . His endorsement deals add millions annually. EXO’s tours gross over $100 million total. He earns royalties from songwriting. His acting roles add extra income.
He won multiple music show awards as a soloist. His “Rover” won 6 music show trophies. He won Golden Disc Award for discography. He received MAMA awards with EXO. He is called the “God of Dance” in K-pop. He influenced many younger dancers globally.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Net Worth (2026) | $13 million |
| Album Sales (EXO) | 10+ million |
| Solo Album Sales | 500,000+ |
| Brand Ambassador | GUCCI, YSL Beauty |
| Major Awards | Golden Disc, MAMA |
| Tour Revenue (EXO) | $100M+ (group total) |
Kai Legacy and Impact
Kai changed the standard for main dancers in K-pop. His ballet background sets him apart. He brought elegance and power together. Many young idols cite him as their role model. His dance skills are considered legendary.
He proved that idols can succeed as soloists. His solo debut was critically acclaimed. He showed artistic growth with each album. His “Rover” concept was widely praised. He broke military service barriers creatively. He filmed content before enlisting for fans.
His fashion influence is massive worldwide. He is called “GUCCI’s son” by fashion media. He attended Paris Fashion Week multiple times. He appeared on Vogue covers in Asia. He inspired luxury brands to seek K-pop idols. His legacy as a performer is secure.
| Impact Area | Contribution |
|---|---|
| Dance | Ballet-trained K-pop main dancer |
| Solo Career | Critical and commercial success |
| Fashion | Global luxury brand ambassador |
| EXO Legacy | Center and face of group |
| Military Service | Successful return with tour |
Kai Nationality and Religion
Kai holds South Korean nationality by birth. He was born in Suncheon, South Jeolla Province. He is a natural-born citizen of Korea. He has no dual citizenship with other countries. He represents South Korea globally as an artist.
He completed his mandatory military service. He served as a social service agent. He was discharged in February 2025 . His military service was 21 months long.
His religious beliefs are not publicly known. He does not discuss religion in interviews. He keeps his spiritual life very private. He has not endorsed any religious group. He respects all faiths equally in public. His personal beliefs remain personal.
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Nationality | South Korean |
| Birthplace | Suncheon, South Korea |
| Citizenship | Republic of Korea only |
| Military Service | Social Service Agent (2023-2025) |
| Religion | Not disclosed |
| Public Stance | Neutral on religious matters |
Kai Future Plans and Goals
Kai plans to continue his “Kaion” world tour. The tour includes 10 Asian cities . He may add more cities in 2026. He wants to perform in the United States. He has U.S. fans requesting concerts.
EXO plans a full group comeback in 2026. All members will complete military service soon. Sehun will be discharged in 2026 . The group will have 6 active members. They plan a world tour after comeback.
He may release more solo music. He wants to try different genres. He is interested in acting more seriously. He already acted in dramas like “Andante” . He could model for more luxury brands. He has no marriage plans currently.
| Future Plan | Target Timeline |
|---|---|
| “Kaion” Tour | 2025-2026 |
| EXO Comeback | 2026 |
| EXO World Tour | 2026-2027 |
| Fifth Solo Album | Undecided |
| Acting Projects | Possible |
| Marriage | No current plans |
Kai Awards and Achievements
Kai won Golden Disc Award with EXO. He received MAMA awards as a group member. His solo album “Rover” won 6 music show awards. He won “Best Dance Performance” at MAMA 2023. He was nominated for “Album of the Year” as soloist.
He won multiple fan-voted popularity awards. He received “Dancer of the Year” from several outlets. He won “Best Male Artist” at Asia Artist Awards. He got “Style Icon” awards for fashion. He holds Guinness World Records with EXO.
He has not won a Grammy or Billboard award yet. His legacy awards will come later. He is still early in his solo career. His group awards are too many to list. He is respected by critics and fans.
| Award | Year |
|---|---|
| Golden Disc Award (EXO) | 2013-2018 |
| MAMA (EXO) | Multiple |
| Music Show Win (“Rover”) | 6 wins (2023) |
| Best Dance Performance (MAMA) | 2023 |
| Asia Artist Awards | 2020, 2023 |
Kai Category Section
Kai is primarily a singer and dancer. He is also a K-pop idol and actor. His main category is boy band member and solo artist. He has 4 solo albums and 10+ EXO albums.
Kai Songs List
- Mmmh (2020)
- Peaches (2021)
- Rover (2023)
- Wait On Me (2025)
- Nothing On Me (2020)
- Amnesia (2020)
- Reason (2020)
- Ride Or Die (2021)
- Domino (2021)
- Come In (2021)
- To Be Honest (2021)
- Blue (2021)
- Black Mirror (2023)
- Slidin’ (2023)
- Say You Love Me (2023)
- Sinner (2023)
- Bomba (2023)
- Adult Swim (2025)
- Vanilla (2025)
- Walk On Water (2025)
Kai Hobbies
- Playing video games (Overwatch, LoL)
- Watching anime and cartoons
- Collecting sneakers and shoes
- Playing with his pet dog
- Reading comic books
- Swimming during summer
- Cooking simple Korean meals
- Taking photos of clouds
- Listening to R&B music
- Sleeping (he admits loving sleep)
Kai Favorite Things
- Color: Black and Red
- Food: Kimchi jjigae (stew)
- Drink: Iced American coffee
- Movie: “Billy Elliott” (inspired him)
- Singer: Michael Jackson
- Dancer: Chris Brown (choreography)
- Brand: GUCCI
- Animal: Puppies (has a pet dog)
- Season: Spring
- Number: 14 (his birthday)
Kai Interesting Facts
- He studied ballet for over 8 years .
- He was the first EXO member revealed to public .
- He won a national ballet competition as a child.
- His stage name “Kai” means “to open” in Chinese .
- He is called “GUCCI’s son” as a brand ambassador.
- He completed military service as a social service agent.
- He cannot eat spicy food very well.
- He has a habit of biting his nails.
- He was rejected by SM at age 12 before passing at 13.
- He performed at Paris Fashion Week for GUCCI.
FAQs
1. What is Kai’s real name from EXO?
Kim Jong-in is his real Korean name. He uses Kai as his stage name.
2. How old is Kai in 2026?
He is 32 years old. He was born on January 14, 1994.
3. Is Kai still in EXO?
Yes, Kai is still an active EXO member. EXO plans a 2026 comeback.
4. Did Kai complete military service?
Yes, he was discharged on February 10, 2025. He served for 21 months.
5. What is Kai’s net worth?
His net worth is $13 million . Most comes from music and endorsements.
Conclusion
Kai is a 32-year-old South Korean singer and dancer. He stands 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighs 68 kilograms. He is not married and has no children. His net worth in 2026 is $13 million . He is a main dancer of the famous group EXO.
He debuted with EXO in 2012 as the first revealed member. He started his solo career in 2020 with “KAI” album. He released 4 solo EPs including “Rover” and “Wait On Me”. He completed military service in 2025. He launched his first solo world tour “Kaion” after discharge.
He is a global ambassador for GUCCI and YSL Beauty. His dance skills are considered legendary in K-pop. He influenced many younger idols and dancers. He continues to perform and release new music. His legacy as EXO’s main dancer is already secure.
