The8 (SEVENTEEN) : Profil, Histoire et Faits

The8 (SEVENTEEN): Profile, History & Facts

March 7, 2026 Kpop Clothes

Discover The8 (디에잇), the incredible lead dancer and performer of SEVENTEEN! Born Xu Minghao (徐明浩), this talented Sino-Korean artist was born on November 7, 1997, in Anshan, China. With his unique charisma and exceptional mastery of martial arts and contemporary dance, The8 has established himself as one of the most versatile members of SEVENTEEN.

As a member of the Performance Unit of the group formed by Pledis Entertainment (under HYBE Labels), The8 joined SEVENTEEN during their debut on May 26, 2015. Since then, he has enchanted fans worldwide with his artistic aura and elegant style. Between breathtaking performances and ambitious solo projects, The8 continues to evolve and stand out in the K-pop industry.

Introduction to The8

Stage Name: The8 (디에잇), 8 (in China)
Full Name: Xu Minghao (徐明浩) / Seo Myeong Ho (서명호, Korean version)
Group: SEVENTEEN
Position: Lead Dancer, Sub Vocalist, Sub Rapper (Performance Unit)
Date of Birth: November 7, 1997
Zodiac Sign: Scorpio
Chinese Zodiac: Ox
MBTI: INTJ (2022, according to members) / INFJ (2019, according to himself)
Height: 179.8 cm (5'11″)
Weight: 58 kg (128 lbs)
Blood Type: O
Representative Color: Green
Emoji: 🐸 (frog)
Nationality: Chinese

Biography and Career

Born in Anshan, Liaoning Province, China, Xu Minghao grew up in a family that encouraged his passion for the arts. From a young age, he showed a natural talent for dance and martial arts. At just 5 years old, he began practicing wushu (Chinese martial arts) and quickly became a recognized prodigy in his hometown. His discipline and dedication allowed him to win several national wushu competitions, which prepared him mentally and physically for an artistic career.

Recognized for his exceptional abilities, Minghao was spotted by a Pledis Entertainment scout during a cultural event in China. Although he didn't yet know Korean, he decided to pursue his dream and left for South Korea in 2013 at the age of 15. Alongside Jun, his fellow Chinese member, The8 began as a trainee at Pledis. The two years of training were intense: learning a new language, adapting to a different culture, and perfecting his singing and rapping skills while consolidating his dance foundation.

On May 26, 2015, The8 made his official debut with SEVENTEEN and immediately joined the Performance Unit, recognized for its complex choreographies and high-level performances. Thanks to his wushu training, The8 brings a martial and graceful dimension to the group's performances, distinguishing himself through his fluidity and impressive body control. Over the years, he has actively participated in SEVENTEEN's creative choreographies and has become an inspiration for many K-pop dancers.

Alongside his work with SEVENTEEN, The8 has launched a flourishing solo career. In 2019, he released his first solo digital single, "FALLING DOWN", which revealed his personal artistic universe, blending modern R&B with Chinese influences. In 2020, he published "Hai Cheng (夕阳歌)", a moving track entirely in Chinese that achieved immediate success in China. These projects allowed him to express his cultural identity and reach an international audience. In 2022, he released the EP "HAZE", followed in 2024 by the solo album "Hai Cheng", consolidating his position as an accomplished solo artist.

Interesting Facts about The8

Family and Personal Life

The8 has an older brother named Xu Mingjie.
He is very close to his mother, whom he often mentions in interviews as his greatest supporter.
The8 loves frogs 🐸, hence his representative emoji. Fans regularly gift him frog plushies.
He is known for being calm, composed, and philosophical, often perceived as SEVENTEEN's most zen member.
He currently lives alone in his own apartment, where he enjoys peace and creativity.

Hobbies and Preferences

The8 loves art, painting, and Chinese calligraphy. He regularly shares his works on social media.
Passionate about fashion, he collaborates with several luxury brands and frequently attends Fashion Weeks.
He enjoys drinking tea and practicing meditation to recharge.
The8 appreciates philosophical films and reading self-development books.
He has been vegetarian for several years, by personal conviction and respect for animals.
His favorite color is purple, which he often associates with his outfits and accessories.

Particularities and Anecdotes

The8 is a wushu champion: he has won numerous gold medals in national competitions in China.
He can perform impressive acrobatic movements, including back flips and complex figures.
He learned Korean in just two years and now speaks three languages fluently: Chinese, Korean, and English.
The8 has designed several of his own choreographies and is actively involved in the artistic creation of SEVENTEEN's performances.
He is known for his unique fashion style, blending Asian influences with avant-garde fashion.
His stage name "The8" refers to the number 8, which brings luck in China and symbolizes prosperity.

Relationships and Friendships

The8 is very close to Jun, his fellow Chinese member in SEVENTEEN. Together, they form the "China Line" duo and share a deep bond.
He maintains a special relationship with Mingyu, with whom he often shares funny and touching moments.
The8 is friends with several Chinese idols and maintains close ties with his community of origin.
He is known for being a loyal and caring friend, always attentive to other members.

Career and Achievements

In 2019, he released his first solo digital single, "FALLING DOWN", which revealed his personal musical universe.
In 2020, he published "Hai Cheng (夕阳歌)", a track entirely in Chinese that achieved immense success in China.
In 2022, he released the EP "HAZE", composed of six tracks exploring introspective and artistic themes.
In 2024, he unveiled the solo album "Hai Cheng", marking an important milestone in his solo career.
He is an ambassador for several luxury brands, including Cartier and Gentle Monster.
The8 is recognized as one of the best dancers of his generation in K-pop.

Official Social Media

Official Instagram: @xuminghao_o
Weibo: xuminghao_The8
SEVENTEEN Official Twitter/X: @pledis_17
SEVENTEEN Official YouTube: SEVENTEEN Official

The8 in SEVENTEEN

Within SEVENTEEN, The8 holds a unique and essential place. As a member of the Performance Unit (alongside Hoshi, Jun, and Dino), he brings an artistic and martial dimension to the group's performances. His mastery of Chinese martial arts (wushu) significantly enriches the choreographies, adding fluid, powerful, and graceful movements that captivate the audience. The8 stands out for his ability to fuse contemporary dance with Chinese traditions, offering a singular visual identity to SEVENTEEN.

Beyond dance, The8 also contributes to the group's vocal and rap parts, although his main role remains focused on stage performance. His stage presence, charisma, and artistic aura strengthen SEVENTEEN's overall identity, a group recognized for its cohesion and versatility. The8 also embodies the group's international openness, serving as a cultural bridge between South Korea and China, allowing SEVENTEEN to reach a broader Asian audience.