Xu Minghao

Xu Minghao, known professionally as The8, is a Chinese singer, dancer, and visual artist. He is widely recognized as a member of the K-pop group SEVENTEEN, celebrated for his precise and acrobatic dance style. The8 has achieved significant global success as part of SEVENTEEN, with the group selling millions of albums and breaking numerous records. He is also noted for his distinctive fashion sense and introspective artistry, which extends to his visual art and painting. In addition to his group activities, he has pursued a solo career, releasing music such as his 2024 EP Stardust. Fans often connect with his unique artistic expression and his role as a style icon within the K-pop scene.[edit]

Xu Minghao was born on November 7, 1997, in Anshan, Liaoning, China, where he grew up as an only child. At the age of five, his parents enrolled him in kung fu and wushu classes. This early martial arts training not only instilled discipline but also developed his exceptional flexibility and control, which would later shape his acrobatic performance style. A burgeoning passion for performing took root as he watched various Chinese reality and variety shows, even leading to his own appearances on some of these programs as a child.

As he matured, Minghao transitioned his focus from martial arts to street dance and b-boying. He dedicated himself to these new disciplines, competing in numerous dance competitions across China. His background in martial arts seamlessly integrated into his dance, contributing to his unique, precise, and dynamic movements. To further refine his talents, he pursued formal education at the Beijing Contemporary Music Academy. His compelling performances in dance competitions began to draw significant attention, eventually leading to him being scouted by Pledis Entertainment and moving to South Korea. He embarked on a rigorous training period for approximately one year and five months before debuting with the K-pop group SEVENTEEN. [edit]

Xu Minghao debuted as The8 in SEVENTEEN on May 26, 2015, with the EP 17 Carat, which became the longest-charting K-pop album of the year on Billboard's World Albums chart. As a lead dancer in the Performance Team, he incorporated wushu-inspired acrobatics into choreography, earning recognition for his dynamic stage presence. Over the years, SEVENTEEN grew into a top-selling group with albums like FML (2023) selling millions of copies. In 2020, a South China Morning Post profile highlighted his evolution from martial arts student to fashion icon and TV personality. His biggest individual milestone came in 2024 with the release of his first solo EP Stardust, showcasing his R&B and pop sensibilities. He continues to tour and release music with SEVENTEEN while building his solo identity. [edit]

Xu Minghao is widely regarded as a refined, artistic, and introspective figure within K-pop, often called a 'visual' and 'fashion icon.' His public persona is calm and aesthetic-driven, with a philosophical tone in his work and social media presence. Media and fans perceive him as a style icon known for his precise, martial-arts-infused dance and avant-garde fashion choices. His personal supporters often refer to themselves as 'The8's CARATs' or 'Minghao stans,' and fan-culture rituals include celebrating his birthday (November 7) with art-themed events. On social media, his voice is minimalist, artistic, and occasionally humorous in Korean and Chinese captions, sharing artwork, choreography, and personal updates.[edit]

The8's audience is a unique blend of global K-pop devotees and a dedicated contingent of Chinese-speaking fans who deeply resonate with his martial arts background and introspective artistic expression. While operating under the collective umbrella of SEVENTEEN's official fanbase, CARAT, his individual following often identifies through informal sub-communities that celebrate his specific journey from a Beijing wushu champion to a global fashion icon. These fans are known for organizing substantial birthday campaigns in his hometown of Anshan and maintaining active translation teams that bridge language gaps across Southeast Asia and beyond. His solo releases like "Side By Side" serve as direct gifts to this community, fostering a culture where his visual art and philosophical social media posts are dissected with the same intensity as his choreography. This connection is further strengthened by his rare, candid life updates that reach far beyond Korea, creating a sense of intimate accessibility uncommon for idols of his stature. Xu Minghao's standing in the global entertainment landscape has solidified into measurable authority across multiple sectors. He is currently ranked as the 37th most famous person in C-Pop / Mandopop, a position he holds steady within the iFANN Global Fame Rankings. This placement reflects his enduring impact on the Mandarin-speaking music scene alongside his rising profile in the broader Asian pop sphere.[edit]

His stage name The8 symbolizes good luck and infinity in Chinese culture, as the number 8 is considered auspicious. He is an avid painter and often shares his artwork with fans. He has an INFJ (2019) and INTJ (2022) MBTI personality type, as self-reported in variety content. He speaks Mandarin Chinese and Korean, and has some English ability. He is known for his love of fashion and has been featured in multiple editorial spreads. A foundational story in his personal mythology is his transition from a martial arts prodigy to a K-pop star; he quit wushu training to pursue dance, a choice that defines his acrobatic stage presence today. Fans often reference his Instagram handle 'V8' as a subtle nod to his lucky number and cultural roots. Another iconic moment was his 2021 solo debut single 'Side By Side', which marked a formal coming-of-age for his individual identity within the group. In March 2022, he contracted COVID-19 alongside several other members, a health event that drew close attention from supporters during a challenging period for the industry.[edit]

Xu Minghao is the only child of his parents, who supported his early martial arts training. Details about his parents' names and occupations are not publicly disclosed, as is common for K-pop idols to protect their families' privacy. [edit]

He is best known as a member of SEVENTEEN, alongside fellow members S.Coups, Jeonghan, Joshua, Jun, Hoshi, Wonwoo, Woozi, DK, Mingyu, Seungkwan, Vernon, and Dino. He is particularly close with fellow Chinese member Jun, and the two often promote together in Chinese markets. [edit]

Xu Minghao has not publicly confirmed any romantic relationships. As a K-pop idol under Pledis Entertainment, his dating life is kept private, and no credible reports of past or current partners exist. As of 2026, he is reported to be single. [edit]

Heading into 2026, Xu Minghao's net worth is estimated at $8 million per iFANN's editorial analysis. His primary income comes from his activities with SEVENTEEN, including album sales, concert tours, and merchandise. The group has sold millions of albums worldwide and completed multiple world tours, generating substantial revenue. He also earns from his solo EP Stardust, songwriting royalties, and individual brand endorsements. While specific contract details are undisclosed, K-pop group members typically share revenue from group activities. His growing presence in fashion and art collaborations may also contribute to his wealth. Compared to earlier years, his net worth has increased steadily with SEVENTEEN's rising global popularity and his solo ventures.[edit]