CHANYEOL

CHANYEOL, born Park Chan-yeol on November 27, 1992, in Seoul, South Korea, is a multi-talented rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer, actor, and model. He is best known as a member of the immensely popular South Korean-Chinese boy group EXO, as well as its sub-groups EXO-K and EXO-SC. Having debuted with EXO in 2012 under SM Entertainment, CHANYEOL has since become a prominent figure in the K-pop industry, known for his baritone voice and versatile musical talents. Beyond his group activities, CHANYEOL has pursued solo ventures, debuting as a soloist in August 2024 with his first extended play (EP) Black Out.

Growing up in Seoul, CHANYEOL attended Hyundai High School and later enrolled at Kyung Hee Cyber University, where he took online courses in Culture and Arts Department of Business Administration. Music captured his attention at an early age. After watching the film School of Rock, he was inspired to learn the drums, and during middle school, he became a fan of rock bands such as Muse, Green Day, Nirvana, and X Japan. His musical tastes eventually expanded, and he began admiring artists like Jason Mraz and Eminem. His desire to become a singer grew stronger after listening to Yoo Young-jin’s Unconditional Kismet.

In 2008, CHANYEOL’s journey toward stardom began when he placed second in the Smart Model Contest, leading him to become a trainee at SM Entertainment. While training, he shifted his focus from rock to rapping, developing his unique style. Before his official debut with EXO, he made cameo appearances in music videos for TVXQ’s HaHaHa Song and Girls’ Generation’s Genie. His official introduction as the last member of EXO occurred in February 2012, and the group debuted shortly after with their hit single Mama, which reached number one in South Korea.

CHANYEOL’s career within EXO has been highly successful, with the group becoming one of the top K-pop acts globally. He has also been involved in the songwriting and production of many of the group’s tracks, contributing rap lyrics to songs like Run from EXO’s Overdose EP and Promise from their Love Me Right album. In addition, he has collaborated with various artists within SM Entertainment and beyond, enhancing his reputation as a multifaceted artist.

In addition to music, CHANYEOL has explored acting. His big-screen debut came in 2015 with a role in the South Korean film Salut d’Amour, followed by a leading role in the web drama EXO Next Door. He later starred in the popular drama So I Married an Anti-fan and contributed to its soundtrack. CHANYEOL continued his acting career with roles in television series such as Memories of the Alhambra and the musical film The Box, where he showcased his musical talents through live performances of popular songs.

In 2024, CHANYEOL embarked on a new chapter of his career by releasing his solo EP Black Out, featuring the lead single of the same name. This marked his official debut as a soloist, following years of anticipation from fans. Alongside his solo activities, CHANYEOL also embarked on his first solo concert tour, 2024 CHANYEOL Live Tour: City-scape, further solidifying his status as a leading artist in the K-pop scene.

Beyond his professional life, CHANYEOL is known for his close relationships with his EXO bandmates and his elder sister, Park Yoo-ra, a former announcer. Despite his busy schedule, CHANYEOL has consistently balanced his work in music, acting, and education, making him a beloved and respected figure in South Korean entertainment.