FIRST READ · MON 7 AM ETTHE WEEKEND LEXICON · SAT 9 AM ETThe8
- Stage name
- The8
- Birth name
- Xu Minghao
- Born
- Nov. 7, 1997
- Position
- Lead Dancer, Sub Vocalist, Sub Rapper
- Agency
- PLEDIS
- Fandom
- CARAT
- Debut
- 2015
- Generation
- 3rd gen
The8 is a Chinese dancer, singer and songwriter in the K-pop group Seventeen under Pledis Entertainment. He debuted with the group on May 26, 2015, and is known mainly for his dance skills, with a background in breaking and martial arts. He has released solo music in China, including the EP "Stardust" with the lead track "Orbit," and has built a profile in fashion and variety television. In 2026 he teamed up with bandmate Vernon as the duo V8, whose self-titled album arrived at the end of June while the wider group moved into a military-service hiatus.
Birth details: kpopping.com
In their own words
“We just do everything our way,”
“We got involved in every part because we're trying to do what we want, how we want.”
- European EDM Billboard says he favors heady European EDM and also works as a DJ, which shaped the sound of V8. billboard.com
Timeline
- 2012Breaking crew captain
- 2013Joined Pledis Entertainment
Page 5 lists his time with the company as starting in 2013, after he was scouted while at school in Beijing.
- 2015Debut with Seventeen
- 2019Solo debut
Released the digital single "Dreams Come True" on June 9, 2019.
- 2020Profiled as K-pop's leading Chinese star
The South China Morning Post described him as a songwriter, fashion icon and TV personality.
- 2026Unit V8 with Vernon
- 2026AD China cover
Became the youngest-ever cover star of Architectural Digest China in May 2026.
Latest
- Seventeen enters hiatus era
After the 10th Carat Land fan meeting on June 20 and 21, Seventeen's group activities slow as members enlist in the military, with a return expected within about three years.
straitstimes.com - V8 album and concert with Vernon
The self-titled V8 album, led by the single "singasong," was released June 29, with a concert planned for July. Both members were involved in every part of production.
billboard.com - V8 release date announced
Maeil Business Newspaper reported that Seventeen's The8 and Vernon formed the unit V8, with the album due June 29.
mk.co.kr - Cover star for Architectural Digest China
Became the youngest-ever cover star for AD China, in a shoot at Villa Arconati in Milan.
kpopping.com - New Seventeen unit with Vernon reported
Yonhap reported the pair preparing a unit album for June, Seventeen's sixth unit project. Vernon contributed lyrics and composition to "Orbit," the lead track of The8's EP "Stardust."
en.yna.co.kr
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- scmp.com: The8 of Seventeen: how Chinese K-pop star went from ...
- en.yna.co.kr: Seventeen's Vernon, The8 to launch new unit this summer
- billboard.com: SEVENTEEN’s VERNON & THE 8 Break Down Each Track From ‘V8’
- respawn.outlookindia.com: SEVENTEEN Expands Subunits With Vernon and The8 | Outlook Respawn
- kpopping.com: The8 (SEVENTEEN) profile, age, MBTI & facts
- mk.co.kr: Seventeen's The8 and Vernon Form New Unit V8... Album to be Released on June 29
- straitstimes.com: K-pop boy band Seventeen on hiatus, promise to return within 3 years
Fan sites
- Kpopping profile for The8Fan-run reference page with profile details, photos and discography.
Last researched Nov. 11, 2026