Where Are EXO’s Returning Members Now?
EXO’s military enlistment era unfolded in stages, sending members away from group activities at different times and creating long pauses between full-team releases. Now that the members who served have returned, fans are watching a new phase take shape through solo albums, acting projects, concerts, variety appearances, and renewed group conversations.
The post-enlistment period has shown how varied EXO’s careers can be. Some members have moved quickly into music promotions, while others have focused on film, television, musicals, fashion, or personal projects. Their individual schedules may differ, yet the connection to EXO remains central to the fandom.
For current updates, performance news, image galleries, and member-focused coverage, EXO fan coverage offers a useful place to follow the group’s continuing activities. Here is where the returning members stand as they rebuild momentum beyond their military service.
Xiumin keeps expanding his solo identity
Xiumin was the first EXO member to complete his mandatory military service, returning in December 2020. His discharge arrived during a difficult period for the entertainment industry, when health restrictions affected concerts, television production, and fan events. Even so, he gradually resumed public activities and reminded fans of his reliable stage presence.
His solo debut arrived with the mini album Brand New in 2022, giving listeners a clearer view of his musical color outside EXO’s group arrangements. The release combined bright energy with polished dance-pop, reflecting the upbeat image that has long defined his performances.
Xiumin has also continued to appear in variety programs, musicals, and acting-related projects. His career after enlistment feels deliberately versatile: he can carry a solo stage, participate in an ensemble, or bring a relaxed personality to entertainment content. That flexibility keeps him visible between larger EXO promotions.
D.O. balances film, television, and music
D.O. completed his service in January 2021 and returned to an already established acting career. Known for performances in films such as Along with the Gods and Swing Kids, as well as dramas including 100 Days My Prince, he has maintained a strong reputation for choosing substantial roles rather than appearing simply for visibility.
His post-service work has included new film and drama projects, with his understated acting style continuing to attract attention. D.O. often approaches characters with restraint, allowing small expressions and controlled delivery to carry emotional weight. That quality has helped him remain distinctive in a crowded acting field.
Music has remained part of his schedule as well. His solo album Expectation, released in 2023, presented a warm, acoustic-leaning side of his voice. The project suited his intimate vocal style and gave EXO-L a chance to hear a more personal sound beyond the group’s large-scale production.
Suho and Chen returned with strong creative momentum
Suho completed his military service in February 2022 and quickly re-established himself as a solo artist and actor. His second mini album, Grey Suit, arrived shortly after his discharge and explored themes of time, absence, and emotional renewal. The timing made the project especially meaningful for fans who had followed his enlistment journey.
As EXO’s leader, Suho has also remained an important public representative for the group. His solo music tends to emphasize lyrical storytelling, live vocals, and a carefully developed visual concept. Acting roles and cultural appearances have added further range to his post-service profile.
Chen was discharged in April 2022 and has continued releasing music with an emphasis on vocal expression. His solo work, including albums such as Last Scene and Polaris, highlights the emotional clarity and power that have made him one of EXO’s standout singers. He has also maintained a close relationship with fans through concerts and intimate live performances.
Both artists demonstrate two different routes back into entertainment after enlistment. Suho has built a broad, concept-driven portfolio, while Chen has centered his return around singing and emotional communication.
Chanyeol and Baekhyun made major solo moves
Chanyeol completed his service in September 2022 and returned to a career that spans rapping, songwriting, acting, and live performance. His solo debut mini album, Black Out, arrived in 2024, giving fans a long-awaited collection that reflected his interest in rock textures, hip-hop rhythms, and personal storytelling.
His musical identity has always been especially broad within EXO. Chanyeol plays instruments, contributes to songwriting, and often brings a band-oriented energy to stages. His solo activities allow those qualities to become more prominent, while appearances in films, dramas, and musical productions keep his entertainment career active.
Baekhyun finished his service in early 2023 and quickly resumed his position as one of K-pop’s most commercially powerful soloists. His mini album Hello, World continued the momentum of earlier releases, pairing smooth vocal control with modern R&B and pop production. His independent label and solo touring activities have also underscored his growing creative direction.
The two members have returned with noticeably different strengths. Chanyeol’s work leans into instrumental and performance-driven textures, while Baekhyun continues refining sleek, vocal-centered pop. Their individual progress adds depth to EXO’s overall artistic identity.
| Member | Service completed | Main post-service focus | Notable direction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiumin | December 2020 | Solo music, variety, musicals | Bright pop and versatile entertainment work |
| D.O. | January 2021 | Film, dramas, solo music | Acting-led career with intimate vocal projects |
| Suho | February 2022 | Solo albums, acting, leadership | Conceptual albums and broad public activities |
| Chen | April 2022 | Solo music and concerts | Emotional vocals and fan-centered performances |
| Chanyeol | September 2022 | Solo music, acting, live performance | Rock, hip-hop, instruments, and songwriting |
| Baekhyun | February 2023 | Solo albums and touring | R&B-influenced pop and strong vocal production |
| Kai | February 2025 | Dance, fashion, variety, solo work | Performance-focused return and global appeal |
| Sehun | 2025 | Acting, fashion, group activities | A quieter return shaped by selective projects |
Kai is reconnecting through performance
Kai’s military service began in 2023, and his return in February 2025 marked the end of the longest recent gap for one of EXO’s most performance-focused members. His enlistment interrupted plans connected to his solo career, making his discharge especially significant for fans who had been waiting for new stages.
Before entering service, Kai had established a distinctive solo identity through albums such as Kai, Peaches, and Rover. His music is closely connected to choreography, styling, visual storytelling, and an ability to turn movement into part of the song’s emotional language. These qualities are likely to remain central as he resumes entertainment activities.
Kai’s fashion work and international popularity also give his comeback a global dimension. His return is important for EXO’s performance balance, since his dance style brings a refined, highly recognizable presence to both solo stages and group choreography.
Sehun’s next chapter may unfold gradually
Sehun was the final EXO member to enter military service, and his return in 2025 completed the group’s enlistment cycle. As the youngest member, he has grown from a standout dancer and visual into an artist with experience in acting, fashion, modeling, and variety content.
His acting work in projects such as Now, We Are Breaking Up and All the Way to the Sun showed a willingness to explore roles beyond his familiar idol image. Sehun has often selected projects carefully, so his post-service schedule may develop more gradually than the constant promotional cycles associated with a major solo release.
His return also carries symbolic weight for the group. With every member who served now back in civilian life, conversations about EXO’s future can move beyond enlistment timelines. Whether the next step is a full album, a concert series, or smaller group appearances, Sehun’s presence restores another important part of the team’s dynamic.
What fans can watch for next
The return of the enlisted members does not automatically mean that every EXO activity will happen at once. Individual contracts, solo schedules, acting commitments, and health considerations all influence how group promotions are planned. Still, the end of the service period creates more room for coordinated work.
Fans can follow the next stage by focusing on several signals:
- Official announcements about group albums, concerts, or fan meetings
- New solo music, music videos, and live stages from each member
- Acting casts, soundtrack releases, and musical appearances
- Interviews that reveal creative plans or updated group discussions
- Verified social media posts and agency schedules rather than unconfirmed rumors
EXO’s returning members are now building careers with greater independence and experience than they had before enlistment. Their solo work has expanded the group’s artistic range, while their shared history continues to make every reunion especially meaningful.
Follow EXO’s upcoming releases, appearances, performances, and member updates as this next chapter develops. Supporting each artist’s individual work also keeps the wider EXO story moving forward, bringing fans closer to the group’s next reunion and the moments still ahead.