K-pop has emerged as a global phenomenon and transformed a lot over the years. K-pop idols are now a very important part of the global music industry. Another K-pop group that has positively impacted the K-pop music industry is “E.X.I.D.” Exid is a K-pop girl group consisting of 5 members, which debuted on 16th February 2012 under the agency ‘A.B. Entertainment”.
In 2016, Exid signed with a Chinese agency, ‘Banana Culture,’ to increase its popularity outside South Korea too. But on 25th March 2020, all members of Exid left Banana Culture and announced their indefinite hiatus. After two years of break, on 29th September 2022, Exid returned and released their three-track album “X.”
E.X.I.D.: Debut
On 16th February 2012, Exid debuted with its 6 members- Yuji, Hani, Haeryeong, Elly, Dami, and Jeonghwa under “A.B. Entertainment.” Exid debuted with its single ‘Whoz That Girl’ from the album ‘Holla.’ Just 2 months after their debut, the agency informed us that Yuji, Dami, and Haeryeong were officially leaving the group. In their places, two more members were added to the group: ‘Solji and Hyelin.’
With the new members, Exid released its second single, ‘I feel good,’ in August 2012. The group also won the rookie award at ‘the 20th Korea Culture & Entertainment Awards’.
MEMBERS:
Initially, Exid had six members at the time of its debut, including- Yuji, Hani, Haeryeong, Elly, Dami, and Jeonghwa. But after two months, three of the members left the group. In their places, two new members were recruited.
Currently, Exid has 5 members: Seolji, Elly, Hani, Hyelin and Jeonghwa. All five members are extremely talented and very popular in the K-pop industry.
S.O.L.J.I.
Solji’s real name is ‘Heo Sol Ji.’ She was born in Gwanak-gu, Seoul, South Korea, on 10th January 1989. She is the leader and main vocalist of the group.
She is a former member of group ‘2NB’ and was Exid’s vocal trainer before becoming its member. She won “King of Mask Singer” in 2015. She was on hiatus from 2016 to 2018 due to hyperthyroidism.
E.L.L.Y.
Elly’s real name is ‘Ahn Hyo Jin.’ She was born in Cheonan, Chungcheong, South Korea, on 10th December 1991. She is the main rapper and lead dancer of the group.
She was the temporary leader of the group during Solji’s hiatus. She was a former ‘Cube Entertainment’ trainee. She has composed more than 60 songs.
H.A.N.I.
Hani’s real name is ‘Ahn Hee Yeon.’ She was born in Seoul, South Korea, on 1st May 1992. She is the lead vocalist, lead dancer, visual, and face of the group.
Hani is a former J.Y.P. trainee. She was a part of many Korean Television shows. She studied in China and can speak fluent Chinese and English.
H.Y.E.L.I.N.
Hyelin’s real name is ‘Seo Hye Lin’. She was born in Gwangju, South Korea, on 23rd August 1993. She is the lead vocalist of the group.
Hyelin is a former trainee of Cube Entertainment. She is very interested in acting and wants to pursue an acting career someday.
JEONGHWA
Jeonghwa’s real name is ‘Park Jung Hwa.’ She was born in Anyang, Gyeonggi, South Korea, on 8th May 1995. She is the main dancer, lead rapper, sub-vocalist, visual, and maknae of the group.
Jeonghwa is also a former J.Y.P. trainee. She is very interested in acting and also acted in “Wives on Strike” as a child actress.
SONGS AND ALBUMS
Exid debuted in February 2012 with their first single, “Whoz, That Girl,” from the digital album “Holla.” After it, they released their second single, “I Feel Good,” from the album “Hippity Hop” in August. Then, in October, they released the digital single “Every Night” and “Hey Boy.” In 2014, Exid released- “Up & Down,” which gained much popularity. Then, in 2015, they relead another song called “Ah Yeah.”
In June 2016, Exid released their first studio album, “Street,” title track- “L.I.E.” They also released their first Chinese single in 2016, “Cream.” In 2017, Exid released only two albums- “Eclipse” and “Full Moon.”
In 2018, Exid made its Japanese debut and released a total of two albums in the year- “Lady” and “I Love You.” In 2019, they released their two Japanese albums “Trouble” and “B.L.E.S.S.E.D.” and released their fifth E.P. “We” with a single release in December: “Bad Girl for You.” After that, they went on a two-year-long hiatus and released their 3 track album “X” in 2022 as their comeback.
Also read: AR3NA (Thai-Korean group): Debut, Members, Songs, Albums
