Baekhyun has made a triumphant return with his fourth mini album, Hello, World, and the music video for Pineapple Slice has already surpassed 5.5 million views since its release on September 6, 2024. Fans worldwide are thrilled by Baekhyun’s long-awaited solo comeback, marking another milestone in his career as one of K-pop’s leading solo artists.
The MV for "Pineapple Slice" showcases Baekhyun’s signature smooth vocals and captivating stage presence, paired with a fresh and vibrant visual concept. The release has been met with an outpouring of love from fans, who have been eagerly waiting for new music from the EXO member. Many have taken to social media to express their admiration for his vocal prowess and the album's innovative sound.
Baekhyun’s ability to blend powerful emotion with technical vocal control has once again shined through in Pineapple Slice solidifying his reputation as a multifaceted artist. With 5.5 million views already in the bag, fans are excited to see where the album will chart, especially as they rally together to support streaming efforts and spread the word.
As Baekhyun continues to dominate the K-pop scene, Hello, World is expected to climb higher in both viewership and charts, with fans anticipating more success for the beloved singer.
Baekhyun's Journey: From Rookie to Solo Icon
2012–2015: The Early Years with EXO
Baekhyun burst onto the K-pop scene as EXO’s ninth member in 2012, quickly establishing himself as a standout vocalist in the group. It wasn’t long before his versatility began to shine both on and off stage. By 2014, Baekhyun wasn’t just singing in stadiums—he was also charming viewers as a co-host on SBS’s Inkigayo, alongside fellow EXO member Suho. However, his ambitions didn’t stop there. That same year, he made his musical theater debut in Singin' in the Rain, showing fans a new dimension of his talent. His first solo song, Beautiful, released in 2015 for EXO’s web drama EXO Next Door, became a major hit, marking the first web drama OST to dominate digital charts. While his planned film debut in Dokgo was cancelled, Baekhyun’s tribute performance of Kim Hyun-sik’s “Like Rain, Like Music” at SBS’s Gayo Daejeon served as a memorable nod to the classics.
2016–2018: Branching Out and Exo-CBX
2016 was a pivotal year for Baekhyun, solidifying his position not just as an idol but a well-rounded artist. He teamed up with Miss A’s Suzy for the chart-topping duet Dream, proving his collaborative prowess, and later joined the cast of the historical K-drama Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo. His portrayal in the series earned him praise, winning him the New Star Award at the SBS Drama Awards. But Baekhyun wasn’t slowing down—he also became a founding member of EXO’s sub-unit EXO-CBX alongside Chen and Xiumin. Their EP Hey Mama! showcased a more playful, retro side of the trio. Not content with just one successful duet, Baekhyun collaborated with Sistar’s Soyou in 2017 for Rain, earning yet another "all-kill" on the charts. His ability to blend seamlessly into different projects, whether it be acting, singing, or gaming in SM Entertainment’s League of Legends tournament, made it clear Baekhyun was a force to be reckoned with.
2019–2022: Solo Stardom, SuperM, and Military Service
By 2019, Baekhyun took a monumental step in his career—his official solo debut. His EP City Lights not only set a record for the best-selling solo album in South Korean history but also showed the world what Baekhyun was capable of on his own. The EP’s lead single, UN Village, cemented his status as a solo powerhouse, winning him Best Male Artist at the Mnet Asian Music Awards. Not stopping there, Baekhyun was announced as part of the "K-pop Avengers" group, SuperM, aimed at taking K-pop to the U.S. market. With SuperM's high-energy debut, Baekhyun proved he could dominate the global stage. During this period, Baekhyun balanced his group activities with a booming solo career, releasing hits like Candy from his second EP, Delight, which broke more records and became the first solo album to surpass a million sales in nearly two decades. However, the star hit pause when he enlisted for mandatory military service in 2021, leaving fans eagerly awaiting his return.
2023–Present: New Beginnings with INB100
While fans braced for Baekhyun’s military hiatus, 2023 threw a curveball when Baekhyun, along with fellow EXO members Chen and Xiumin, entered a contract dispute with SM Entertainment. After a rollercoaster of negotiations, Baekhyun did something few K-pop idols have ever done—he established his own company, INB100. This bold move allowed him to control his solo activities while still collaborating with SM for EXO projects. By October, Baekhyun took an even bigger leap into a new frontier: virtual performance. Teaming up with Riot Games, he joined a virtual boyband called Heartsteel, embodying the character Ezreal, and released Paranoia, a track that introduced Baekhyun’s voice to the gaming world. As 2024 dawned, Baekhyun hit the ground running. Not only did he kick off his Lonsdaleite tour across Asia, but he’s also preparing for a major comeback in September. With a promising new era ahead, Baekhyun’s journey continues to captivate fans worldwide.
The Voice That Defines K-pop
Baekhyun’s soaring tenor is perhaps one of the most recognizable voices in K-pop. Described as "standout" by Billboard and "soaring" by Refinery29, his vocal range and emotional depth have made him a go-to for ballads, OSTs, and R&B-driven tracks. Whether performing on massive stages or serenading fans through intimate ballads, Baekhyun’s voice remains his most powerful instrument, consistently setting him apart in an industry overflowing with talent.
Baekhyun’s journey from a wide-eyed rookie to a solo icon is a testament to his relentless drive and evolving artistry. With new projects on the horizon and the foundation of his own label, he’s not just following trends—he’s setting them.