The8

Xu Minghao (; ; born 7 November 1997), known professionally as The8 (; also stylized as The 8), is a Chinese singer and dancer based in South Korea. Managed by Pledis Entertainment, he is a member of the South Korean boy band Seventeen and its performance team.

In 2018, he had his official solo debut with the release of "Night and Rain" and served as one of the two dance mentors in the Chinese survival show ''Youth With You''. In 2024, he released his first EP titled ''Stardust''.

Early life and education

The8 was born in Haicheng, Liaoning, China on 7 November 1997. He attended Beijing Contemporary Music Academy.

Career

2008–2014: Early career in China

In 2008, The8 appeared on the Chinese program ''CCTV Variety Show''. In 2010, he appeared on the Chinese program '' Day Day Up''.

2015–present: Debut with Seventeen, solo work, and ''Youth With You''

He made his first appearance on '' Seventeen TV'' in late 2014. The8 debuted as a member of the South Korean boy band Seventeen with their first extended play (EP) ''17 Carat'' on 29 May 2015. After debuting with Seventeen, The8 also landed a television role in ''Real Class - Elementary School'' in 2017. On 12 December 2017, Pledis Entertainment announced that The8 would be suspending his promotional activities due to a waist injury. He returned to promotions with the release of Seventeen's special album '' Directors Cut'' in February 2018.

In 2018, The8 participated in the Chinese reality television show ''Chao Yin Zhan Ji'' alongside bandmate Jun. In 2019, he served as one of the two dance coaches (alongside Jolin Tsai) in the Chinese survival show ''Youth With You''. The8 made his solo debut on 9 June 2019 with the single "Dreams Come True". On 4 May 2020, he announced the release of a second single, "Falling Down", released four days later.

On 8 April 2021, The8 announced the release of his third single, "Side by Side". It was released on 13 April in both Chinese and Korean. On 4 May 2021, The8 released a single called "Mom's Missed Call" along with bandmate Jun, with all proceeds donated to help children in need in China. The single was a part of the Dandelion Philanthropy Music Project for the Chinese Children’s Charity Association. In September 2021, Pledis Entertainment announced that The8, alongside bandmate Jun, would be temporarily taking a break from Seventeen activities in order to work in China for the rest of the year. The8 and Jun arrived back in South Korea late December that year.

On 18 March 2022, The8 released the single "Hai Cheng" (海城), which he dedicated to his hometown. On 4 December, 2024, The8 released his first EP titled ''Stardust''. The Chinese-language EP comprises three songs, including the lead single "Orbit" featuring JinJiBeWater. On 2 February, 2025, The8 began serving as a producer and mentor in the survival show '' Chuang Asia: Season 2''.

Discography

Extended plays

Singles

Other charted songs

Soundtrack appearances

Filmography

Television shows

Notes

References

External links

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{{Authority control

1997 births
Living people
People from Anshan
People from Haicheng, Liaoning
Chinese K-pop singers
Korean-language singers of China
Singers from Liaoning
Pledis Entertainment artists
Chinese expatriates in South Korea
Chinese Mandopop singers
21st-century Chinese male singers
Hybe Corporation artists
Seventeen (South Korean band) members