SEVENTEEN's The8 in the calm after V8: unit concerts, solo history, and what defines him off stage
The8 balances SEVENTEEN's Performance Unit with V8, his unit with Vernon. Since 2019, he's released five solo projects. Off stage: tea, books, meditation, and hand-drawn gifts for members.
From Anshan to SEVENTEEN's Performance Unit
Xu Minghao—The8, 28—grew up in Anshan City, Liaoning Province, China, training in breakdancing and martial arts before attending the Beijing Modern Music Academy. He joined a Korean entertainment company as a trainee around December 2013 and became the last member added to SEVENTEEN's pre-debut lineup. The group debuted May 26, 2015 with 17 CARAT.
SEVENTEEN has 13 members: S.Coups, Jeonghan, Joshua, Jun, Hoshi, Wonwoo, Woozi, The8, Mingyu, Dokyeom, Seungkwan, Vernon, and Dino. The8 belongs to the Performance Unit.
Five years of solo work
His discography spans 2019 to 2024. Dreams Come True arrived first in 2019, followed by 那幕 (Falling Down) in 2020. Side By Side came in 2021, 海城 (Hai cheng) in 2022, and the EP STARDUST in 2024.
V8: album, listening party, concerts
The8 and Vernon released their first mini album V8 on June 29, 2026. It contains eight tracks with "singasong" as the title. The day before, they held a pre-listening party featuring the new songs, a DJ set, and a live performance.
July brought two concerts. 2026 VERNON THE 8 LIVE - GOYANG took place in Goyang City, Gyeonggi Province. A second show followed at AsiaWorld Expo in Hong Kong.
The person offstage
The8 reads books in waiting rooms to sharpen his Korean—a habit that's become recognizable to fans. He gravitates toward tea, meditation, and art books. He also paints, gifting original drawings to members. Fashion and visual art have remained constants throughout his time in the group.
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