Kim Min-gyu

Kim Min-gyu (; born April 6, 1997), known mononymously as Mingyu , is a South Korean rapper and singer. Managed by Pledis Entertainment, he is a member of the South Korean boy band Seventeen and its hip hop team, and in 2025, debuted in a sub-unit with S.Coups as CxM.

Early life Mingyu was born on April 6, 1997, in Anyang, Gyeonggi, South Korea. He attended Seoul Broadcasting High School, graduating in 2016. Career 2011–2014: Pre-debut Mingyu joined Pledis Entertainment in October 2011 after being street-cast while attending middle school. As a trainee, he participated from the first season onwards of Seventeen TV, an online reality show that introduced Pledis' trainees and showed potential members of the boy group Seventeen before their official debut. The show was broadcast periodically on Ustream, where the trainees showed themselves training, singing, creating choreographies and playing games. The online show also included participation in concerts, titled Like Seventeen. Before officially debuting, Mingyu was featured in music videos of other Pledis artists at the time, include Nu'est and Hello Venus.

2015–present: Seventeen, solo and sub-unit activities

In 2015, Mingyu debuted as a member of the South Korean boy group Seventeen with the extended play 17 Carat on May 26. Since debuting in Seventeen, he has participated in the songwriting of over 45 songs.

In February 2018, Mingyu was announced as the new MC for SBS' weekly music program Inkigayo alongside Jung Chae-yeon of DIA and actor Song Kang. He held the role until late 2019.

In 2021, Mingyu and Seventeen bandmate Wonwoo released a digital single titled "Bittersweet", featuring Lee Hi.

In 2025, Mingyu debuted as a member of Seventeen's fourth sub-unit. He, alongside S.Coups under the name CxM, released a six-track EP titled Hype Vibes on September 29.

Other ventures Fashion In 2022, Mingyu attended an event with French jeweler Cartier in Seoul. He was later featured on the cover of Dazed Korea December issue wearing the brand. In February 2023, Mingyu attended Italian fashion house Marni's Fall/Winter 2023 runway show in Tokyo. In February 2024, Mingyu attended French fashion house Dior's show at Paris Fashion week, where he was profiled by Vogue.

Mingyu for Bulgari in 2024.In March 2024, Mingyu was selected as the new local ambassador for Italian luxury brand Bvlgari. In June 2024, he attended the opening of American fashion brand Calvin Klein's new global flagship store in Paris. On August 16, 2024, Mingyu became a model for Calvin Klein's Fall 2024 campaign, with photos shot by fashion photographer Park Jong Ha. In August 2024, French luxury fashion house Dior revealed Mingyu to be its latest brand ambassador.

Ambassadorships In 2022, Mingyu was appointed as the ambassador of French cosmetic house Lancome. In 2023, he was announced as the new global model for South Korean skincare brand Innisfree. In May 2024, Mingyu was announced as the new brand ambassador for French luxury skincare brand L'Occitane in Asia. In the same month, South Korean haircare brand Unove announced Mingyu as its global brand model. In October that year, Indonesian bank Allo Bank announced Mingyu and bandmate Wonwoo as their new ambassadors. In January 2025, Mingyu was appointed as the new brand ambassador for American chocolate bar brand Snickers in Asia.

Discography

Singles Title Year Peak chart positions Album KORDL "Bittersweet" 2021 43

Other charted songs

Title Year Peak chart positions AlbumKOR "Shake It Off" 2025 88 Happy Burstday Soundtrack appearances Title Year Peak chart positions Album JPNHot "Warrior" (逆燃) 2021 — Falling Into Your Smile OST (你微笑时很美) "Betting" 2023 31 OST "—" denotes releases that did not chart or were not released in that region.

Composition credits All credits are adapted from the Korea Music Copyright Association.

Television shows Year Title Role Notes 2016 2016 Dream Concert Host with Jeonghan and Jun M Countdown Host with Jeonghan 2017 KBS Song Festival Host with Jin, Sana, Chanyeol, Irene, Solar, Yerin, and Kang Daniel 2018–2019 Inkigayo Host with Jung Chae-yeon and Song Kang