Byun Baekhyun, mononymously called Baekhyun, has become one of the most successful K-pop idols, both as an EXO member and a solo artist. Since his debut back in 2012, he has been showcasing his unrivaled talent and skills, never failing to impress the fans all over the world.

(Photo : EXO Official Facebook Page)

Today, May 6, EXO Baekhyun celebrates his 29th birthday, which is also the day when he begins his mandatory military service. Fans of the idol trended several keywords on Twitter in commemoration of his birthday, as well as his military enlistment. These include "#HappyBaekhyunDay," "#30SexyBaekhyunDay," "We will wait for you," and "SERVE WELL."

To further celebrate EXO Baekhyun's birthday, let's take a look at what his life was before becoming the superstar that he is now.

EXO Baekhyun Spent Nine Years as a Hapkido Athlete

Baekhyun is one of the many K-pop stars whose childhood includes learning a particular sport.

Starting when he was in nine years old, he spent nearly nine years on honing his skills in hapkido - a Korean martial art in a form of self-defense that involves kicks, grappling, joint locks, punches, throwing tactics, and other attacks.

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In a national championship competition, EXO's main vocalist managed to receive a third dan black belt and a gold medal. Not to mention, he has won several gold medals at various hapkido competitions. Baekhyun even became a martial arts master and taught younger trainees!

EXO Baekhyun Became a Vocalist of a High School Band

After spending his junior year learning hapkido, he went on to showcase more of his talent and skills in high school. He, in fact, was chosen as the vocalist of a rock band named Coma.

Here was what Baekhyun sang during his audition for the band!

They then attended multiple music festivals, and later winning at a local rock music festival. At the time, he had already rejected offers from several talent agencies.

In addition to his vocal skills, EXO Baekhyun was also recognized for his good looks and charming personality during his high school days. No wonder he has easily captured hearts of people across the globe throughout the years.

EXO Baekhyun Got Scouted before His Entrance Exam for a University

Many fans are already aware of how Byun Baekhyun ended up being an artist under SM Entertainment. But for starters, the now successful K-pop powerhouse was scouted by the company in front of admission hall of the Seoul Institute of the Arts when Baekhyun was about to take his entrance exam.

And his journey to becoming a world-renowned star began right there.

(Photo : EXO Official Facebook Page)

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Being a quick learner, Baekhyun only spent four months of training before he was added to the group of boys who will soon debut, and then seven more months to train with them. This means it only took him eleven months to prepare for his debut.

EXO Baekhyun Had Stage Fright

Following his debut under SM Entertainment, EXO Baekhyun had difficulties at first. Considering his short time of training, he confessed on an episode of tvN's "You Quiz on the Block" that he felt he was not completely prepared, which resulted in having the fear of performing.

(Photo : EXO Official Facebook Page)

Baekhyun also revealed at that time that he once lost confidence in singing. But instead of giving up, he trained harder and practiced until late at night. He also shared that his bandmates gave a helping hand, which he finds as a blessing.

We wish EXO Baekhyun a happy birthday. Serve well and come back in good health!

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Do you know any other happenings in EXO Baekhyun's life before he became the successful K-pop idol everyone knows about? Tell us in the comments!

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Written by Mhaliya Scott