If you’ve spent any time on TikTok or Weverse lately, you’ve probably seen the chaos. Fans arguing over dates. Confusing math. It’s a whole thing. People are constantly asking how old is Huening Kai, and honestly, the answer depends entirely on when you're asking and which "age system" you’re accidentally using.
Right now, as of early 2026, Huening Kai is 23 years old.
He hasn't hit his birthday yet this year. He was born on August 14, 2002. So, until August rolls around, he stays at 23. It sounds simple, but in the world of K-pop, simple usually goes out the window the second "Korean age" enters the conversation. Even though South Korea officially moved to the international age system for legal documents back in 2023, the cultural habit of being "one year older" still lingers in fan theories and older variety show clips.
Why Everyone Is Still Confused About Huening Kai’s Age
K-pop moves fast. One minute he's the "diamond maknae" debuting at 16, and the next, he's a 23-year-old man headlining world tours.
Most of the confusion stems from his debut. When TOMORROW X TOGETHER (TXT) first stepped onto the scene in 2019, Kai was just 16. Because he grew up in the spotlight, many fans still have that "baby" image of him stuck in their heads.
But let's look at the timeline.
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- Birth Date: August 14, 2002.
- Debut Year (2019): 16 turning 17.
- Current Year (2026): 23 turning 24.
He is currently the youngest member of TXT, often referred to as the "Maknae." However, his bandmate Taehyun was also born in 2002 (February 5th), making them the "02-z" duo. Because Taehyun’s birthday is earlier in the year, there are several months where Taehyun is technically 24 while Kai is still 23. This tiny gap fuels endless "hyung" jokes within the fandom.
The Global Background Factor
Kai Kamal Huening isn't your average K-pop idol. He was born in Honolulu, Hawaii. His father, Nabil David Huening, is of German descent but was born in Brazil, while his mother is Korean. This multicultural background means Kai lived in various places, including China, before moving to South Korea to train under Big Hit Music.
Why does this matter for his age?
Because he grew up in international schools and global environments, he’s always been more aligned with the international age system. While some idols struggled with the 2023 law change in Korea, for Kai, it was basically just business as usual. He’s always been 23 in his head (and on his passport).
What Is Huening Kai Doing at 23?
Being 23 in 2026 looks a lot different for Kai than it does for most people. He isn't worrying about entry-level job applications. He’s currently in the middle of the ACT: TOMORROW World Tour.
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Just recently, in January 2026, TXT performed massive shows at the Singapore Indoor Stadium. If you caught the fan cams, you saw him performing his solo track "Dance With You." He isn't the shy kid from the "Crown" era anymore. There’s a level of maturity in his vocals and his stage presence that only comes with being in the industry for seven years.
He also finally caved and opened a personal Instagram account (@kaikamal_) in late December 2025. It took him longer than the other members, but he’s already using it to share photos of his cat, Aqua, and snippets of his song covers. It’s a very "23-year-old" move—curating a vibe that is half professional idol and half chaotic Gen Z.
The Siblings Connection
You can't talk about Kai without mentioning the "Huening Siblings."
- Lea Navvab Huening: His older sister (born 2000), a former member of VIVA.
- Huening Bahiyyih: His younger sister (born 2004), currently a star in the group Kep1er.
The age gap between them is tight. This "Idol DNA" family is legendary in K-pop. Because Bahiyyih is 21 and Lea is 26, Kai sits right in the middle as the bridge of the family. They are frequently spotted supporting each other's comebacks, which helps fans keep track of their ages relative to one another.
Breaking Down the TXT Age Hierarchy in 2026
To understand where Kai fits, you have to see the whole group. As of January 2026, here is how the ages break down:
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Yeonjun is the oldest at 26. He turns 27 this September. He’s the "fake maknae" but the definitive elder.
Soobin, the leader, is 25. He’ll be 26 in December.
Beomgyu is 24, turning 25 in March.
Taehyun is 23, but he’s about to turn 24 in a few weeks (February 5th).
Huening Kai is 23 and won't be 24 until August 14th.
This means for a brief window every year, Kai is the only member who is "younger" than the rest by a full year digit, even if he and Taehyun share a birth year. It’s a quirk of the calendar that MOA (the fans) love to point out.
Is He "Old" for a Maknae?
In the current K-pop landscape, "fifth-generation" groups are debuting idols as young as 14 and 15. By comparison, a 23-year-old maknae like Kai seems like a seasoned veteran. He is.
But 23 is also a sweet spot. He’s old enough to have total creative control—he’s been producing and songwriting for years now (look at "Dear Sputnik" or "Lonely Boy"). Yet, he’s still young enough to have the stamina for the grueling world tours TXT is known for.
Honestly, the "how old is he" question is less about a number and more about his evolution. He’s transitioned from the "cute kid with the plushies" to a producer and performer who commands the stage.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're trying to stay updated on Huening Kai's milestones as he nears his 24th birthday:
- Follow the Official Handle: His Instagram (@kaikamal_) is the most direct way to see his current "vibe" and life updates.
- Check the Weverse Calendar: Big Hit usually announces birthday merch and special live streams about two weeks before August 14th.
- Watch the Solos: To see how much he's grown, compare his 2019 debut stages with his 2026 solo performances of "Dance With You." The vocal depth change is significant.
- Ignore Unofficial Age Calculators: Many websites still use the defunct Korean age system. Stick to his birth year (2002) and do the math based on the current date.
As of right now, Huening Kai is 23. He's at the top of his game, and whether he’s 23, 24, or 30, his influence on the fourth (and fifth) generation of K-pop is already set in stone.