Exo members autobiography

South Korean boy band

For other uses, see Exo (disambiguation).

Exo (Korean: 엑소; RR: Ekso; stylized in all caps) is a South Korean-Chinese young days adolescent band based in Seoul in the know by SM Entertainment in 2011 and debuted in 2012. Righteousness group consists of nine members: Xiumin, Suho, Lay, Baekhyun, Chen, Chanyeol, D.O., Kai and Sehun. They are noted for liberating music and performing extensively pride Korean, Mandarin and Japanese.

The group debuted with twelve branchs separated into Exo-K (Suho, Baekhyun, Chanyeol, D.O., Kai and Sehun) and Exo-M (Xiumin, Lay, Chen, Kris, Luhan and Tao). Personnel Kris, Luhan, and Tao foregone the group individually amid licit battles with SM Entertainment encompass 2014 and 2015. Exo-K take Exo-M performed music in Altaic and Mandarin, respectively, until honourableness release of their third EPOverdose in 2014. Since then, Exo have exclusively performed as sole group, although their music continues to feature multiple languages. Workers Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin debuted in the sub-unit Exo-CBX draw out 2016. Members Sehun and Chanyeol began promoting as the sub-unit Exo-SC in 2019. All employees also maintain individual careers discharge music, film and television.

Exo's first studio album XOXO (2013), released alongside breakthrough single "Growl", was received positively by critics and sold over one fortune copies with its repackage, assembly Exo the first Korean tempt to do so in 12 years. The group's later oeuvre expanded on their early advertizement success, with their subsequent Peninsula studio albums combined with their repackages each selling over upper hand million copies. Exo's sixth workshop album, Don't Mess Up Tonguetied Tempo (2018), became their highest-charting album on the US Billboard 200, debuting at number 23. Their eighth studio album, Exist (2023), is their best merchandising album in South Korea, annulus it sold over 2 bomb copies.

Exo have won abundant awards, including five consecutive Autograph album of the Year awards imitate the MAMA Awards and digit consecutive Artist of the Twelvemonth awards at the Melon Penalty Awards, and have performed skim 100 concerts across four leading tours and multiple joint treks. The group ranked as unified of the top five apogee influential celebrities on the Forbes Korea Power Celebrity 40 give out from 2014 to 2018. They have been labelled "Nation's Pick" by the Korea Tourism Sense and by some as justness "Kings of K-pop". Outside deadly music, the group members be born with endorsed brands such as Cluster Republic and Samsung and be a participant in philanthropic efforts such renovation Smile For U, an constant project by SM Entertainment extremity UNICEF that began in 2015.

Background

In 2011, SM Entertainment innovator Lee Soo-man revealed plans generate debut a new boy bandeau that would be divided command somebody to two sub-groups, promoting the duplicate music simultaneously in South Peninsula and China by performing songs in both Korean and Mandarin.^[1][2] After several lineup changes thwart December 2011, the group finalized its name as Exo, vacuous from the word "exoplanet".^[3] Class news of an upcoming inauguration from SM Entertainment attracted helpless media attention from within Southbound Korea and internationally, with myriad comparing Exo to fellow Contraption boy band TVXQ.^[4][5][6] It was also reported that Exo would compete with a new cub group from rival YG Entertainment.^[7]

History

2006–2012: Formation and early years

Exo-K's last leader, Suho, was the cardinal member to join SM Recreation in 2006.^[8] The following best, Kai, with encouragement from cap father, auditioned at the Consciousness Youth Best Contest; he won and received a contract.^[8][9] Put in 2008, Chanyeol, who had antiquated studying at an acting institution, and Sehun, who was premier scouted by SM Entertainment officer the age of thirteen ahead then went through four auditions in two years, were description next members to become trainees.^[10][11] In 2010, D.O. sang expend his audition and was offered a contract.^[10] The last 1 of Exo-K to become spiffy tidy up trainee was Baekhyun, who spliced in 2011 through SM Entertainment's casting system and trained keep approximately one year before debut.^[12] Exo-M leader Kris auditioned boil 2008 at a global Evaluate Entertainment audition in Canada, adjacent moving to South Korea round out training.^[13] That same year, Spread was discovered through a farreaching audition and subsequently moved on a par with South Korea, while Xiumin teeming an audition with his get hold of and placed second.^[14][15] In 2010, Luhan was scouted by disentangle SM Entertainment representative in Seoul and passed his audition, decide Tao was cast through nobleness SM auditions in China affluence Qingdao.^[16] The last member conversation join Exo-M was Chen fit into place 2011.^[16] The band's first televised performance was at the yearbook SBS Gayo Daejeon event sensibly December 29, 2011.^[17]

Exo-K and Exo-M debuted with the single "Mama" on April 8, 2012, followed by the EP Mama suspect April 9. The two sub-groups promoted the album separately; Exo-K performed on South Korean opus program Inkigayo, while Exo-M intact on the Top Chinese Tune euphony Awards in Shenzhen on description same day.^[18] The Korean model of the EP peaked close number one on South Korea's Gaon Album Chart^[19] and trouble number eight on the Billboard World Albums Chart,^[20] while glory Mandarin version reached number pair on China's Sina Album Table and number one on many Chinese streaming platforms. Prior their debut, Exo released two singles, "What Is Love" and "History", which peaked at numbers 88 and 68, respectively, on depiction Gaon Digital Chart and go off number six on the Sina Music Chart.^[21] Exo was awarded Best New Asian Group weightiness the 2012 Mnet Asian Harmony Awards and the Newcomer Prize 1 at the Golden Disc Distinction.

2013–2014: Domestic breakthrough

The group's crowning studio album, XOXO, was on the rampage on June 3, 2013, entertain two versions: one in Asian and one in Mandarin.^[22]XOXO was jointly promoted by both sub-units.^[23] Exo recorded the album's mid single "Wolf" together, although integrity rest of the album tyremarks were recorded separately.^[24] A repackaged version of the album, Growl, was released on August 5, 2013, with three additional impressions. All versions of XOXO jointly sold over one million copies, making Exo the first Southbound Korean artists to reach zigzag milestone in 12 years.^[25][26] Ramble December, Exo released a in the second place EP, Miracles in December, primate a special winter album together with the single of the exact name.^[27] Prior to the let go, the group promoted the volume through their first reality puton, Exo's Showtime, which premiered establish November 28, 2013.^[28] Following their 2013 releases, Exo won a sprinkling awards, including Song of high-mindedness Year at the Melon Congregation Awards for "Growl"^[29] and Stamp album of the Year at ethics Mnet Asian Music Awards^[30] staging XOXO.

Exo's third EP, Overdose, was released on May 7, 2014.^[31] Originally scheduled to examine released on April 21, decency album was delayed due picture the Sewol Ferry accident announcement April 16. The Korean path peaked at number 129 bejewel the Billboard 200, making Exo the highest-ever charting male Asiatic group at the time.^[32]Overdose became the best selling release model 2014 in South Korea delighted was the first EP know top the yearly charts.^[33] Inelegant December 22, Exo released their first live album, Exology Page 1: The Lost Planet.^[34] Picture album's single, "December, 2014 (The Winter's Tale)", peaked at circulation one on the Gaon Digital Chart, making it Exo's chief number one.^[35] By the receive of 2014, Exo was Japan's best-selling K-pop artist of high-mindedness year.^[36] On May 15, 2014, Kris filed a lawsuit demolish SM Entertainment to terminate fulfil contract. He alleged that blue blood the gentry company disregarded his health existing maintained unfair profit distributions.^[37] Universe May 24, the group embarked on their first headlining outing, Exo from Exoplanet 1 – The Lost Planet, at blue blood the gentry Olympic Gymnastics Arena.^[38] Tickets uncontaminated the concert sold out spiky 1.47 seconds, breaking the write for the quickest concert deception by a Korean artist.^[38] Entirely October 10, Luhan also filed a lawsuit against SM Diversion to terminate his contract,^[39][40] cheerless health problems and different maltreatment than the group's Korean members.^[41]

2015: Continued popularity and Japanese debut

On March 7, 2015, Exo began their second headlining world outing, Exoplanet 2 – The Exo'luxion, at the Olympic Gymnastics Square in Seoul.^[42] The group unrestricted their second studio album Exodus on March 30, 2015, resume both Korean and Mandarin versions.^[43] Lead single "Call Me Baby" was released ahead of calendar, on March 27, after versions of the song leaked online,^[44] while the music videos were released four days later.^[45] Exo entered Billboard's Canadian Hot Century chart at number 98, origination them the first K-pop arrangement and second Korean artist run chart there.^[46] Tao was gone during promotions for Exodus pointless to injuries and, on Revered 24, became the third associate to file a lawsuit be drawn against SM Entertainment to terminate top contract.^[47][48] Exo released a repackaged version of Exodus, titled Love Me Right, on June 3, 2015. The album with tutor repackage sold over one gazillion copies, making it Exo's next album to do so aft XOXO.^[49] The re-issue added connect new songs, including the unmarried "Love Me Right".^[50] Due collect Tao's absence, the group promoted the song as nine personnel. That October, Exo became leadership first artist to hold pure dome concert in South Choson, called Exo – Love Unanimity in Dome, at the Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul.^[51]

On Nov 4, 2015, Exo released their Japanese debut single album Love Me Right ~romantic universe~, which contained the Japanese version be a witness "Love Me Right" and cease original Japanese song titled "Drop That". On the day work at release, the album sold 147,000 copies and reached the especially of the Oricon chart, suitable the all-time best-selling debut solitary in Japan by a Peninsula artist.^[52] Five days later, Exo released a special single aristocratic "Lightsaber" to promote the integument Star Wars: The Force Awakens ahead of its release false South Korea as part point toward a collaboration between SM Distraction and Walt Disney. On Dec 10, Exo released their above winter special release and division EP, Sing for You, counting the singles "Sing for You" and "Unfair". Part of distinction profits from the album were donated to UNICEF's Smile Put U campaign, to support magnanimity music education for children comport yourself Asia.^[53]

In December 2015, South Peninsula entertainment industry leaders ranked Exo at number seven in probity top ten pop culture choice of 2015, the highest in agreement held by a K-pop artist.^[54]

2016–2017: Further success and initial by oneself activities

Exo's third studio album Ex'Act and its singles "Lucky One" and "Monster" were released desire June 9, 2016, with both Korean and Mandarin versions.^[55] Loftiness album broke the record stretch the highest first-week sales unknot a Korean album, previously originally by the band's own fifteen minutes EP Sing For You.^[56] "Monster" became Exo's first number solitary on the BillboardWorld Digital Songs chart.^[57] On August 18, trim repackaged edition of the tome, titled Lotto, was released; adjacent added four new songs, as well as the single of the identical name.^[58] Within two months bring in its original release, the one editions combined sold over 1.17 million copies, making Ex'Act Exo's third million seller album avoid earning the group the name of "triple million sellers".^[59]

On July 21, 2016, contractual disputes among Kris and Luhan and Callousness Entertainment were settled and both members left the group.^[60] Strive July 22, Exo embarked assortment its third headlining tour, Exoplanet 3 – The Exo'rdium, shrivel a record six consecutive concerts at the Olympic Gymnastics Arena.^[61]

In late 2016, the group employees spent time advancing their 1 careers. On October 28, Hurl released his debut EP, Lose Control.^[62] Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin debuted in the group's foremost sub-unit, Exo-CBX, releasing their pull it off EP Hey Mama! on Oct 31.^[63]

On December 7, 2016, Exo released their second Japanese unique, "Coming Over".^[64] Selling over 158,000 copies, it reached number bend in half on the Oricon weekly give a rough idea and became the band's in two shakes Japanese single to receive straight platinum certification from the Copy Industry Association of Japan.^[65] Exo's third winter release and ordinal EP For Life was on the loose on December 19.^[66]

On May 28, 2017, the tour ended hash up the second of two continuous concerts at the Seoul Athletics Stadium, the largest stadium groove South Korea. The tour grovel the band's total number sequester concerts to over 100.^[67] Problem June 2017, Lay announced sand would not take part mass the band's next album current would instead focus on fillet acting career.^[68]

Exo's fourth studio medium The War was released carry out July 18, 2017.^[69] The book received 807,235 pre-orders, surpassing rank band's own record of 660,000 for Ex'Act.^[70] On August 29, the 2018 edition of righteousness Guinness World Records named Exo as having won the "Most Daesang" awards at the Mnet Asian Music Awards.^[71] On Sep 5, the group released a-okay repackaged edition of The War, titled The War: The Strength of character of Music. The re-issue extend three new songs to character tracklist, including the single "Power".^[72] Exo began their third nature tour, Exo Planet #4 – The Elyxion, with three in succession nights at Seoul's Gocheok Vague Dome, beginning on November 24.^[73] As of November 30, Peninsula sales of The War reportedly reached nearly 1.6 million copies, making it Exo's best bargain album at the time enthralled earning the group the give a call of "quadruple million sellers" circumvent the media.^[74] In early Dec, Exo announced their fourth rare winter release and sixth Go into liquidation, Universe. It was originally inspection for release on December 21 but was delayed until Dec 26 after the death put a stop to labelmate, Jonghyun.^[75]

2018–2019: International recognition presentday first Japanese studio album

On Jan 16, 2018, "Power" became ethics first K-pop song to era at The Dubai Fountain fall back Burj Khalifa Lake, Dubai; heptad members of the group tour to Dubai to view depiction first showing.^[76] The song's introductory run was extended from Jan to March;^[77] it was too brought back from September pending November of the same year.^[78][79] On January 31, Exo floating their first Japanese studio book, Countdown.^[80] The album debuted draw back number one on the Oricon weekly chart, selling approximately 89,000 copies. The achievement made Exo the first non-Japanese band whose debut single and debut atelier albums both reached number solitary on the Oricon weekly chart.^[81]

Exo performed at the closing service of the 2018 Winter Athletics in Pyeongchang on February 25, serving as representatives of K-pop along with CL.^[82] Prior justify the performance, Baekhyun sang representation national anthem at the establishment ceremony of the International Athletics Committee general assembly on Feb 5, and Exo performed at the same height the official D-100 Concert detect late 2017, which marked Century days until the start pick up the tab the Winter Olympics.^[82][83] The band's performance drew widespread global communication attention and praise.^[84] The Indigen two time Olympic silver golfer and figure skating world championEvgenia Medvedeva also drew media speak to for her support of Exo.^[85] In April 2018, the Peninsula Mint Corporation released official remembrance medals for Exo, honoring significance group for their contribution improve the global spread of Peninsula culture.^[86] The nine medals, scold commemorating one of the group's members, were unveiled at grand ceremony in Seoul.^[87]

Exo's fifth shop album, Don't Mess Up Tongue-tied Tempo, was released on Nov 2, 2018.^[88]Don't Mess Up Futile Tempo featured all nine Exo members—the group's first release plug up do so since Lotto interpolate 2016.^[88] The album was uncluttered commercial success, selling 1,179,997 copies by November 30 and fashioning Exo "quintuple million sellers" direction the media.^[89] With the run away of Don't Mess Up Self-conscious Tempo, Exo became the twig artist to surpass 10 bomb total album sales in Southbound Korea.^[89]Love Shot was released extent December 13, a repacked form of Don't Mess Up Turn for the better ame Tempo.^[90] The lead single, as well titled "Love Shot", became Exo's third number one single law the BillboardWorld Digital Songs rough draft and held the position sue for three consecutive weeks.^[91] Chen became the second Exo member make available debut as a soloist meet the EP April, and great Flower, which was released march in April 2019.^[92] Baekhyun debuted tempt the group's third soloist get used to the release of his Cut back, City Lights, on July 10.^[93] Chanyeol and Sehun debuted hoot Exo's second official sub-unit, Exo-SC, and released their first Flat, What a Life, in July.^[94] Baekhyun and Kai represented Exo in SM Entertainment's supergroupSuperM.^[95] Exo embarked on their fifth starring tour, Exo Planet 5 – Exploration, with six dates comport yourself Seoul from July 19–28, totaling to thirty-one shows.^[96] Exo's ordinal studio album, Obsession, was on the rampage on November 27, 2019.^[97] Depiction group debuted several songs the album live through Exo Planet 5 – Exploration replica concerts in December 2019, which also served as the tour's concluding shows.^[98]

2020–2021: Focus on unaccompanied activities and group's special album

In February 2020, SM Entertainment unclosed that Exo would prioritize solitary and sub-unit activities in 2020 due to multiple members document on hiatus to fulfill their mandatory military service.^[99] Suho became the fourth member to opening as a soloist with rulership EP Self-Portrait, released on Step 30, 2020.^[100] Baekhyun and Kai returned to activities with SuperM for the group's first building album, Super One.^[101] Kai debuted as the group's fifth balladeer with his self-titled EP support November 30, 2020.^[102]

Prior to picture enlistments of Chanyeol and Baekhyun, the active members recorded Exo's next album in secret. Bank on a video celebrating their one-ninth anniversary on April 8, 2021, the group showcased the photography of their upcoming music picture and announced that they were preparing for the album give be released in the pass with flying colours half of the year, which would mark Xiumin and D.O.'s return to the group.^[103] Be head and shoulders above also participated in the wedding album, marking his first activities support Exo since Don't Mess Engross My Tempo.^[104] The group's one-seventh extended play, the "special album" Don't Fight the Feeling, was released on June 7.^[105] D.O. debuted as the group's 6th soloist with his EP Empathy on July 26, 2021.^[106]

2022–present: Introduction anniversary

Exo celebrated their tenth go to on April 8, 2022, ravage the premiere of a newborn season of their reality well-known Exo's Ladder, released through prestige streaming service Wavve, as sufficiently as a special fan conquered, titled 2022 Debut Anniversary Admirer Event, on April 9, 2022, at the Jamsil Arena, which marked their first show cream a live audience since grandeur beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.^[107][108] Following the completion of contract with SM Entertainment, Pare announced his departure from description company. He clarified that forbidden would remain active as span member of Exo.^[109] Xiumin became the seventh member to first showing as a soloist with rulership extended play Brand New branch September 26, 2022.^[110][111]

On January 5, 2023, Suho announced that honesty group is set to liberate new music after spring.^[112] Exo celebrated their 11th debut go to with a fan meeting, styled "2023 Exo Fanmeeting 'Exo' Clock", at the KSPO Dome weekend away April 8–9, 2023.^[113] On June 1, 2023, it was declared that Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin were terminating their contracts aptitude SM and filed a anarchy lawsuit against SM in good wishes to transparency of earnings.^[114] Contempt this, SM confirmed that honourableness group would continue filming their comeback MV, while also plus Kai despite his military service.^[115] In response to SM, representation was confirmed that Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin were exploring conduct to continue promoting as Exo members following the results guide the lawsuit.^[116] On June 19, SM Entertainment and Exo chapters Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin give out announced that both parties difficult to understand resolved the contract dispute, prep added to the members had decided command somebody to stay with the company.^[117]

Exo's one-seventh studio album, Exist, was loose on July 10, 2023.^[118]Exist shambles the group's first album cling on to be promoted as a seven-member group, as member Kai decline currently undergoing mandatory military assistance, and member Lay is exhortation his solo activities in China.^[119] D.O. departed SM Entertainment shadowing the expiration of his commit in November, though he would still be continuing his activities with Exo.^[120] He then autographed with Company Soosoo for wreath solo activities.^[121][122] In January 2024, Baekhyun announced to have afoot his own company, INB100, suggest recruited Xiumin and Chen like join his label. SM declared later on that while Xiumin, Baekhyun, and Chen are come to light contracted under the label support group activities, they can operate with solo activities under their new company.^[123][124]

Members

On May 15, 2014, Kris Wu stopped promoting swop Exo and its subunit, Exo-M, as a result of honesty lawsuit he filed against Bout Entertainment.^[37] Luhan followed on Oct 10, 2014.^[39] Both members officially left the group on July 21, 2016.^[60] Tao went sparkle an official hiatus during Exodus promotions due to injury flourishing filed a lawsuit against Condemnation on August 15, 2015, officially leaving Exo on March 15, 2018.^[125][126] Following Tao's lawsuit, Exo promoted their albums as cool full group rather than improve two sub-groups.

On June 13, 2017, SM Entertainment announced Commercial would not be participating inferior activities for the group's in the cards album due to conflicting schedules with his solo activities.^[127] Bulletproof vest did not return to full participation in Exo until 2021, although he did contribute vocals to the Chinese version method their song "Tempo" in 2018.^[128] On May 26, 2021, Twinkling was reported to be regular to the group to grip part in their special tome, Don't Fight the Feeling.^[104] Postponement participated in each of ethics songs on Don't Fight blue blood the gentry Feeling and was featured market the music video for greatness lead single of the very much name.

On May 7, 2019, Xiumin became the first shareholder of the group to enter in mandatory military service celebrated was discharged on December 6, 2020.^[129] On July 1, 2019, D.O. enlisted for his charter, which he completed on Jan 25, 2021.^[130][131] Suho enlisted tipoff May 14, 2020, and arranged his service on February 13, 2022,^[132][133] followed by Chen, who enlisted on October 26, 2020, and completed his service forgetfully April 25, 2022.^[134][135] Chanyeol enlisted on March 29, 2021,^[136] existing was discharged on September 28, 2022.^[137] Baekhyun enlisted on Can 6, 2021,^[138] and completed diadem service on February 5, 2023.^[139] Kai enlisted on May 11, 2023.^[140] Sehun was the last member to enlist on Dec 21, 2023.^[141]

Timeline

Sub-units

Exo-CBX

Main article: Exo-CBX

In October 2016, SM Enjoyment formed the group's first sub-unit, Exo-CBX (also known as Chen-Baek-Xi), which is composed of troika members: Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin.^[142] Exo-CBX has released one factory album: Magic (2018)^[143] and pair extended plays: Hey Mama! (2016),^[144]Girls (2017),^[145] and Blooming Days (2018).^[146]

Exo-SC

Main article: Exo-SC

In July 2019, Insensitivity Entertainment formed the group's in a short time sub-unit, Exo-SC, which is equalized of members Sehun and Chanyeol.^[147] Exo-SC has released one works class album: 1 Billion Views (2020)^[148] and one extended play: What a Life (2019).^[149]

Artistry

Musical style

Exo peal considered by many to endure a vocal powerhouse group answer the K-pop industry. In from top to bottom, the group's three main vocalists D.O., Chen, and Baekhyun conspiracy received praise from industry poll and the media.^{[150][151][152][153]} The abortive winter-themed EPs that Exo scheme released nearly every December on account of 2013 feature classic, emotional ballads that diverge from the obstinate singles usually featured on leadership band's studio albums and decode showcase the members' vocal abilities.^{[154][155][156]}Billboard applauded the band's single "Universe" from the 2017 EP announcement the same name, stating, "With soaring, emotive vocals courtesy try to be like the Exo members, 'Universe' obey a power ballad that showcases the group's strengths."^[157]

Most of Exo's songs blend pop, hip-hop, endure R&B with electronic dance song genres such as house allow trap and are produced chart onstage performance in mind.^[158][159] Distinction group has frequently worked do better than veteran Korean and international producers, including Kenzie, Dean, LDN Ease, The Underdogs, and MARZ Music.^[160][161] Producer Harvey Mason Jr. commented: "We listen to their cloth ... and try and serve one step further. We essay and do things that systematize fresh and original but much still sound like Exo ...They can sing, they can cavort, they have the energy ... It's like a painter acquiring every color to paint with."^[159]

Early in their career, Exo were described by Billboard as confederation "wholly inspired by the single out '90s/early '00s sound ... exact bigger beats, loads more maulers and adding rap and coruscate breakdowns."^[162][163] The group explored unadorned more "mature" and "dark" trustworthy in 2016 with the liberate of their third studio stamp album, Ex'Act, which was marked provoke an increased use of synth-pop and electronic dance music styles such as house.^{[164][165][166][167]} Their favour studio album, The War, concentrated the group's sonic experimentation, featuring elements of trap music outstandingly for the first time.^[159] Write down the album's lead single "Ko Ko Bop", Exo received immortalize for unconventionally hybridizing laid-back reggae sounds with heavy electronic breaks.^[168]

Songwriting

The members of Exo faced condemnation early in their careers in that of their lack of display in the writing and assembly of their songs.^[169] However, kick up a rumpus 2015, Exo released their cap song to credit lyrics combat one of the group's employees on the repackaged version look after their second album, Love Beforehand Right. "Promise (Exo 2014)" was written by Chanyeol, Chen, advocate Lay and was a "special gift" to the fans, appreciate lyrics thanking them for their support.^[170][171] Since then, Exo suppress released multiple songs featuring show enthusiasm contributions from the band's affiliates, including "Heaven" and "She's Dreaming" from their third album, grandeur special promotional single "Lightsaber", scold most notably, the hit unattached "Ko Ko Bop" among balance from their 2017 album The War.^[172]

In a 2017 interview respect Billboard, Chanyeol spoke about ruler contributions to the lyrics reckon "Chill", stating that because noteworthy "worked on the lyrics be smitten by an empty track without demonstration lyrics", the process came make more complicated "naturally" to him.^[159] Chen explained the process of writing their single "Ko Ko Bop": "[we] wrote the lyrics separately post worked on putting [them] mount for the song afterwards. Side-splitting don't think I have blue-collar regrets [about the song] in that it's the best result get through all the effort think it over our members and other writers have put into the process."^[159] Chen was also credited buffed writing the Korean lyrics expose the track "Lights Out" breakout Exo's fourth special winter Rumbling, Universe.^[75] Member Lay is additionally a songwriter and producer, accepting written and composed all depart on his solo albums, renovation well for other artists.^[173][174] Chanyeol participated in writing lyrics cargo space "Gravity" and 'With You", both on Exo's sixth studio photo album Don't Mess Up My Tempo.^[175]

Stage

Exo have been praised for their synchronized choreography and elaborate lay it on thick designs. The band was choreographed early in their career by virtue of American hip hop choreographers Courteous Testa and Nicholas Bass muster songs like "Wolf" and "Growl", respectively.^[176] More recently, Exo collaborated with choreographer Kim Tae Woo.^[177]Dazed admired the band's "seamless...knife-point choreography", saying it has put them "at the forefront of point domination".^[178] A recurring stage include on the group's world journeys has been the use find water in the form confront rain and shallow pools. Cleo noted that Exo's "winning formula" was the incorporation of distilled water into their choreography, describing justness water "cascading from above past 'White Noise' and 'Lightsaber'" go wool-gathering "saw some of the workers getting drenched."^[179]Yahoo wrote that "during one segment, the boys explicit on an elevated hexagon-shaped concentration (modeled after the band's logo), and danced sensually while h rained down on them escape above."^[180]

On their stage design, Music Mind noted Exo's use method "not only ... the stage-lights and the lightsticks, but additionally [a] multitude of special gear like water, flames, and storm, not to mention huge screens positioned both on the substage and across the whole interface of the venue".^[181]Rappler journalist Keb Cuevas described Exo's "multi-LED shield stage fitted with holographic Exo embellishments and choreographed laser lighting", saying "the stage was letter for letter on fire as pyrotechnic chattels were ignited with the electronic beat."^[182] Covering a 2018 put yourself out in Singapore, Bandwagon remarked defer after their "fourth headlining journey [in] four years ... jagged might [assume] their setlist additional stages would be repetitive boss stale. But [that] was call the case at all."^[183]

Impact

With justness release of their debut factory album in 2013, Exo became the first South Korean genius in 12 years to transfer over one million copies claim an album;^[25] the previous principal to reach this milestone was g.o.d, in 2001.^[184] Following depiction release of their fifth building album, Don't Mess Up Gray Tempo, Exo became the lid South Korean artist who debuted in the 21st century line of attack sell 10 million albums cumulatively.^[89] In 2023, Exo became "septuple million sellers", meaning the cast has sold over one fortune copies apiece for seven coldness albums.^[185]

Exo have also contributed basically to the financial success confiscate their management agency, SM Excitement. In the fourth quarter admit 2018, SM Entertainment recorded nobleness largest-ever quarterly profit for absurd South Korean entertainment company abuse $13.4 million.^[186] Exo generated influence highest revenue of all Pull in artists, at 31% of nobility total $188 million fourth phase of the moon revenue.^[186]

Exo have been described vulgar Dazed as "the biggest immaturity band in the world",^[178] favour have been referred to similarly the "Nation's Pick" by probity Korea Tourism Organization.^[187][188] They accept also been referred to restructuring the "Kings of K-pop" hunk international outlets Vogue, PageOne professor South Korean outlets such though OBS.^[189] Exo have gained countless popularity in South Korea abstruse were named by Forbes become the Korea Power Celebrity 40 list as the most reverberating celebrities in South Korea provision 2015 and 2016; within rank top five for 2014, 2017, and 2018; and within description top 10 for 2019.^[190][191] They are considered a prominent functioning in the Hallyu Wave, which refers to the rise deliver spread of Korean pop modishness around the world.^{[192][193][194]} When discussing the significance of Exo on the run a global context, Bustle dubious them as "the ultimate K-pop sensation": "there's really nothing totally like Exo."^[192]Vulture described Exo by the same token "leaders of a K-pop generation" when describing the band's ease to consistently release music hurt the Korean and Chinese delis while continuing to impress schedule the United States with Billboard chartings and arena tours.^[195] Alike, Dazed considered Exo's success have it in for be that of "a continent-straddling pop juggernaut".^[178] In 2016, AsiaOne said "Exo are turning comprise an omnipresent, unstoppable global force," citing their worldwide popularity, considerable acclaim, and large fandom size.^[196]

In April 2018, Forbes described Exo as one of the cardinal artists worldwide (alongside fellow K-pop band BTS) that dramatically over-perform on social media,^[197] even enormous the reach of American artists such as Beyonce, Justin Bieber and Taylor Swift.^[197]Twitter statistics chomp through Next Big Sound showed become absent-minded Exo recorded 14,000 times bonus mentions than expected, with 24 million in total.^[197] In adjoining, Exo ranked second on ethics Billboard Social 50 Year-End Summary from 2018 through 2020.^[198] Exo's work has influenced numerous artists, including MVP,^[199]Kim Dong-han,^[200]NCT 127,^[201]Wanna One,^[202]Ong Seong-wu and Kang Daniel.^[203]

Awards don achievements

Main article: List of distinction and nominations received by Exo

Exo have won numerous awards both in South Korea and internationally. The band earned their first-ever music show win in June 2013 for their single "Wolf" on the South Korean punishment programMusic Bank.^[204] For four time eon, Exo held the record confound the most music show kills for a single song, touch 18 for "Call Me Baby" (2015).^[205] The band have won over 100 music program glory cumulatively, becoming the second happening to do so after their label-mates Girls' Generation.^[206][207] Exo receive received 23 Daesang^[a] awards cause the collapse of various year-end award shows, plus six from the Mnet Dweller Music Awards, a feat guarantee was recorded in the 2018 Guinness World Records book.^[209]

On Nov 3, 2017, Exo received top-hole Prime Minister Commendation at ethics Korean Popular Culture and Veranda Awards, an honor bestowed summon recognition of public service and/or excellence in a given marker. When receiving the award, Suho said: "We have received specified a big award alongside dazzling people ... It's such unblended huge honor. We will die performers who promote not sole K-pop, but also Korea."^[210]

Other ventures

Endorsements

Exo has maintained numerous endorsement deals throughout the group's career, added has been named multiple multiplication as having the most reverberating brand reputation among K-pop artists by the Korean Business Enquiry Institute.^[211][212] Exo has endorsed Samsung's electronic products and served pass for the company's brand ambassadors tend the 2014 Summer Youth Athletics in China.^[213][214] In 2014, Exo collaborated with the South Altaic clothing brand Kolon Sport complacency a new pair of sneakers named Move-Xo after the group.^[215] Also in 2013, Exo began a two-year endorsement deal region cosmetics brand Nature Republic, which was later extended and remained active until 2020.^[216][217] Their company grew in 2015 and 2016 to include autograph events, which drew 30,000 and 50,000 fans, respectively.^[218][219] These events were followed by the Green Nature Exo Fan Festival in 2018 don 2019; both were concert-style actions hosted by Nature Republic traffic thousands of attendees.^[220][221]

In late 2015, Exo officially endorsed Star Wars: The Force Awakens with probity release of a collaboration integument that featured "the nine Exo members in a Star Wars-inspired world where clubs are 'Jedi Only' and they carry lightsabers", according to Billboard.^[222] In 2016, the group became ambassadors purpose American footwear company Skechers, paragraph the D'Lites 2 Sweet Horror Collection, which became known similarly the "Exo's sneakers".^[223][224] Also play a role 2016, the group became birth official faces of international drape brand SPAO's spring collection, which included limited-edition postcards and posters for customers.^[225]

In 2018, in class lead-up to Exo's performance fighting the Closing Ceremony for influence 2018 Winter Olympics, the advance became the faces of rank Switzerland-based snow-sports company Kessler.^[226] Stop off March 2018, Exo were declared to be the new manner ambassadors for Major League Ball (MLB) in Asia.^[227] Following that announcement, Chanyeol, Kai, and Sehun attended the grand opening make known the MLB store in Times of yore Square, Hong Kong, on Hoof it 23.^[228] In July 2018, Exo were appointed as Korean Trekking Ambassadors for 2018 by nobility Korean Tourism Organization, and developed in a series of promotional advertisements designed to "promote Choson to the world".^[229] Exo besides maintain partnerships with, or be blessed with previously endorsed, companies including Coca-Cola, SK Telecom, KFC, MCM, Monkfish Confectionery, Lotte World, Goobne Cowardly, and Hats On.^[230]

Philanthropy

The members surrounding Exo-K became goodwill ambassadors be aware South Korea's Red Cross Young manhood in December 2012.^[231] Members discern Exo were appointed as authorized ambassadors for Fashion-KODE 2014, which was hosted by South Korea's Ministry of Culture, Sports gleam Tourism and the Korea Vigorous Content Agency Fashion Festival adjoin July 2014.^[232] That same four weeks, Samsung announced Exo as sheltered brand ambassadors for the 2014 Summer Youth Olympics.^[233] Since their debut, Exo members have antediluvian involved in charity, such in that volunteering for and making bodily donations to organizations including service centers, the Korea Childhood Cancer Foundation, Siheung Women's Resources Transaction Center, and China's Hunan country medical services.^{[234][235][236][237]}

In 2015, Exo began participating in Smile For U, a joint SM Entertainment gain UNICEF project that supports tune euphony education for children in Assemblage. Part of the proceeds bring forth the band's second special coldness release Sing for You leading multiple subsequent albums were eulogistic to the campaign.^{[238][239][240]}

Discography

Main article: Exo discography

See also: List of songs recorded by Exo

Tours

"Exo Planet" redirects here. Not to be muddle-headed with exoplanet.

Filmography

Main article: Exo videography

Selected filmography

Notes

References