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We are one! Hello, we are EXO! |
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—EXO |
EXO (Korean: 엑소, Japanese: エクソ) is a nine-member boy group under SM Entertainment. They debuted on April 8, 2012 with their first mini album Mama.
The group originally consisted of twelve members; Xiumin, Luhan, Kris, Suho, Lay, Baekhyun, Chen, Chanyeol, D.O., Tao, Kai and Sehun, who were divided into two sub-units, EXO-K and EXO-M, one promoting in Korean and the other in Mandarin. However, since 2015, the group has promoted new music solely under its main name.
The group's name is taken from the term "exoplanet", which refers to a planet found outside of the Solar System.[1]
History[]
Pre-debut[]
In early 2011, SM Entertainment's founder Lee Soo-man announced the company's plan to debut a new boy group, of which would be divided into two units that would promote simultaneously in South Korea and China by performing in both Korean and Mandarin. At the time, the two units were simply known as "M1" and "M2".[1]
On December 22, 2011, the boy group's debuting name was revealed to be EXO, taken from the term "exoplanet".
EXO held their first-ever televised performance on December 29, 2011, at SBS' annual Gayo Daejeon.[2]
2012: "What Is Love", "History", and debut with Mama[]
Prior to their official debut, EXO released two prologue singles, "What Is Love" and "History", on January 30, 2012, and March 9, 2012, respectively.
EXO's debut single, "Mama", was released digitally on April 8, followed by the mini album of the same name the next day. The two subunits promoted the album separately: EXO-K (made up of Suho, Baekhyun, Chanyeol, D.O, Kai and Sehun) performed on SBS' Inkigayo in South Korea, whilst EXO-M (made up of Xiumin, Luhan, Kris, Lay, Chen and Tao) performed on Top Chinese Music Awards in Shenzhen, China.
2013: Major breakthrough with XOXO and Miracles in December[]
The group's first full-length album, XOXO, was released on June 3, 2013, in both Korean and Chinese versions -- of which were promoted by their respective sub-units. The album's title track, "Wolf" featured vocals from all 12 members, whilst the rest of the album's tracks were recorded separately.
A repackaged version of XOXO, featuring the title track "Growl", was released on August 5. All three versions of XOXO cumulatively sold over 1 million copies, making EXO the first artist to achieve this in over 12 years.[3]
EXO released their first special album, Miracles in December, on December 9, 2013.
2014: Overdose, first concert tour, Kris and Luhan lawsuits[]
On May 7, 2014, EXO released their second mini album, Overdose, with its title track of the same name. Originally slated to be released on April 21, the album was pushed back in light of the Sewol Ferry tragedy that occurred on April 16.[4] Once again, the album was promoted separately by EXO-K and EXO-M, although an alternative version of the title track features vocals from all 12 members. The Korean and Chinese versions later ranked first and second on the Gaon Yearly Chart for 2014, with 385,047 and 272,718 copies sold, respectively.[5]
Tickets for EXO's first concert tour, titled EXO from Exoplanet #1 – The Lost Planet, went on sale on April 16 and sold out in 1.47 seconds, breaking the record for the fastest sell-out by a Korean artist.[6] The tour began on May 23 at the KSPO Dome in Seoul and concluded on December 24 at Osaka-jō Hall in Osaka Japan, attracting over 320,000 fans.[7]
A week after the release of Overdose, on May 15, member Kris filed a lawsuit against SM Entertainment for the termination of his contract, citing unfair profit distributions and disregarding artists' health.[8] On May 21, SM Entertainment announced that Kris would not participate in the group's then-upcoming first concert tour and all of his member-specific merchandise was to be cancelled.[9]
On October 10, Luhan became the second member of EXO to file a lawsuit against SM Entertainment, citing health problems and the company's differential treatment between the group's Korean and Chinese members.[10] Thus, his participation in the group's concert tour was discontinued.[11]
EXO released their first live album, Exology Chapter 1: The Lost Planet, on December 22, 2014. By year's end, the group had become the best-selling Korean act in Japan for the year.[12]
2015 (1): World tour, Exodus, Love Me Right, and Tao's lawsuit[]
The group's second concert tour, EXO Planet #2 – The Exo'luxion, began on March 7, 2015, at KSPO Dome in Seoul, South Korea. The tour would see stops throughout North America and Asia before concluding in Seoul on March 20, 2016.[13]
On March 30, the group released their second full-length album, Exodus, in both Korean and Mandarin versions. The album's title track, "Call Me Baby", was pre-released three days earlier. A repackaged version of the album, Love Me Right, was released on June 3. Sales from both versions of the album totaled over 1 million copies.[14]
Member Tao became the third member of EXO to file a lawsuit against SM Entertainment on August 24, 2015. Previously, he was absent from the group's promotions for the Love Me Right album due to injuries.[15]
2015 (2): Japanese debut, "Lightsaber", and Sing For You[]
EXO made their debut in Japan on November 4 with their first single "Love Me Right ~Romantic Universe~". The single sold over 147,000 copies, breaking the record for the best-selling debut by a Korean artist.[16] Five days later, the group released a special single titled "Lightsaber", of which was released in collaboration with Walt Disney to promote the movie Star Wars: The Force Awakens ahead of its release in South Korea.
On December 10, 2015, EXO released their second special winter album Sing For You. A portion of the profits from the album were donated to UNICEF's Smile For U campaign, which supports the music education of children in Korea.
2016: Ex'act, Lotto, second world tour, EXO-CBX, and For Life[]
The group released their third full-length album Ex'act, along with its double title tracks "Lucky One" and "Monster", on June 9, 2016. The album broke the group's own record for the highest first-week sales of a Korean artist.[17] A repackage version of the album, titled Lotto, was released on August 18. Sales from both versions of the album totaled to over 1.17 million copies. Thus, EXO earned the title as "triple million sellers".[18]
On June 15, the group announced their third concert tour, EXO Planet #3 – The Exo'rdium. The first six dates of the tour were held at KSPO Dome in Seoul, marking the longest solo concert series in Seoul by a K-pop artist;[19] The tour eventually concluded on May 28, 2017 following two consecutive shows at Seoul Olympic Stadium.
On July 21, the contractual disputes between SM Entertainment and Kris and Luhan were settled and both members officially left the group.[20]
On October 24, SM Entertainment announced that three members of EXO - Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin - would form a sub-unit called EXO-CBX.[21] The unit's first mini album, Hey Mama!, was released on October 31.
EXO's second Japanese single, "Coming Over", was released on December 7. Nearly two weeks later, they released their third special winter album For Life.
2017: The War, third world tour, and Universe[]
On June 23, 2017, SM Entertainment announced that EXO would be making a comeback on July 18 with their fourth full-length album The War and its title track "Ko Ko Bop". However, member Lay would be unable to participate in the album's production and promotion due to scheduling conflicts.[22] The album recorded over 800,000 pre-orders.[23]
A repackage album, titled The War: The Power of Music, was released on September 5. Combined sales for both versions of the album reached 1.6 million copies, becoming EXO's fourth album to surpass 1 million copies sold and earning them the title of "quadruple million sellers".[24]
EXO began their fourth tour, EXO Planet #4 – The EℓyXiOn, on November 24 at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul. The tour eventually concluded on August 11, 2018, at Cotai Arena in Macau.
The group's fourth special winter album, Universe, was released on December 26, 2017. Originally meant to be released on December 21, it was delayed due to the passing of labelmate Jonghyun.[25]
2018: Countdown, Winter Olympics, Don't Mess Up My Tempo, and Love Shot[]
On January 16, 2018, the group's song "Power" became the first K-pop song to play at The Dubai Fountain at Burj Khalifa Lake, Dubai. Seven members of the group travelled to Dubai for the show's first viewing. The show ran January through March and then again from September through November that year.[26]
On January 31, EXO released their first Japanese full-length album Countdown. The album debuted atop the Oricon Weekly Chart with approximately 89,000 copies sold. The achievement made EXO the first non-Japanese group to have their debut single and album debut atop the chart.[27]
EXO performed at the closing ceremony of the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang on February 25. The group was selected to perform at the ceremony as representatives of the K-pop genre, alongside CL.[28] In April, the Korean Mint Corporation released official commemorative medals for EXO, honoring the group's contribution to the global spread of Korean culture. Nine medals were created for each of the nine members.[29]
The group's fifth full-length album, Don't Mess Up My Tempo, was released on November 2. The album marked the group's first release with all nine members since 2016. Within a month of its release, Don't Mess Up My Tempo sold 1,179,997 copies, making EXO "quintuple million sellers". Moreover, EXO became the first artist in South Korea since 2000 to surpass 10 million total album sales.[30] A repackage version of the album, Love Shot, was released on December 13.
2019: Military enlistments, fifth concert tour, EXO-SC, and Obsession[]
Member Xiumin enlisted for his mandatory military service on May 7, 2019, followed by D.O. on July 1.[31][32]
On May 30, the group announced their fifth concert tour EXO Planet #5 – The EXplØration.[33] Beginning at the KSPO Dome in South Korea, the tour visited fans across Asia before eventually concluding on December 31.
On June 28, it was announced that two members - Chanyeol and Sehun - would debut as the groups's second sub-unit EXO-SC.[34] The unit's debut mini album, What a Life, was released on July 22.
With seven members, EXO released their sixth full-length album, Obsession, on November 27, 2019.
2020–2021: Military hiatus and Don't Fight the Feeling[]
On February 20, 2020, SM Entertainment announced that EXO would be taking a break from group activities in order for its members to fulfill their mandatory military duties. Thus, the remaining members would prioritize sub-unit and solo promotions.[35]
Member Suho enlisted on May 14 as a public service officer.[36] On December 6, Xiumin was discharged from military service, followed by D.O on January 25, 2021.[37][38]
On April 8, 2021, SM Entertainment announced that EXO would be releasing a special mini album in celebration of their ninth debut anniversary.[39] On May 26, an image teaser announced the participation of member Lay, whom had been absent from the group's promotions since 2018.[40] The special album, titled Don't Fight the Feeling, was released on June 7 and sold over 1 million copies in eight days.[41]
Members Chanyeol and Baekhyun enlisted for their military service on March 29 and May 6, respectively.[42][43]
2022: 10th anniversary and continued military hiatus[]
On April 7, 2022, Lay announced he would be leaving SM Entertainment after deciding not to renew his contract. However, he would remain a member of EXO.[44] Two days later, the group held their EXO 2022 Debut Anniversary Fan Event at Jamsil Arena in commemoration of their 10th anniversary since debut.
Suho was discharged from military service on February 14, followed by Chanyeol on September 28.[45][46]
In December 2022, six of the group's members - Xiumin, Suho, Chen, Chanyeol, Kai and Sehun - participated in SM Entertainment's special winter project 2022 Winter SMTOWN : SMCU Palace.
2023: Military service, lawsuits against SM Entertainment, "Let Me In", "Hear Me Out", Exist[]
Baekhyun was discharged from military service on February 5, 2023.[47] Weeks later, on February 28, EXO announced a fanmeeting, titled 2023 EXO Fanmeeting "EXO' Clock", in celebration of their 11th debut anniversary.[48] The fanmeeting was held on April 8 and 9 at KSPO Dome in Seoul.
On May 11, Kai enlisted in the military as a public service worker.[49]
On June 1, it was announced that members Xiumin, Baekhyun, and Chen notified SM Entertainment of the termination of their exclusive contracts.[50] Eight days later, on June 9, SM confirmed reports that EXO would be releasing their seventh full-length album.[51][52] The album, titled Exist, was released on July 10. A pre-release track, titled "Let Me In", was released on June 12, followed by "Hear Me Out" on June 30.
On June 19, SM Entertainment stated that they partially revised the contract of Baekhyun, Xiumin, and Chen, who will remain in the company and continue to be active in EXO activities.[53]
On October 17, SBS Entertainment News reported that Sehun and Chanyeol have signed exclusive contracts with a new agency for their individual activities while remaining part of EXO. SM Entertainment denied the rumors but stated that they have allowed them to establish their own companies within the terms of their already existing contracts with SM.[54]
On October 18, it was confimed that D.O. would be leaving SM Entertainment as his contract with them is set to expire in early November, however, he will keep being part of EXO.[55]
2024: EXO-CBX agency changes[]
On January 7, 2024, SM Entertainment announced that members Xiumin, Baekhyun, and Chen will carry out their solo activites and EXO-CBX activities under Baekhyun's newly-established label I&B 100. SM added that all three members will remain members of EXO.[56]
Members[]
Name | Nationality | Superpower[57] | Number[58] | Position(s) | Years active | ||
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English | Korean | Japanese | |||||
Xiumin | 시우민 | シウミン | Korean | Frost | 99 | Lead Dancer, Vocalist, Rapper | 2012–present |
Suho | 수호 | スホ | Korean | Water | 1 | Leader, EXO-K Leader, Lead Vocalist, Visual | 2012–present |
Baekhyun | 백현 | ベクヒョン | Korean | Light | 4 | Main Vocalist | 2012–present |
Chen | 첸 | チェン | Korean | Lightning | 21 | Main Vocalist | 2012–present |
Chanyeol | 찬열 | チャンヨル | Korean | Fire | 61 | Main Rapper, Vocalist, Visual | 2012–present |
D.O. | 디오 | ディオ | Korean | Earth | 12 | Main Vocalist | 2012–present |
Inactive | |||||||
Lay | 레이 | レイ | Chinese | Healing | 10 | Main Dancer, Vocalist, Rapper | 2012–present[n 1] |
Kai | 카이 | カイ | Korean | Teleportation | 88 | Main Dancer, Vocalist, Rapper, Center, Visual | 2012–present[n 2] |
Sehun | 세훈 | セフン | Korean | Wind | 94 | Lead Dancer, Lead Rapper, Visual, Maknae | 2012–present[n 3] |
Former | |||||||
Luhan | 루한 | ルハン | Chinese | Telekinesis | 77 | Lead Vocalist, Lead Dancer, Visual | 2012–2014[n 4] |
Kris | 크리스 | クリス | Chinese | Flight | 0 | EXO-M Leader, Main Rapper, Vocalist | 2012–2014[n 5] |
Tao | 타오 | タオ | Chinese | Time Control | 68 | Lead Rapper, Lead Dancer, Vocalist | 2012–2015[n 6] |
Sub-units[]
Table[]
Name | EXO-K | EXO-M | EXO-CBX | EXO-SC |
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Xiumin | Former | Yes | ||
Luhan | Former | |||
Kris | Former | |||
Suho | Former | |||
Lay | Former | |||
Baekhyun | Former | Yes | ||
Chen | Former | Yes | ||
Chanyeol | Former | Yes | ||
D.O. | Former | |||
Tao | Former | |||
Kai | Former | |||
Sehun | Former | Yes |
Discography[]
Korean[]
Studio albums[]
Live albums[] |
Mini albums[]Special albums[]
Digital singles[]
Promotional singles[]
Collaborations[]
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Japanese[]
Studio albums[]
- Countdown (2018)
Singles[]
- "Love Me Right ~Romantic Universe~" (2015)
- "Coming Over" (2016)
- "Bird" (2019)
Digital singles[]
- "Bird (EXO Planet 5 - EXplOration - in Japan)" (2020)
- "Bird (The Best Ver.)" (2023)
Promotional singles[]
- "Lightsaber" (2015)
Videography[]
Blu-rays/DVDs[]
- First Box/Year (2014)
- EXO from Exoplanet #1 – The Lost Planet in Japan (2015)
- EXO from Exoplanet #1 – The Lost Planet in Seoul (2015)
- Second Box (2015)
- EXO Planet #2 – The Exo'luxion in Seoul (2016)
- EXO Planet #2 – The Exo'luxion in Japan (2016)
- EXO Planet #3 – The Exo'rdium in Seoul (2017)
- EXO Planet #3 – The Exo'rdium in Japan (2017)
- From Happiness (2017)
- EXO Planet #4 – The EℓyXiOn in Seoul (2018)
- EXO Planet #4 – The EℓyXiOn in Japan (2018)
- EXO Planet #5 – The EXplØration (2020)
- EXO - Filmlive Japan Tour Exoplanet 2021 (2022)
- EXO-L-Japan Presents EXO Channel "The Best" (2023)[59]
Concerts[]
Asia tours[]
- EXO from Exoplanet #1 - The Lost Planet (2014)
- EXO Planet #4 – The EℓyXiOn (2017–2018)
- EXO Planet #5 – The EXplØration (2019)
World tours[]
- EXO Planet #2 - The Exo'luxion (2015–2016)
- EXO Planet #3 – The Exo'rdium (2016–2017)
Fanmeetings[]
- EXO 2022 Debut Anniversary Fan Event (2022)
- 2023 EXO Fanmeeting "EXO' Clock" (2023)
- 2024 EXO Fan Meeting : One (2024)[60]
Japan fanmeetings[]
- EXO Channel "The Best" (2023)
Photobooks[]
- EXO - Exolody Chapter 1: On Stage & Off Stage (2014)
- Die Jungs (2014)
- EXO - Present : The Moment (2019)
- EXO's Travel the World on a Ladder in Namhae (2022)
Endorsements[]
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Awards and nominations[]
- Main article: List of awards and nominations received by EXO
Gallery[]
- Main article: EXO/Gallery
Notes[]
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References[]
Official links[]
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