Exo korean band biography

South Korean boy band

For other uses, see Exo (disambiguation).

Exo
Exo in June 2016 From left keep from right, standing: Baekhyun, Chen, Stand in for, Sehun, Chanyeol, D.O., Kai From residue to right, kneeling: Suho, Xiumin
Origin	Seoul, South Korea
Genres
Years active	2012–present
Labels
Spinoffs
Members
Past members
Website	www.smentertainment.com/artist/

Exo (Korean: 엑소; RR: Ekso; stylized in all caps) is a South Korean-Chinese salad days band based in Seoul bacilliform by SM Entertainment in 2011 and debuted in 2012.

Justness group consists of nine members: Xiumin, Suho, Lay, Baekhyun, Chen, Chanyeol, D.O., Kai and Sehun. They are noted for unshackling music and performing extensively fasten Korean, Mandarin and Japanese.

The group debuted with twelve staff separated into Exo-K (Suho, Baekhyun, Chanyeol, D.O., Kai and Sehun) and Exo-M (Xiumin, Lay, Chen, Kris, Luhan and Tao).

Men and women Kris, Luhan, and Tao decedent the group individually amid admissible battles with SM Entertainment put in 2014 and 2015. Exo-K come to rest Exo-M performed music in Asiatic and Mandarin, respectively, until representation release of their third EPOverdose in 2014. Since then, Exo have exclusively performed as solitary group, although their music continues to feature multiple languages.

Liveware Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin debuted in the sub-unit Exo-CBX behave 2016. Members Sehun and Chanyeol began promoting as the sub-unit Exo-SC in 2019. All staff also maintain individual careers heavens 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 mint copies with its repackage, construction Exo the first Korean routine to do so in 12 years.

The group's later output expanded on their early fruitful success, with their subsequent Altaic studio albums combined with their repackages each selling over prepare million copies. Exo's sixth flat album, Don't Mess Up Furious 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, veer it sold over 2 bomb copies.

Exo have won several awards, including five consecutive Jotter of the Year awards reduced the MAMA Awards and cardinal consecutive Artist of the Generation awards at the Melon Theme Awards, and have performed bargain 100 concerts across four sidereal tours and multiple joint peregrinations.

The group ranked as lag of the top five swell influential celebrities on the Forbes Korea Power Celebrity 40 enter from 2014 to 2018. They have been labelled "Nation's Pick" by the Korea Tourism Reasoning and by some as rank "Kings of K-pop". Outside unbutton music, the group members suppress endorsed brands such as Brand Republic and Samsung and partake in philanthropic efforts such orangutan Smile For U, an contemporary project by SM Entertainment become calm UNICEF that began in 2015.

Background

In 2011, SM Entertainment father Lee Soo-man revealed plans total debut a new boy call for that would be divided befall two sub-groups, promoting the precise music simultaneously in South Peninsula and China by performing songs in both Korean and Mandarin.^[1][2] After several lineup changes joy December 2011, the group finalized its name as Exo, inane from the word "exoplanet".^[3] Honesty news of an upcoming coming out from SM Entertainment attracted laid-back media attention from within Southmost Korea and internationally, with repeat comparing Exo to fellow Convention boy band TVXQ.^[4][5][6] It was also reported that Exo would compete with a new teenager group from rival YG Entertainment.^[7]

History

2006–2012: Formation and early years

Exo-K's expected leader, Suho, was the twig member to join SM Distraction in 2006.^[8] The following origin, Kai, with encouragement from emperor father, auditioned at the Drag Youth Best Contest; he won and received a contract.^[8][9] Hinder 2008, Chanyeol, who had antediluvian studying at an acting school, and Sehun, who was principal scouted by SM Entertainment unconscious the age of thirteen shaft then went through four auditions in two years, were ethics next members to become trainees.^[10][11] In 2010, D.O.

sang act his audition and was offered a contract.^[10] The last participant of Exo-K to become clever trainee was Baekhyun, who husbandly in 2011 through SM Entertainment's casting system and trained promote approximately one year before debut.^[12] Exo-M leader Kris auditioned fashionable 2008 at a global Ideology Entertainment audition in Canada, consequent moving to South Korea be pleased about training.^[13] That same year, Put off was discovered through a inexhaustible audition and subsequently moved turn into South Korea, while Xiumin guileful an audition with his familiar and placed second.^[14][15] In 2010, Luhan was scouted by play down SM Entertainment representative in Seoul and passed his audition, to the fullest extent a finally Tao was cast through decency SM auditions in China stern Qingdao.^[16] The last member in half a shake join Exo-M was Chen coach in 2011.^[16] The band's first televised performance was at the period SBS Gayo Daejeon event grass December 29, 2011.^[17]

Exo-K and Exo-M debuted with the single "Mama" on April 8, 2012, followed by the EP Mama impersonation April 9.

The two sub-groups promoted the album separately; Exo-K performed on South Korean harmony program Inkigayo, while Exo-M full on the Top Chinese Opus Awards in Shenzhen on grandeur same day.^[18] The Korean history of the EP peaked distrust number one on South Korea's Gaon Album Chart^[19] and uncertain number eight on the Billboard World Albums Chart,^[20] while rendering Mandarin version reached number glimmer on China's Sina Album Plan and number one on diverse Chinese streaming platforms.

Prior their debut, Exo released two singles, "What Is Love" and "History", which peaked at numbers 88 and 68, respectively, on nobleness Gaon Digital Chart and look down at number six on the Sina Music Chart.^[21] Exo was awarded Best New Asian Group socialize with the 2012 Mnet Asian Punishment Awards and the Newcomer Give at the Golden Disc Commendation.

2013–2014: Domestic breakthrough

The group's have control over studio album, XOXO, was insecure on June 3, 2013, funny story two versions: one in Altaic and one in Mandarin.^[22]XOXO was jointly promoted by both sub-units.^[23] Exo recorded the album's edge single "Wolf" together, although righteousness rest of the album get going were recorded separately.^[24] A repackaged version of the album, Growl, was released on August 5, 2013, with three additional tyreprints.

All versions of XOXO together sold over one million copies, making Exo the first Southernmost Korean artists to reach zigzag milestone in 12 years.^[25][26] Renounce December, Exo released a subsequent EP, Miracles in December, tempt a special winter album as well as the single of the equivalent name.^[27] Prior to the respite, the group promoted the past performance through their first reality slice, Exo's Showtime, which premiered bulk November 28, 2013.^[28] Following their 2013 releases, Exo won a handful awards, including Song of decency Year at the Melon Medicine Awards for "Growl"^[29] and Tome of the Year at say publicly Mnet Asian Music Awards^[30] endow with XOXO.

Exo's third EP, Overdose, was released on May 7, 2014.^[31] Originally scheduled to substance released on April 21, authority album was delayed due lowly the Sewol Ferry accident wornout April 16. The Korean run riot peaked at number 129 venerate the Billboard 200, making Exo the highest-ever charting male Asian group at the time.^[32]Overdose became the best selling release marvel at 2014 in South Korea essential was the first EP line of attack top the yearly charts.^[33] Less important December 22, Exo released their first live album, Exology Phase 1: The Lost Planet.^[34] Illustriousness album's single, "December, 2014 (The Winter's Tale)", peaked at figure one on the Gaon Digital Chart, making it Exo's be foremost number one.^[35] By the achieve of 2014, Exo was Japan's best-selling K-pop artist of nobleness year.^[36] On May 15, 2014, Kris filed a lawsuit antipathetic SM Entertainment to terminate ruler contract.

He alleged that authority company disregarded his health esoteric maintained unfair profit distributions.^[37] Observe May 24, the group embarked on their first headlining outing, Exo from Exoplanet 1 – The Lost Planet, at distinction Olympic Gymnastics Arena.^[38] Tickets hunger for the concert sold out tag 1.47 seconds, breaking the cloak-and-dagger for the quickest concert duplicity by a Korean artist.^[38] Post October 10, Luhan also filed a lawsuit against SM Cheer to terminate his contract,^[39][40] cheerless health problems and different communicating than the group's Korean members.^[41]

2015: Continued popularity and Japanese debut

On March 7, 2015, Exo began their second headlining world trip, Exoplanet 2 – The Exo'luxion, at the Olympic Gymnastics Domain in Seoul.^[42] The group unbound their second studio album Exodus on March 30, 2015, be infatuated with both Korean and Mandarin versions.^[43] Lead single "Call Me Baby" was released ahead of set back, 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 Centred chart at number 98, foundation them the first K-pop adjust and second Korean artist reduce chart there.^[46] Tao was elsewhere during promotions for Exodus overcome to injuries and, on Noble 24, became the third shareholder to file a lawsuit break the rules SM Entertainment to terminate circlet contract.^[47][48] Exo released a repackaged version of Exodus, titled Love Me Right, on June 3, 2015.

The album with tog up repackage sold over one jillion copies, making it Exo's in two shakes album to do so sustenance XOXO.^[49] The re-issue added one new songs, including the lone "Love Me Right".^[50] Due extort Tao's absence, the group promoted the song as nine components.

That October, Exo became honourableness first artist to hold trim dome concert in South Choson, called Exo – Love Distract 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 signify "Love Me Right" and wholesome original Japanese song titled "Drop That".

On the day time off release, the album sold 147,000 copies and reached the temporary halt of the Oricon chart, fetching the all-time best-selling debut inimitable in Japan by a Altaic artist.^[52] Five days later, Exo released a special single lordly "Lightsaber" to promote the smokescreen Star Wars: The Force Awakens ahead of its release feature South Korea as part influence a collaboration between SM Excitement and Walt Disney.

On Dec 10, Exo released their especially winter special release and territory EP, Sing for You, plus the singles "Sing for You" and "Unfair". Part of integrity profits from the album were donated to UNICEF's Smile Look after U campaign, to support illustriousness music education for children engage Asia.^[53]

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

2016–2017: Further success and initial individual activities

Exo's third studio album Ex'Act and its singles "Lucky One" and "Monster" were released mayhem June 9, 2016, with both Korean and Mandarin versions.^[55] Say publicly album broke the record shield the highest first-week sales perfect example a Korean album, previously inactive by the band's own lodge EP Sing For You.^[56] "Monster" became Exo's first number adjourn on the BillboardWorld Digital Songs chart.^[57] On August 18, orderly repackaged edition of the soundtrack, titled Lotto, was released; likelihood added four new songs, containing the single of the amount to name.^[58] Within two months assert its original release, the one editions combined sold over 1.17 million copies, making Ex'Act Exo's third million seller album stream earning the group the headline of "triple million sellers".^[59]

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

In late 2016, the group employees spent time advancing their unaccompanie careers.

On October 28, Consign released his debut EP, Lose Control.^[62] Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin debuted in the group's final sub-unit, Exo-CBX, releasing their supreme EP Hey Mama! on Oct 31.^[63]

On December 7, 2016, Exo released their second Japanese only, "Coming Over".^[64] Selling over 158,000 copies, it reached number figure on the Oricon weekly table and became the band's next Japanese single to receive exceptional platinum certification from the Make a copy of Industry Association of Japan.^[65] Exo's third winter release and one-fifth EP For Life was unrestricted on December 19.^[66]

On May 28, 2017, the tour ended deal with the second of two sequent concerts at the Seoul Athletics Stadium, the largest stadium get in touch with South Korea.

The tour fatigued the band's total number surrounding concerts to over 100.^[67] Acquit yourself June 2017, Lay announced loosen up would not take part shore the band's next album put forward would instead focus on reward acting career.^[68]

Exo's fourth studio recording The War was released instigate July 18, 2017.^[69] The photo album received 807,235 pre-orders, surpassing leadership band's own record of 660,000 for Ex'Act.^[70] On August 29, the 2018 edition of greatness 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 skilful repackaged edition of The War, titled The War: The Nationstate of Music. The re-issue accessorial three new songs to say publicly tracklist, including the single "Power".^[72] Exo began their third universe tour, Exo Planet #4 – The Elyxion, with three in a row nights at Seoul's Gocheok Firmament Dome, beginning on November 24.^[73] As of November 30, Asian sales of The War reportedly reached nearly 1.6 million copies, making it Exo's best promotion album at the time folk tale earning the group the phone up of "quadruple million sellers" alien the media.^[74] In early Dec, Exo announced their fourth exceptional winter release and sixth Persuade, Universe.

It was originally scrutiny for release on December 21 but was delayed until Dec 26 after the death conjure labelmate, Jonghyun.^[75]

2018–2019: International recognition viewpoint first Japanese studio album

On Jan 16, 2018, "Power" became class first K-pop song to manipulate at The Dubai Fountain put behind you Burj Khalifa Lake, Dubai; septet members of the group tour to Dubai to view decency first showing.^[76] The song's first run was extended from Jan to March;^[77] it was as well brought back from September imminent November of the same year.^[78][79] On January 31, Exo insecure their first Japanese studio medium, Countdown.^[80] The album debuted repute 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 bungalow albums both reached number distinct on the Oricon weekly chart.^[81]

Exo performed at the closing acclamation of the 2018 Winter Athletics in Pyeongchang on February 25, serving as representatives of K-pop along with CL.^[82] Prior toady to the performance, Baekhyun sang magnanimity national anthem at the foundation ceremony of the International Athletics Committee general assembly on Feb 5, and Exo performed go on doing the official D-100 Concert importance late 2017, which marked Centred days until the start rigidity the Winter Olympics.^[82][83] The band's performance drew widespread global travel ormation technol attention and praise.^[84] The Native two time Olympic silver medallist and figure skating world championEvgenia Medvedeva also drew media look after for her support of Exo.^[85] In April 2018, the Altaic Mint Corporation released official remembrance medals for Exo, honoring primacy group for their contribution get stuck the global spread of Altaic culture.^[86] The nine medals, extent commemorating one of the group's members, were unveiled at graceful ceremony in Seoul.^[87]

Exo's fifth mansion album, Don't Mess Up Sweaty Tempo, was released on Nov 2, 2018.^[88]Don't Mess Up Sorry for yourself Tempo featured all nine Exo members—the group's first release coalesce do so since Lotto staging 2016.^[88] The album was topping commercial success, selling 1,179,997 copies by November 30 and assembly Exo "quintuple million sellers" dust the media.^[89] With the liberation of Don't Mess Up Tidy Tempo, Exo became the head artist to surpass 10 1000000 total album sales in Southward Korea.^[89]Love Shot was released redirect December 13, a repacked exchange of Don't Mess Up Adhesive Tempo.^[90] The lead single, likewise titled "Love Shot", became Exo's third number one single choice the BillboardWorld Digital Songs summary and held the position funding three consecutive weeks.^[91] Chen became the second Exo member tell off debut as a soloist change the EP April, and well-organized Flower, which was released sight April 2019.^[92] Baekhyun debuted although the group's third soloist be on a par with the release of his Coloring, City Lights, on July 10.^[93] Chanyeol and Sehun debuted chimp Exo's second official sub-unit, Exo-SC, and released their first Playing field, What a Life, in July.^[94] Baekhyun and Kai represented Exo in SM Entertainment's supergroupSuperM.^[95] Exo embarked on their fifth principal tour, Exo Planet 5 – Exploration, with six dates increase Seoul from July 19–28, totaling to thirty-one shows.^[96] Exo's ordinal studio album, Obsession, was movable on November 27, 2019.^[97] Nobleness group debuted several songs free yourself of the album live through Exo Planet 5 – Exploration replay concerts in December 2019, which also served as the tour's concluding shows.^[98]

2020–2021: Focus on 1 activities and group's special album

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

Prior to rectitude enlistments of Chanyeol and Baekhyun, the active members recorded Exo's next album in secret.

Wonderful a video celebrating their ordinal anniversary on April 8, 2021, the group showcased the cinematography of their upcoming music recording and announced that they were preparing for the album denote be released in the chief half of the year, which would mark Xiumin and D.O.'s return to the group.^[103] Surface also participated in the volume, marking his first activities remain Exo since Don't Mess Set up house My Tempo.^[104] The group's 7th 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: Inauguration anniversary

Exo celebrated their tenth outing on April 8, 2022, gore the premiere of a latest season of their reality wellknown Exo's Ladder, released through representation streaming service Wavve, as select as a special fan appointment, titled 2022 Debut Anniversary Part Event, on April 9, 2022, at the Jamsil Arena, which marked their first show stay alive a live audience since goodness beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.^[107][108] Following the completion of surmount contract with SM Entertainment, Involve announced his departure from grandeur company.

He clarified that unquestionable would remain active as a- member of Exo.^[109] Xiumin became the seventh member to premiere as a soloist with authority extended play Brand New stroke September 26, 2022.^[110][111]

On January 5, 2023, Suho announced that high-mindedness group is set to unbridle new music after spring.^[112] Exo celebrated their 11th debut commemoration with a fan meeting, patrician "2023 Exo Fanmeeting 'Exo' Clock", at the KSPO Dome deem April 8–9, 2023.^[113] On June 1, 2023, it was proclaimed that Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin were terminating their contracts work stoppage SM and filed a junction lawsuit against SM in salutation to transparency of earnings.^[114] In defiance of this, SM confirmed that distinction group would continue filming their comeback MV, while also inclusive of Kai despite his military service.^[115] In response to SM, greatest extent was confirmed that Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin were exploring dogged to continue promoting as Exo members following the results be incumbent on the lawsuit.^[116] On June 19, SM Entertainment and Exo employees Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin handy announced that both parties locked away resolved the contract dispute, snowball the members had decided in close proximity stay with the company.^[117]

Exo's 7th studio album, Exist, was on the rampage on July 10, 2023.^[118]Exist job the group's first album slam be promoted as a seven-member group, as member Kai court case currently undergoing mandatory military help, and member Lay is invade his solo activities in China.^[119] D.O.

departed SM Entertainment multitude the expiration of his confer in November, though he would still be continuing his activities with Exo.^[120] He then subscribed with Company Soosoo for cap solo activities.^[121][122] In January 2024, Baekhyun announced to have in progress his own company, INB100, topmost recruited Xiumin and Chen resemble join his label.

SM declared later on that while Xiumin, Baekhyun, and Chen are termination contracted under the label aim for group activities, they can make one`s way with solo activities under their new company.^[123][124]

Members

On May 15, 2014, Kris Wu stopped promoting steadfast Exo and its subunit, Exo-M, as a result of magnanimity lawsuit he filed against Castle in the sky Entertainment.^[37] Luhan followed on Oct 10, 2014.^[39] Both members officially left the group on July 21, 2016.^[60] Tao went defence an official hiatus during Exodus promotions due to injury enthralled filed a lawsuit against Piece of equipment on August 15, 2015, officially leaving Exo on March 15, 2018.^[125][126] Following Tao's lawsuit, Exo promoted their albums as smashing full group rather than locked in two sub-groups.

On June 13, 2017, SM Entertainment announced Levy would not be participating quandary activities for the group's anticipated album due to conflicting schedules with his solo activities.^[127] Hand down did not return to forceful participation in Exo until 2021, although he did contribute vocals to the Chinese version take up their song "Tempo" in 2018.^[128] On May 26, 2021, Be marked with was reported to be chronic to the group to view part in their special manual, Don't Fight the Feeling.^[104] Arena participated in each of prestige songs on Don't Fight character Feeling and was featured fragment the music video for greatness lead single of the unchanging name.

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

Timeline

Sub-units

Exo-CBX

Main article: Exo-CBX

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

Exo-SC

Main article: Exo-SC

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

Artistry

Musical style

Exo clutter considered by many to mistrust a vocal powerhouse group corner the K-pop industry.

In exactly so, the group's three main vocalists D.O., Chen, and Baekhyun receive received praise from industry count and the media.^{[150][151][152][153]} The mediocre winter-themed EPs that Exo scheme released nearly every December thanks to 2013 feature classic, emotional ballads that diverge from the positive singles usually featured on dignity band's studio albums and unravel showcase the members' vocal abilities.^{[154][155][156]}Billboard applauded the band's single "Universe" from the 2017 EP be partial to the same name, stating, "With soaring, emotive vocals courtesy spick and span the Exo members, 'Universe' give something the onceover a power ballad that showcases the group's strengths."^[157]

Most of Exo's songs blend pop, hip-hop, beginning R&B with electronic dance punishment genres such as house instruct trap and are produced cotton on onstage performance in mind.^[158][159] Illustriousness group has frequently worked region veteran Korean and international producers, including Kenzie, Dean, LDN Growl, The Underdogs, and MARZ Music.^[160][161] Producer Harvey Mason Jr.

commented: "We listen to their stuff ... and try and be part of the cause one step further. We magic and do things that dangle fresh and original but still still sound like Exo ...They can sing, they can exercise, they have the energy ... It's like a painter receipt every color to paint with."^[159]

Early in their career, Exo were described by Billboard as reverberate "wholly inspired by the hint at '90s/early '00s sound ...

hash up bigger beats, loads more hand and adding rap and glitter breakdowns."^[162][163] The group explored systematic more "mature" and "dark" appear in 2016 with the set of their third studio sticker 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 fifteen minutes studio album, The War, concentrated the group's sonic experimentation, featuring elements of trap music highly for the first time.^[159] Fulfil the album's lead single "Ko Ko Bop", Exo received lionize for unconventionally hybridizing laid-back reggae sounds with heavy electronic breaks.^[168]

Songwriting

The members of Exo faced valuation early in their careers by reason of of their lack of give away in the writing and drama of their songs.^[169] However, heritage 2015, Exo released their head song to credit lyrics suggest one of the group's helpers on the repackaged version work their second album, Love Broad-minded Right.

"Promise (Exo 2014)" was written by Chanyeol, Chen, roost Lay and was a "special gift" to the fans, mess about with lyrics thanking them for their support.^[170][171] Since then, Exo enjoy released multiple songs featuring be passionate about contributions from the band's components, including "Heaven" and "She's Dreaming" from their third album, authority special promotional single "Lightsaber", good turn most notably, the hit matchless "Ko Ko Bop" among bareness from their 2017 album The War.^[172]

In a 2017 interview proficient Billboard, Chanyeol spoke about culminate contributions to the lyrics pick "Chill", stating that because recognized "worked on the lyrics acquiesce an empty track without proof lyrics", the process came addition "naturally" to him.^[159] Chen explained the process of writing their single "Ko Ko Bop": "[we] wrote the lyrics separately slab worked on putting [them] box for the song afterwards.

Irrational don't think I have batty regrets [about the song] owing to it's the best result be relevant to through all the effort focus our members and other writers have put into the process."^[159] Chen was also credited silent writing the Korean lyrics financial assistance the track "Lights Out" differ Exo's fourth special winter Terrain, Universe.^[75] Member Lay is additionally a songwriter and producer, securing written and composed all tyremarks on his solo albums, since well for other artists.^[173][174] Chanyeol participated in writing lyrics meditate "Gravity" and 'With You", both on Exo's sixth studio single Don't Mess Up My Tempo.^[175]

Stage

Exo have been praised for their synchronized choreography and elaborate chapter designs.

The band was choreographed early in their career fail to see American hip hop choreographers Thoroughbred Testa and Nicholas Bass fend for 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 protrude domination".^[178] A recurring stage introduce on the group's world junkets has been the use tactic water in the form bring in rain and shallow pools.

Cleo noted that Exo's "winning formula" was the incorporation of o into their choreography, describing greatness water "cascading from above sooner than 'White Noise' and 'Lightsaber'" turn "saw some of the associates getting drenched."^[179]Yahoo wrote that "during one segment, the boys unattractive on an elevated hexagon-shaped position (modeled after the band's logo), and danced sensually while bottled water rained down on them shun above."^[180]

On their stage design, Music Mind noted Exo's use wheedle "not only ...

the stage-lights and the lightsticks, but likewise [a] multitude of special baggage like water, flames, and illuminations, not to mention huge screens positioned both on the substage and across the whole lip of the venue".^[181]Rappler journalist Keb Cuevas described Exo's "multi-LED paravent stage fitted with holographic Exo embellishments and choreographed laser lighting", saying "the stage was faithfully on fire as pyrotechnic gear were ignited with the electronic beat."^[182] Covering a 2018 put yourself out in Singapore, Bandwagon remarked wind after their "fourth headlining outward appearance [in] four years ...

jagged might [assume] their setlist near stages would be repetitive elitist stale. But [that] was jumble the case at all."^[183]

Impact

With say publicly release of their debut shop album in 2013, Exo became the first South Korean graphic designer in 12 years to market over one million copies cancel out an album;^[25] the previous principal to reach this milestone was g.o.d, in 2001.^[184] Following illustriousness release of their fifth works class album, Don't Mess Up Sorry for yourself Tempo, Exo became the good cheer South Korean artist who debuted in the 21st century lecture to sell 10 million albums cumulatively.^[89] In 2023, Exo became "septuple million sellers", meaning the snap has sold over one mint copies apiece for seven opposite albums.^[185]

Exo have also contributed basically to the financial success show their management agency, SM Good time.

In the fourth quarter game 2018, SM Entertainment recorded position largest-ever quarterly profit for prole South Korean entertainment company pressgang $13.4 million.^[186] Exo generated honesty highest revenue of all Evaluate artists, at 31% of interpretation total $188 million fourth ninety days revenue.^[186]

Exo have been described tough Dazed as "the biggest young days adolescent band in the world",^[178] topmost have been referred to by the same token the "Nation's Pick" by integrity Korea Tourism Organization.^[187][188] They take also been referred to introduction the "Kings of K-pop" make wet international outlets Vogue, PageOne opinion South Korean outlets such whereas OBS.^[189] Exo have gained big popularity in South Korea title were named by Forbes devotion the Korea Power Celebrity 40 list as the most brawny celebrities in South Korea plan 2015 and 2016; within nobility top five for 2014, 2017, and 2018; and within nobility top 10 for 2019.^[190][191] They are considered a prominent vocation in the Hallyu Wave, which refers to the rise be first spread of Korean pop polish around the world.^{[192][193][194]} When discussing the significance of Exo eliminate a global context, Bustle alleged them as "the ultimate K-pop sensation": "there's really nothing thoroughly like Exo."^[192]Vulture described Exo slightly "leaders of a K-pop generation" when describing the band's a shambles to consistently release music uphold the Korean and Chinese delicatessens while continuing to impress copy the United States with Billboard chartings and arena tours.^[195] Likewise, Dazed considered Exo's success shield be that of "a continent-straddling pop juggernaut".^[178] In 2016, AsiaOne said "Exo are turning be received an omnipresent, unstoppable global force," citing their worldwide popularity, ponderous consequential acclaim, and large fandom size.^[196]

In April 2018, Forbes described Exo as one of the deuce artists worldwide (alongside fellow K-pop band BTS) that dramatically over-perform on social media,^[197] even transcendent the reach of American artists such as Beyonce, Justin Bieber and Taylor Swift.^[197]Twitter statistics non-native Next Big Sound showed meander Exo recorded 14,000 times addition mentions than expected, with 24 million in total.^[197] In and also, Exo ranked second on interpretation Billboard Social 50 Year-End Make a rough draft 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 careful achievements

Main article: List of laurels 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 penalization programMusic Bank.^[204] For four age, Exo held the record production the most music show golds star for a single song, be on a par with 18 for "Call Me Baby" (2015).^[205] The band have won over 100 music program credit cumulatively, becoming the second routine to do so after their label-mates Girls' Generation.^[206][207] Exo receive received 23 Daesang^[a] awards detach from various year-end award shows, containing six from the Mnet Dweller Music Awards, a feat put off was recorded in the 2018 Guinness World Records book.^[209]

On Nov 3, 2017, Exo received well-organized Prime Minister Commendation at greatness Korean Popular Culture and Field Awards, an honor bestowed underneath recognition of public service and/or excellence in a given meadow.

When receiving the award, Suho said: "We have received much a big award alongside gay people ... It's such trig huge honor. We will grow performers who promote not unique K-pop, but also Korea."^[210]

Other ventures

Endorsements

Exo has maintained numerous endorsement deals throughout the group's career, dispatch has been named multiple period as having the most ringing brand reputation among K-pop artists by the Korean Business Evaluation Institute.^[211][212] Exo has endorsed Samsung's electronic products and served significance the company's brand ambassadors care for the 2014 Summer Youth Olympiad in China.^[213][214] In 2014, Exo collaborated with the South Altaic clothing brand Kolon Sport knob a new pair of sneakers named Move-Xo after the group.^[215] Also in 2013, Exo began a two-year endorsement deal peer cosmetics brand Nature Republic, which was later extended and remained active until 2020.^[216][217] Their solidify 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 be proof against 2019; both were concert-style doings hosted by Nature Republic meet thousands of attendees.^[220][221]

In late 2015, Exo officially endorsed Star Wars: The Force Awakens with influence release of a collaboration crust 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 vindicate American footwear company Skechers, safe conduct the D'Lites 2 Sweet Giant Collection, which became known despite the fact that the "Exo's sneakers".^[223][224] Also come out of 2016, the group became rank official faces of international garb brand SPAO's spring collection, which included limited-edition postcards and posters for customers.^[225]

In 2018, in character lead-up to Exo's performance take into account the Closing Ceremony for honesty 2018 Winter Olympics, the purpose became the faces of description Switzerland-based snow-sports company Kessler.^[226] Invoice March 2018, Exo were proclaimed to be the new clamour ambassadors for Major League Ballgame (MLB) in Asia.^[227] Following that announcement, Chanyeol, Kai, and Sehun attended the grand opening strip off the MLB store in Present Square, Hong Kong, on Walk 23.^[228] In July 2018, Exo were appointed as Korean Roam Ambassadors for 2018 by say publicly Korean Tourism Organization, and attended in a series of promotional advertisements designed to "promote Peninsula to the world".^[229] Exo further maintain partnerships with, or possess previously endorsed, companies including Coca-Cola, SK Telecom, KFC, MCM, Goosefish Confectionery, Lotte World, Goobne Weakling, and Hats On.^[230]

Philanthropy

The members loom Exo-K became goodwill ambassadors receive South Korea's Red Cross Childhood in December 2012.^[231] Members ticking off Exo were appointed as authoritative ambassadors for Fashion-KODE 2014, which was hosted by South Korea's Ministry of Culture, Sports discipline Tourism and the Korea Vigorous Content Agency Fashion Festival access July 2014.^[232] That same four weeks, Samsung announced Exo as tight brand ambassadors for the 2014 Summer Youth Olympics.^[233] Since their debut, Exo members have antique involved in charity, such chimpanzee volunteering for and making remote donations to organizations including service centers, the Korea Childhood Cancer Foundation, Siheung Women's Resources System Center, and China's Hunan region medical services.^{[234][235][236][237]}

In 2015, Exo began participating in Smile For U, a joint SM Entertainment arm UNICEF project that supports tune euphony education for children in Collection.

Part of the proceeds raid the band's second special coldness release Sing for You viewpoint multiple subsequent albums were laudatory 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 mixed up with exoplanet.

Filmography

Main article: Exo videography

Selected filmography

Notes

References