Nine years ago - April 8, 2012 - when twelve members, hereinafter nine members, were introduced as EXO, a group who spearheaded the concept of otherworldly beings with extraterrestrial powers!
Indeed, from being a so-called "flops" or "mistake" of SM Entertainment, the group rose as the highest-earners of the agency giant - who is also now acknowledged as one of the strongest K-pop groups of the third-generation era, and of the industry in general.
Nine kings. Nine years. In commemoration of #9ToEternityWithEXO, KpopStarz presents nine reasons why EXO remains the unparalleled K-pop Kings!
1. Unrivaled Achievements
EXO, comprised of Xiumin, Suho, D.O, Chen, Chanyeol, Baekhyun, Lay, Kai, and Sehun, proved their potential as rising rookies upon their debut.
Pressured by the success of SM's preceding boy groups, TVXQ, Super Junior, and SHINee, the group didn't override their success but created their own impact.
EXO won their first grand prize (daesang) award just a year after their debut. Since then, they climbed as the runner-up for K-pop groups with most Daesang, flaunting their 21 trophies.
In addition to this, EXO also ranks No. 2 as the K-pop group with the most music show wins (118 wins) as of February 2021, excluding their solo and sub-unit wins.
2. Striking Discography
Each of EXO's songs is gold and untouchable! Every album they release boasts versatility and unique concept. From "MAMA" to "OBSESSION," everything is worth listening to!
Whether you're a fan or not, you probably dances to their "Growl," cries with "Miracles in December," grooves
with "Call Me Baby," gets electrified with "Ko Ko Bop," and goes "na nanana" with "Love Shot."
Don't worry, you're not the only one!
3. Award-winning Actors
If you think EXO members excel only in the music field, you're wrong. Most members are, in fact, idol-actors, proving that they can also dominate not only the music stage but also the acting arena!
D.O. owns this part. He doesn't only capture the hearts and emotions of viewers with his superb acting, but he's also caught the attention of prestigious film festivals.
In 2017, D.O. was selected as "Best New Actor" of Blue Dragon Film Awards, and in the same year, he secured his "Most Popular Actor in Film" in the top-notch Baeksang Arts Awards for his notable portrayal in the film "My Annoying Brother" after winning it first in 2016 with his acting in "Unforgettable."
4. Fashion Icons
Moving forward, the fashion industry is not complete without the fashion icons from EXO!
Kai impresses the fashion world as the global ambassador of Gucci and Asian model of Bobbi Brown, while Lay is the face of numerous brands Calvin Klein, Converse, Daniel Wellington, Valentino, and many more.
Sehun, being tall and handsome that he is, is an icon in the fashion realm as he is face of Dior and has been recognized by multiple high-end brands.
Baekhyun is the co-director of his fashion line Prive, and is the ambassador of Burberry.
Suho - amazing leader whose visuals are incomparable - is Bvlgari ambassador and models Bottega, while Chanyeol is the ambassador for Prada Korea.
Related Article: These EXO Members Are Ambassadors of Top Luxury Brands, Dominating The Fashion World!
5. Visuals
A group with no visual holes... you mean EXO? From Xiumin to Sehun, you wouldn't even know that the age gap between the eldest and youngest member is five years, thanks to their relentless and youthful appearance!
6. One-top solos
EXO Baekhyun, who recently kicked off with his third-mini album, continuously proved his power as the "Vocal King" and "million-seller" idol.
According to Hanteo Chart's latest update, "Bambi" recorded approximately 869,000, the highest first-week sales for a solo artist! It is predicted that Baekhyun will hit the "million-seller" title again, after earning it first with his second-mini album, "Delight."
Suho, prior to his enlistment, gifted fans his artsy debut mini-album "Self-Portrait," while Lay, who's currently active in China, is a heavily recognized singer/producer/dancer/CEO.
Chen, who's currently fulfilling his military duties, has two successful albums under his belt - "April, and a Flower" and "Dear, My Dear" - that boast his powerful vocals, plus a whole array of OSTs.
ALSO READ: #RainyNightWithBaekhyun: EXO Baekhyun Drops Highly Anticipated 'Bambi' Album & MV
7. Fan Service / Relationship to fans
EXO and EXO-Ls' relationship has been challenged through time, but it became stronger ever than before.
EXO is probably the sweetest or the most real to their fans. From sending truck support for fans (it's normally the other way around!), writing songs for Aeris, looking at them with admiration in their eyes are the best things the fandom could ask for.
However, EXO is not the group to just sit and do nothing whenever they see chaos among the fandom. At this point, EXO-Ls can consider the nonet as their "big bros" who aren't afraid to discipline them whenever they cross the line.
8. Personality
Not only witnessed by fans, but the staff and the people in the industry the group has worked for have attested how well-mannered the EXO members are.
According to their managers, each of the members has different personalities, but all of them are good-natured, thanks to their best leader, Suho. The managers, including Lee Seung Hwan, praised Suho for being a patient, comforting, and a loving leader who's stood by their side through thick and thin.
9. Philanthropy
Lastly, EXO are Kings who are humble, in spite of all their achievements and how hugely they shaped K-pop.
Apart from their frequent secret donations to various charities, EXO members also support gender equality and stand for good causes.
In particular, it was recently reported that SM Entertainment consistently aids foster care for youths. In fact, proceeds of the EXO x Yoo Jae Suk collaborative track, "Dancing King" - KRW 32 million - were given to those in need.
Happy 9th anniversary to EXO-Ls' universe, EXO!
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Written by Eunice Dawson
