Exactly 10 years ago on April 8, EXO debuted under SM Entertainment in 2012. Initially, their debut was considered a "failure" compared to their senior groups TVXQ, Super Junior, and SHINee.

However, the members didn't give up and finally climb as "Nation's Pick" and historical figures, not only in the music scene, but in fashion, acting, etc!

Here Are 5 Contributions EXO Remains Iconic To Date:

1. EXO Introduces Worldview in K-pop

There is no disagreement that EXO has laid the foundation for a full-fledged worldview for succeeding K-pop groups.

When the 12-member group (hereinafter nine-member) debuted, EXO boldly brought fantasy elements and rooted its worldview in the K-pop world through the concept, "EXOPLANET."

ALSO READ: From EXO to BTS to ENHYPEN: K-Media Highlights the Blueprint and Succeeding Groups with 'Worldview' Concepts in K-pop

In EXO's worldview, members possessed supernatural powers such as Kai (Teleportation), Baekhyun (Light), Sehun (Wind), Chanyeol (Fire), D.O. (Force), Suho (Water), Lay (Healing), Xiumin (Frost), Chen (Lightning), Krist (Flight), Tao (Time Adjustment) and Luhan (Telekenesis).

All of the members started with the fantasy hero narrative that they lost their superpowers and memories and crash landing on Earth to regain their superpowers and defeat the group of evil (X-EXO).

2. Increases Physical Album Sales + Million Seller Title

Prior third generation of K-pop, the use of digital music was rising at that time that physical albums are slowly being disregarded.

However, when EXO debuted, they increases the value of sales by becoming "million sellers." Since 2013, the team consecutively sold more than a million copies of their five full-length albums. In 2021, they earn their sixth million-seller trophy with its special album "DON'T FIGHT THE FEELING."

It cannot be denied that EXO acted as a catalyst for the rapid increase in the sales of 3rd and 4th generation of K-pop groups based on fandom.

3. EXO as Trendsetters

In 2013, EXO released their megahit track, "Growl" which became a monumental song in K-pop history. It didn't only become an iconic release to date, but it also raised the level of K-pop group's performance to the next level.

They introduced the uniform outfit during the performance which is still being used till now.

It's 2022 already, but the fact that "Growl" MV was filmed in a one-take format is still legendary.

4. Versatility as Idols

Cho Hye-rim, FLO's content planning manager (Korea Popular Music Award Selection Committee), said about EXO:

"EXO, which protected the tree of life with 12 abilities in the early days, tried to constantly change its music style just as the logo changed for each album."

Starting from reggae pop-dance "'Ko Ko Bop," EXO also introduced an energetic song "Tempo" with a cappella composition.

Through "Power," the team flaunted their parallel universe concept and later on showed off their retro-punk side with "OBSESSION" and "Love Me Right."

5. Impact of Members in the Entertainment and Fashion Industry

Through the years, EXO also showed their other capabilities outside the group with their individual activities. Member Baekhyun rose as "One Top Soloist" after he exceeded 1 million single album sales in 19 years as a solo in 2020. As for Lay, he's also doing various solo activities, including managing his own labels.

Kai then expanded in the fashion industry as Gucci's global ambassador, while D.O. and Sehun showed off their acting skills by starring in films and dramas.

Suho and Xiumin expanded their music spectrum by playing in musicals. Lastly, Chen and Chanyeol were currently doing their military services to serve Korea.

READ MORE: #9ToEternityWithEXO: 9 Cosmic Reasons Why EXO are Unparalleled K-Pop Kings

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Written by Eunice Dawson