Overview
EXO is a South Korean-Chinese boy band formed by SM Entertainment in 2011. They debuted on April 8, 2012, making them over 12 years since their debut. Initially divided into two sub-units, EXO-K (promoting in Korea) and EXO-M (promoting in China), they now mainly promote as a single group with members from both units. Known for their powerful performances and diverse music styles, they've been pivotal in spreading K-pop worldwide.
Members
- Xiumin (born March 26, 1990) - vocalist, lead dancer, rapper
- Suho (born May 22, 1991) - leader, lead vocalist, visual
- Lay (born October 7, 1991) - main dancer, vocalist, rapper
- Baekhyun (born May 6, 1992) - main vocalist
- Chen (born September 21, 1992) - main vocalist
- Chanyeol (born November 27, 1992) - main rapper, vocalist
- D.O. (born January 12, 1993) - main vocalist
- Kai (born January 14, 1994) - main dancer, vocalist, rapper, center, visual
- Sehun (born April 12, 1994) - maknae, visual, lead dancer, lead rapper
Discography
- Studio Albums
- XOXO (2013)
- XOXO (repackage) (2013)
- Exodus (2015)
- Love Me Right (repackage) (2015)
- Ex'act (2016)
- Lotto (repackage) (2016)
- The War (2017)
- The Power Of Music (repackage) (2017)
- Countdown (2018) (Japanese)
- Don't Mess Up My Tempo (2018)
- Love Shot (repackage) (2018)
- Obsession (2019)
- Exist (2023)
- XOXO (2013)
- EPs
- Mama (as EXO-K & EXO-M) (2012)
- Overdose (as EXO-K & EXO-M) (2014)
- Special Albums
- Miracles in December (2013)
- Sing For You (2015)
- For Life (2016)
- Universe (2017)
- Don't Fight The Feeling (2021)
- Singles
- "What Is Love" (2012) (pre-debut)
- "History" (2012) (pre-debut)
- "Love Me Right ～Romantic Universe～" (2015) (Japanese)
- "Monster (LDN Noise Creeper Bass Remix)" (2016)
- "Coming Over" (2016) (Japanese)
- "Power (Remixes)" (2017)
- "Bird" (2019) (Japanese)
- "Let Me In" (2023)
- "Hear Me Out" (2023)
- Collaborations
- "Lightsaber" (2015) - Collaboration between SM and Disney to promote the release of Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
- “Dancing King” (2016) - Digital single with Yoo Jae Suk as the SM STATION's 32nd release for MBC's variety show Infinite Challenge.
- Live Albums
- Exology Chapter 1: The Lost Planet (2014)
- EXO Planet #3 - The EXO'rdium (Dot) (2017)
- EXO Planet #4 - The EℓyXiOn (Dot) (2019)
- EXO Planet #5 –EXplOration– (2020)
Recent Activities
EXO is set to make a full group comeback post-Sehun's military discharge in September 2025. Leader Suho has hinted at a new project for the year. They've continued their group activities despite some members having solo ventures or military service obligations.
Performances
In 2024, EXO performed at various awards shows and held fan events, like their Debut Anniversary Fan Event (2022), EXO' Clock (2023), and One in 2024.
In 2025, they are planning multiple concerts globally to celebrate their reunion.
Group Achievements
- 2014: Recipient of of the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Award from the Korean Popular Culture and Arts Awards.
- 2015: Held the record for the most music show wins for four years for a single song, with 18 for "Call Me Baby."
- 2017: Received a Prime Minister Commendation at the Korean Popular Culture and Arts Awards, an honor bestowed in recognition of public service and/or excellence in a given field.
- 2018: Received 23 Daesang (Grand Prize) awards from various year-end award shows, including six from the Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA), a feat that was recorded in the 2018 Guinness World Records book.
- 2019: Honored as the Star of Korean Tourism for their significant contribution to the development of Korean tourism.
- 2023: Attained the “Septuple Million Seller” status, meaning the band has sold over one million copies apiece for seven different albums.
EXO has been highly decorated, winning numerous awards including multiple Daesangs. They've set records for album sales, becoming the first K-pop group to sell over 1 million albums in 12 years with XOXO.
Album Sales
EXO has sold over 30 million albums globally, with EXIST being their 7th album to achieve million-seller status. They are record holders for the highest first-week sales in South Korea.
Sub-units and Solo Activities
EXO has sub-units like EXO-CBX and EXO-SC. Solo activities include:
- Baekhyun with his label INB100, focusing on both solo and EXO-CBX activities.
- D.O. has focused on acting, starring in Secret: Untold Melody in 2024.
- Lay continues his career in China. His last participation in EXO's activities was during the released of the group's special album Don't Fight The Feeling.
- Xiumin will make his solo comeback in March 2025, following his successful debut in 2022 with his mini-album Brand New.
- Chen released in fourth EP Door in May 2024, featuring six tracks. He's currently a mentor in the reality competition show Be the Next: 9 Dreamers.
- Sehun is currently serving in the military, expected to return in September 2025.
- Kai got discharged from the military on February 10, 2025.
Fandom Culture
EXO's fandom, known as EXO-L, is known for their dedication, often organizing charity events and fan projects. They've supported EXO's albums to achieve high sales and have been instrumental in the group's enduring success.
