EXO

Who is EXO?

EXO is a globally renowned South Korean-Chinese boy band formed by SM Entertainment in 2012. The group officially debuted in April 8, 2012. The group is celebrated for their powerful vocals, synchronized dance moves, and captivating concepts that have redefined the K-pop genre.

Meet the Members of EXO

EXO originally debuted with 12 members divided into two sub-units: EXO-K (Korean audience) and EXO-M (Chinese audience). Today, the active members include:

• Suho (수호) (Leader)
• Xiumin (시원)
• Lay (레이, 张艺兴)
• Baekhyun (백현)
• Chen (천, 金中大)
• Chanyeol (찬열)
• D.O. (Kyungsoo, 노경수)
• Kai (캐이)
• Sehun (세훈)

Biodata of EXO Members

• Suho (수호): Real Name – Kim Jun-myeon (김준명). Born May 22, 1991. Position – Leader, Lead Vocalist.
• Xiumin (시원): Real Name – Kim Min-seok (김민석). Born March 26, 1990. Position – Lead Vocalist, Lead Dancer.
• Lay (레이, 张艺兴): Real Name – Zhang Yixing. Born October 7, 1991. Position – Main Dancer, Vocalist.
• Baekhyun (백현): Real Name – Byun Baek-hyun (백범현). Born May 6, 1992. Position – Main Vocalist.
• Chen (천, 金中大): Real Name – Kim Jong-dae (김종대). Born September 21, 1992. Position – Main Vocalist.
• Chanyeol (찬열): Real Name – Park Chan-yeol (박찬열). Born November 27, 1992. Position – Main Rapper, Vocalist.
• D.O. (노경수): Real Name – Do Kyung-soo (노경수). Born January 12, 1993. Position – Main Vocalist.
• Kai (캐이): Real Name – Kim Jong-in (김종인). Born January 14, 1994. Position – Main Dancer, Vocalist, Rapper.
• Sehun (세훈): Real Name – Oh Se-hun (오세훈). Born April 12, 1994. Position – Lead Dancer, Rapper, Visual.

Formation and Debut

EXO was formed by SM Entertainment and introduced to the public in December 2011 with the concept of two sub-units, EXO-K (Korean) and EXO-M (Mandarin), promoting in South Korea and China respectively. Their first official single, “Mama”, was released on April 8, 2012, marking their official debut.

The group’s initial lineup consisted of 12 members: Suho, Baekhyun, Chanyeol, D.O., Kai, and Sehun in EXO-K; and Xiumin, Lay, Chen, Kris, Luhan, and Tao in EXO-M.

Rise to Fame (2013-2015)

EXO’s breakthrough came with their first studio album, XOXO, released in June 2013. The album included the hit single “Growl”, which catapulted them to fame. XOXO became the first Korean album in over a decade to sell over 1 million copies.

In 2014, EXO released their third EP, “Overdose”, which became one of the best-selling albums of the year. However, the group faced challenges when members Kris, Luhan, and Tao left the group due to legal disputes with SM Entertainment.

Global Success (2015-2018)

EXO continued to grow despite lineup changes. Their albums “Exodus” (2015) and “The War” (2017) were critically acclaimed and commercially successful, with “The War” earning EXO their fourth consecutive “Album of the Year” award at the Mnet Asian Music Awards.

In 2018, EXO performed at the closing ceremony of the Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea, further solidifying their global influence.

Recent Years (2019-Present)

EXO members have been focusing on solo activities, sub-units like EXO-CBX and EXO-SC, and mandatory military enlistment. Despite these activities, they continue to release group projects, such as the album “Don’t Mess Up My Tempo” (2018) and “Obsession” (2019).

The group’s influence remains strong, with a dedicated fanbase, EXO-L, supporting their activities both as a group and individually.

The Music of EXO

EXO‘s discography spans multiple music genres, including pop, R&B, hip-hop, and EDM. Some of their most iconic songs include: “Growl”, “Call Me Baby”, “Love Shot”, “Tempo”, “Monster”.

Studio Albums

• XOXO (2013) – Includes hits like “Growl” and “Wolf”
• Exodus (2015) – Features “Call Me Baby”
• Ex’Act (2016) – Known for “Monster” and “Lucky One”
• The War (2017) – Includes the smash hit “Ko Ko Bop”
• Don’t Mess Up My Tempo (2018) – Features “Tempo”
• Obsession (2019) – Known for the title track “Obsession”

Their first studio album, XOXO (2013), was a groundbreaking success, selling over 1 million copies and solidifying their place in K-pop history.

Extended Plays (EPs)

• Mama (2012) – Debut EP with title tracks “Mama” and “History”
• Miracles in December (2013) – A special winter album
• Overdose (2014) – Includes the hit “Overdose”
• Sing for You (2015) – A winter album featuring “Sing for You”
• For Life (2016) – Another winter-themed EP

Singles

• “What Is Love” (2012)
• “History” (2012)
• “Growl” (2013)
• “Overdose” (2014)
• “Love Me Right” (2015)
• “Ko Ko Bop” (2017)
• “Power” (2017)
• “Tempo” (2018)
• “Love Shot” (2018)
• “Obsession” (2019)

Sub-Unit Releases

• EXO-CBX: “Hey Mama!” (2016), “Blooming Days” (2018)
• EXO-SC: “What a Life” (2019), “1 Billion Views” (2020)

Special Albums

• Winter Special Album: “Miracles in December” (2013)
• “Sing for You” (2015)
• “Universe” (2017)
• “For Life” (2016)

Achievements and Global Impact

EXO has earned countless awards, including MAMA Awards, Golden Disc Awards, and international accolades such as the MTV Europe Music Awards. They have consistently set records and played a pivotal role in popularizing K-pop globally.

• First Korean group to sell over 1 million albums with XOXO (2013).
• Over 100 music show wins in South Korea.
• Numerous Daesang (Grand Prize) awards at major Korean award shows.
• First K-pop group to hold a dome concert in South Korea.
• Recipient of the Prime Minister’s Commendation in 2017 for cultural contributions.
• Performed at the closing ceremony of the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang.
• Billions of streams on global platforms like Spotify and YouTube.

Fun and Interesting Facts About EXO

Did You Know? Fun and interesting facts about EXO, the iconic K-pop group known worldwide.

• EXO was originally divided into two sub-units, EXO-K and EXO-M, to promote simultaneously in Korea and China.
• The group’s name, EXO, is derived from the word “exoplanet,” symbolizing stars from another universe.
• EXO‘s official fan club name, EXO-L, stands for “EXO-Love” and symbolizes the bond between EXO-K and EXO-M, with “L” being between “K” and “M” in the alphabet.
• They are the first K-pop group to sell over 1 million copies of their album “XOXO” since the early 2000s.
• EXO’s song “Growl” became a national sensation and won multiple “Song of the Year” awards.
• Kai is known as the “Dancing Machine” of EXO for his incredible dance skills and stage presence.
• Lay is the only Chinese member who remained active with EXO while also achieving solo success in China.
• Baekhyun and Chen are part of a vocal-focused sub-unit called EXO-CBX.
• EXO performed at the closing ceremony of the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, showcasing their global influence.
• EXO members have acted in popular dramas and films, with D.O. receiving critical acclaim for his acting roles.
• The group has consistently topped Forbes Korea’s Power Celebrity list.
• EXO has a unique “superpower” concept, with each member representing a different power like fire, teleportation, or frost.

EXO-L: The Dedicated Fanbase

EXO‘s fandom, known as EXO-L, is one of the most passionate and dedicated fan communities in the world. Their support has helped EXO achieve numerous milestones, including topping charts and selling out arenas worldwide.

EXO’s Official Social Media Accounts

• Twitter: @weareoneEXO
• Instagram: @weareone.exo
• YouTube: EXO Official
• Facebook: @weareoneEXO