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General Information about EXO
EXO is a prominent boy band managed by SM Entertainment, which debuted on April 8, 2012, with their single “Mama.” Initially a 12-member act, the band currently operates mostly with an 8-member lineup.
Members Kris and Luhan left the group in 2016, and Tao followed in 2018 after filing lawsuits and undergoing a hiatus from activities with SM Entertainment. Lay, the only Chinese member left, has also been inactive since 2022 following the end of his contract, though no official departure has been announced.
The group has several sub-units to its name; EXO-K and EXO-M were active from 2012 to 2015, EXO-CBX has been active since 2016 to the present day, and EXO-SC has been active from 2019 to the present day.
EXO Biography Details
- Group’s official name: EXO
- Launch date: April 8, 2012
- Managing company: SM Entertainment
- Total current members: 8 (originally 12)
- Active members include: Xiumin, Suho, Baekhyun, Chen, Chanyeol, D.O., Kai, Sehun
- Inactive status: Lay
- Former members: Luhan, Kris, and Tao
- Fanclub designation: EXO-L
The EXO Fandom Experience
EXO’s devoted fans are known as “EXO-L,” where the “L” stands for Love. It also plays on the alphabet, sitting between K (for EXO-K) and M (for EXO-M), symbolizing the link between the subunits, and intends to express that the fans, collectively known as EXO-L, together with EXO-K and EXO-M, are one.
“WE ARE ONE!” is the catchphrase representing the unity between the band and the fans. EXO-L is recognized as a support sub-unit that promotes the group globally. Also, the official fan color is designated as “Cosmic Latte.”
EXO’s Official Social Networks
- Official YouTube: EXO Channel/SM Entertainment
- Instagram Profile: @weareone.exo
- Twitter Handle: @weareone.exo
- TikTok ID: @weareone.exo_official
EXO’s Discography Overview (excluding Sub-units and Solos)
1/ Korean Releases
Full-length studio albums list:
- XOXO (2013)
- Exodus (2015) and its repackage Love Me Right
- Ex’act (2016) and its repackage Lotto
- The War (2017) and its repackage The Power Of Music
- Don’t Mess Up My Tempo (2018) and its repackage Love Shot
- Obsession (2019)
- Exist (2023)
Live album releases:
- 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)
Mini album releases:
- Mama (as EXO-K & EXO-M) (2012)
- Overdose (as EXO-K & EXO-M) (2014)
Releases of special albums:
- Miracles in December (2013)
- Sing For You (2015)
- For Life (2016)
- Universe (2017)
- Don’t Fight The Feeling (2021)
Digital single releases:
- “What Is Love” (2012)
- “History” (2012)
- “Monster (LDN Noise Creeper Bass Remix)” (2016)
- “Power (Remixes)” (2017)
- “Let Me In” (2023)
- “Hear Me Out” (2023)
Promotional singles:
Collaborations:
- “Dancing King” (2016)
2/ Japanese Discography
Japanese studio albums:
Singles in Japanese:
- “Love Me Right ～Romantic Universe～” (2015)
- “Coming Over” (2016)
- “Bird” (2019)
Japanese digital singles:
- “Bird (EXO Planet 5 – EXplOration – in Japan)” (2020)
- “Bird (The Best Ver.)” (2023)
EXO’s Landmark Achievements
EXO set a milestone as the first South Korean artist in over a decade to achieve over one million album sales with their 2012 album release. They played a significant role in the resurgence of physical CD sales in South Korea.
EXO is considered an influential figure in the Hallyu Wave—the phenomenon of Korean pop culture’s global spread—and is seen as a leading K-pop group of their generation.
EXO has been honored with many awards, both domestically and internationally, including 23 Daesang awards and over 100 music program awards. Their single “Call Me Baby” broke the record for the most music show wins for any song at the time, with 18 wins.
On November 3, 2017, EXO received the Prime Minister Commendation at the Korean Popular Culture and Arts Awards for their service and prowess in their field.
EXO’s Controversy and Disputes Narrative
EXO has faced various controversies over the years:
- Kris Wu’s contract termination lawsuit in May 2014 against SM Entertainment due to health and mistreatment issues.
- Luhan followed the same path as Kris in October 2014 with a similar lawsuit against the company.
- Tao’s father expressed his desire for Tao to leave the group in April 2015, leading Tao to file a lawsuit to end his contract in August of the same year.
Chen’s marriage announcement in January 2020 and the subsequent discovery that he was to become a father received mixed fan reactions; some were supportive and others called for his departure from EXO. Chen continued with EXO despite the dissenting voices.
Lay’s limited present involvement in EXO’s activities can be attributed to his focus on solo pursuits in China and geopolitical tensions between South Korea and China, leading to fan discussions about his future with the group.
Chanyeol faced infidelity accusations in October 2020 made by an individual who claimed to be his ex-girlfriend. SM Entertainment did not comment on the allegations, and Chanyeol himself did not respond publicly, which caused varying reactions among fans.
In June 2023, Baekhyun, Xiumin, and Chen pursued legal resolution regarding their contracts with SM Entertainment, citing transparency and contract fairness issues. They later settled and established a new company. However, in June 2024, the trio called out SM for not adhering to previous agreements during a press conference.
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FAQ about EXO
Who are the current members of EXO?
The current active members of EXO are Xiumin, Suho, Baekhyun, Chen, Chanyeol, D.O., Kai, and Sehun.
What does “EXO-L” stand for?
“EXO-L” stands for EXO-Love, implying that the fans, together with EXO-K and EXO-M, make one complete group. The “L” also symbolizes the fans as the 12th member of the group, sitting between the letters K and M in alphabetical order.
How many Daesang awards has EXO won?
EXO has won 23 Daesang (Grand Prize) awards from various year-end award shows to date.
Have any members left EXO?
Yes, Kris, Luhan, and Tao have left EXO due to legal disputes with SM Entertainment regarding their contracts.
Has EXO received any national commendations for their work?
Yes, EXO received a Prime Minister Commendation at the Korean Popular Culture and Arts Awards on November 3, 2017.
