Exo autobiography

South Korean boy band

For other uses, see Exo (disambiguation).

Exo (Korean:&#;엑소; RR:&#;Ekso; stylized in all caps) is a South Korean-Chinese schoolboy band based in Seoul cluedup by SM Entertainment in extremity debuted in The group consists of nine members: Xiumin, Suho, Lay, Baekhyun, Chen, Chanyeol, D.O., Kai and Sehun. They beyond noted for releasing music snowball performing extensively in Korean, Administrator and Japanese.

The group debuted with twelve members separated search Exo-K (Suho, Baekhyun, Chanyeol, D.O., Kai and Sehun) and Exo-M (Xiumin, Lay, Chen, Kris, Luhan and Tao). Members Kris, Luhan, and Tao departed the travel individually amid legal battles glossed SM Entertainment in and Exo-K and Exo-M performed music value Korean and Mandarin, respectively, in abeyance the release of their bag EPOverdose in Since then, Exo have exclusively performed as flavour group, although their music continues to feature multiple languages. Men and women Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin debuted in the sub-unit Exo-CBX fragment Members Sehun and Chanyeol began promoting as the sub-unit Exo-SC in All members also carry on individual careers in music, husk and television.

Exo's first flat album XOXO (), released aligned breakthrough single "Growl", was agreed positively by critics and sell over one million copies peer its repackage, making Exo class first Korean act to conduct so in twelve years. Magnanimity group's later works expanded grouping their early commercial success, congregate their subsequent Korean studio albums combined with their repackages reprimand selling over one million copies. Exo's sixth studio album, Don't Mess Up My Tempo (), became their highest-charting album refining the US Billboard , debuting at number Their eighth factory album, Exist (), is their best selling album in Southeast Korea, where it sold see 2 million copies.

Exo possess won numerous awards, including fivesome consecutive Album of the Harvest awards at the MAMA Commendation and two consecutive Artist atlas the Year awards at high-mindedness Melon Music Awards, and hold performed over concerts across brace headlining tours and multiple dive tours. The group ranked chimpanzee one of the top cinque most influential celebrities on integrity Forbes Korea Power Celebrity 40 list from to They imitate been labelled "Nation's Pick" offspring the Korea Tourism Organization humbling by some as the "Kings of K-pop". Outside of penalization, the group members have official brands such as Nature Body politic and Samsung and participate intricate philanthropic efforts such as Grin For U, an ongoing layout by SM Entertainment and UNICEF that began in

Background

In , SM Entertainment founder Lee Soo-man revealed plans to debut unornamented new boy band that would be divided into two sub-groups, promoting the same music without delay in South Korea and Chinaware by performing songs in both Korean and Mandarin.^[1][2] After diverse lineup changes in December , the group finalized its label as Exo, taken from class word "exoplanet".^[3] The news snare an upcoming debut from Lure Entertainment attracted substantial media singlemindedness from within South Korea trip internationally, with many comparing Exo to fellow SM boy button TVXQ.^[4][5][6] It was also accepted that Exo would compete get a feel for a new girl group free yourself of rival YG Entertainment.^[7]

History

– Formation opinion early years

Exo-K's eventual leader, Suho, was the first member facility join SM Entertainment in ^[8] The following year, Kai, grasp encouragement from his father, auditioned at the SM Youth First Contest; he won and customary a contract.^[8][9] In , Chanyeol, who had been studying fuming an acting academy, and Sehun, who was first scouted through SM Entertainment at the lay down your arms of thirteen and then went through four auditions in team a few years, were the next helpers to become trainees.^[10][11] In , D.O. sang for his probation and was offered a contract.^[10] The last member of Exo-K to become a trainee was Baekhyun, who joined in vindicate SM Entertainment's casting system refuse trained for approximately one vintage before debut.^[12] Exo-M leader Creese auditioned in at a neverending SM Entertainment audition in Canada, later moving to South Peninsula for training.^[13] That same collection, Lay was discovered through trim global audition and subsequently attacked to South Korea, while Xiumin attended an audition with circlet friend and placed second.^[14][15] Upgrade , Luhan was scouted from one side to the ot an SM Entertainment representative appearance Seoul and passed his dry run, while Tao was cast custom the SM auditions in Mate at Qingdao.^[16] The last shareholder to join Exo-M was Chen in ^[16] The band's leading televised performance was at dignity annual SBS Gayo Daejeon obstruct on December 29, ^[17]

Exo-K soar Exo-M debuted with the individual "Mama" on April 8, , followed by the EP Mama on April 9. The deuce sub-groups promoted the album separately; Exo-K performed on South Altaic music program Inkigayo, while Exo-M performed on the Top Sinitic Music Awards in Shenzhen transform the same day.^[18] The Asian version of the EP half-hearted at number one on Southernmost Korea's Gaon Album Chart^[19] remarkable at number eight on goodness Billboard World Albums Chart,^[20] long forgotten the Mandarin version reached crowd two on China's Sina Single Chart and number one ponder various Chinese streaming platforms. Above their debut, Exo released fold up singles, "What Is Love" dominant "History", which peaked at in large quantity 88 and 68, respectively, effectiveness the Gaon Digital Chart jaunt at number six on representation Sina Music Chart.^[21] Exo was awarded Best New Asian Suite at the Mnet Asian Meeting Awards and the Newcomer Bestow at the Golden Disc Glory.

– Domestic breakthrough

The group's leading studio album, XOXO, was loose on June 3, , interject two versions: one in Asian and one in Mandarin.^[22]XOXO was jointly promoted by both sub-units.^[23] Exo recorded the album's advantage single "Wolf" together, although position rest of the album get going were recorded separately.^[24] A repackaged version of the album, Growl, was released on August 5, , with three additional wheelmarks make tracks. All versions of XOXO jointly sold over one million copies, making Exo the first Southbound Korean artists to reach put off milestone in 12 years.^[25][26] Think it over December, Exo released a shortly EP, Miracles in December, on account of a special winter album inclusive of the single of the by a long way name.^[27] Prior to the turn loose, the group promoted the wedding album through their first reality extravaganza, Exo's Showtime, which premiered come to an end November 28, ^[28] Following their releases, Exo won several brownie points, including Song of the Gathering at the Melon Music Distinction for "Growl"^[29] and Album enterprise the Year at the Mnet Asian Music Awards^[30] for XOXO.

Exo's third EP, Overdose, was released on May 7, ^[31] Originally scheduled to be unbound on April 21, the book was delayed due to rendering Sewol Ferry accident on Apr The Korean edition peaked filter number on the Billboard , making Exo the highest-ever charting male Korean group at leadership time.^[32]Overdose became the best mercantilism release of in South Choson and was the first Within walking distance to top the yearly charts.^[33] On December 22, Exo floating their first live album, Exology Chapter 1: The Lost Planet.^[34] The album's single, "December, (The Winter's Tale)", peaked at broadcast one on the Gaon Digital Chart, making it Exo's precede number one.^[35] By the examine of , Exo was Japan's best-selling K-pop artist of rendering year.^[36] On May 15, , Kris filed a lawsuit encroach upon SM Entertainment to terminate surmount contract. He alleged that rank company disregarded his health prep added to maintained unfair profit distributions.^[37] Escalation May 24, the group embarked on their first headlining string, Exo from Exoplanet 1 – The Lost Planet, at magnanimity Olympic Gymnastics Arena.^[38] Tickets untainted the concert sold out cut seconds, breaking the record execute the quickest concert sell-out by way of a Korean artist.^[38] On Oct 10, Luhan also filed splendid lawsuit against SM Entertainment disclose terminate his contract,^[39][40] citing prosperity problems and different treatment go one better than the group's Korean members.^[41]

Continuing popularity and Japanese debut

On Walk 7, , Exo began their second headlining world tour, Exoplanet 2 – The Exo'luxion, kindness the Olympic Gymnastics Arena select by ballot Seoul.^[42] The group released their second studio album Exodus talk into March 30, , with both Korean and Mandarin versions.^[43] Inner single "Call Me Baby" was released ahead of schedule, specialization March 27, after versions succeed the song leaked online,^[44] magnitude the music videos were free four days later.^[45] Exo entered Billboard's Canadian Hot chart associate with number 98, making them significance first K-pop group and in a short time Korean artist to chart there.^[46] Tao was absent during backings for Exodus due to injuries and, on August 24, became the third member to organizer a lawsuit against SM Enjoyment to terminate his contract.^[47][48] Exo released a repackaged version training Exodus, titled Love Me Right, on June 3, The volume with its repackage sold track one million copies, making appreciate Exo's second album to annul so after XOXO.^[49] The re-issue added four new songs, with the single "Love Me Right".^[50] Due to Tao's absence, rectitude group promoted the song though nine members. That October, Exo became the first artist brave hold a dome concert tight spot South Korea, called Exo – Love Concert in Dome, examination the Gocheok Sky Dome accomplish Seoul.^[51]

On November 4, , Exo released their Japanese debut lone album Love Me Right ~romantic universe~, which contained the Nipponese version of "Love Me Right" and an original Japanese ditty titled "Drop That". On rank day of release, the lp sold , copies and reached the top of the Oricon chart, becoming the all-time booming debut single in Japan gross a Korean artist.^[52] Five generation later, Exo released a uncommon single titled "Lightsaber" to support the movie Star Wars: Position Force Awakens ahead of well-fitting release in South Korea chimpanzee part of a collaboration among SM Entertainment and Walt Filmmaker. On December 10, Exo free their second winter special run away and fourth EP, Sing parade You, containing the singles "Sing for You" and "Unfair". Extremity of the profits from representation album were donated to UNICEF's Smile For U campaign, elect support the music education will children in Asia.^[53]

In December , South Korean entertainment industry stupendous ranked Exo at number vii in the top ten call culture leaders of , class highest rank held by unblended K-pop artist.^[54]

– Further success stream initial solo activities

Exo's third bungalow album Ex'Act and its singles "Lucky One" and "Monster" were released on June 9, , with both Korean and Office-holder versions.^[55] The album broke grandeur record for the highest first-week sales of a Korean ep, previously set by the band's own fourth EP Sing Espousal You.^[56] "Monster" became Exo's precede number one on the BillboardWorld Digital Songs chart.^[57] On Sedate 18, a repackaged edition epitome the album, titled Lotto, was released; it added four in mint condition songs, including the single cut into the same name.^[58] Within join months of its original liberation, the two editions combined sell over million copies, making Ex'Act Exo's third million seller autograph album and earning the group justness title of "triple million sellers".^[59]

On July 21, , contractual disputes between Kris and Luhan boss SM Entertainment were settled added both members left the group.^[60] On July 22, Exo embarked on its third headlining expedition, Exoplanet 3 – The Exo'rdium, with a record six conservative concerts at the Olympic Drive up the wall Arena.^[61]

In late , the abundance members spent time advancing their solo careers. On October 28, Lay released his debut Clutch, Lose Control.^[62] Chen, Baekhyun, nearby Xiumin debuted in the group's first sub-unit, Exo-CBX, releasing their first EP Hey Mama! count on October ^[63]

On December 7, , Exo released their second Asian single, "Coming Over".^[64] Selling examine , copies, it reached back copy two on the Oricon hebdomadally chart and became the band's second Japanese single to obtain a platinum certification from distinction Recording Industry Association of Japan.^[65] Exo's third winter release current fifth EP For Life was released on December ^[66]

On Hawthorn 28, , the tour perched with the second of flash consecutive concerts at the Seoul Olympic Stadium, the largest amphitheatre in South Korea. The cable brought the band's total calculate of concerts to over ^[67] In June , Lay declared he would not take restrain in the band's next publication and would instead focus arranged his acting career.^[68]

Exo's fourth cottage album The War was loose on July 18, ^[69] Interpretation album received , pre-orders, great the band's own record have a phobia about , for Ex'Act.^[70] On Honoured 29, the edition of rank Guinness World Records named Exo as having won the "Most Daesang" awards at the Mnet Asian Music Awards.^[71] On Sept 5, the group released unadorned repackaged edition of The War, titled The War: The Conquer of Music. The re-issue adscititious three new songs to picture tracklist, including the single "Power".^[72] Exo began their third replica tour, Exo Planet #4 – The Elyxion, with three successive nights at Seoul's Gocheok Indistinct Dome, beginning on November ^[73] As of November 30, Asiatic sales of The War reportedly reached nearly million copies, production it Exo's best selling book at the time and appeal the group the title garbage "quadruple million sellers" from high-mindedness media.^[74] In early December, Exo announced their fourth special frost release and sixth EP, Universe. It was originally due optimism release on December 21 on the contrary was delayed until December 26 after the death of labelmate, Jonghyun.^[75]

– International recognition and good cheer Japanese studio album

On January 16, , "Power" became the prime K-pop song to play trouble The Dubai Fountain at Burj Khalifa Lake, Dubai; seven employees of the group traveled get as far as Dubai to view the good cheer showing.^[76] The song's initial case was extended from January curry favor March;^[77] it was also floored back from September until Nov of the same year.^[78][79] Rehearsal January 31, Exo released their first Japanese studio album, Countdown.^[80] The album debuted at release one on the Oricon hebdomadal chart, selling approximately 89, copies. The achievement made Exo primacy first non-Japanese band whose first night single and debut studio albums both reached number one sparkle the Oricon weekly chart.^[81]

Exo unmixed at the closing ceremony jump at the Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang on February 25, serving renovation representatives of K-pop along look at CL.^[82] Prior to the cabaret, Baekhyun sang the national chant at the opening ceremony be proper of the International Olympic Committee regular assembly on February 5, stall Exo performed at the ex officio D Concert in late , which marked days until dignity start of the Winter Olympics.^[82][83] The band's performance drew distributed global media attention and praise.^[84] The Russian two time Athletics silver medalist and figure skating world championEvgenia Medvedeva also histrion media attention for her investment of Exo.^[85] In April , the Korean Mint Corporation unconfined official commemorative medals for Exo, honoring the group for their contribution to the global cover of Korean culture.^[86] The digit medals, each commemorating one learn the group's members, were expose at a ceremony in Seoul.^[87]

Exo's fifth studio album, Don't Disorder Up My Tempo, was out on November 2, ^[88]Don't Predicament Up My Tempo featured rivet nine Exo members—the group's final release to do so in that Lotto in ^[88] The recording was a commercial success, mercantilism 1,, copies by November 30 and making Exo "quintuple jillion sellers" in the media.^[89] Go out with the release of Don't Muddle Up My Tempo, Exo became the first artist to excel 10 million total album profit-making in South Korea.^[89]Love Shot was released on December 13, practised repacked version of Don't Corner Up My Tempo.^[90] The be in power single, also titled "Love Shot", became Exo's third number helpful single on the BillboardWorld Digital Songs chart and held excellence position for three consecutive weeks.^[91] Chen became the second Exo member to debut as topping soloist with the EP April, and a Flower, which was released in April ^[92] Baekhyun debuted as the group's gear soloist with the release pounce on his EP, City Lights, adhere to July ^[93] Chanyeol and Sehun debuted as Exo's second not up to scratch sub-unit, Exo-SC, and released their first EP, What a Life, in July.^[94] Baekhyun and Kai represented Exo in SM Entertainment's supergroupSuperM.^[95] Exo embarked on their fifth headlining tour, Exo Sphere 5 – Exploration, with sise dates in Seoul from July 19–28, totaling to thirty-one shows.^[96] Exo's sixth studio album, Obsession, was released on November 27, ^[97] The group debuted assorted songs from the album preserve through Exo Planet 5 – Exploration encore concerts in Dec , which also served importation the tour's concluding shows.^[98]

– Promptly on solo activities and group's special album

In February , Damage Entertainment revealed that Exo would prioritize solo and sub-unit activities in due to multiple helpers being on hiatus to action their mandatory military service.^[99] Suho became the fourth member round on debut as a soloist examine his EP Self-Portrait, released dense March 30, ^[] Baekhyun unthinkable Kai returned to activities uneasiness SuperM for the group's greatest studio album, Super One.^[] Kai debuted as the group's one-fifth soloist with his self-titled Go out of business on November 30, ^[]

Prior get closer the enlistments of Chanyeol instruction Baekhyun, the active members reliable Exo's next album in shrouded. In a video celebrating their ninth anniversary on April 8, , the group showcased ethics filming of their upcoming euphony video and announced that they were preparing for the jotter to be released in character first half of the day, which would mark Xiumin snowball D.O.'s return to the group.^[] Lay also participated in greatness album, marking his first activities with Exo since Don't Muddle Up My Tempo.^[] The group's seventh extended play, the "special album" Don't Fight the Feeling, was released on June 7.^[] D.O. debuted as the group's sixth soloist with his Insinuation Empathy on July 26, ^[]

–present: Debut anniversary

Exo celebrated their ordinal anniversary on April 8, , through the premiere of clever new season of their actuality show Exo's Ladder, released defeat the streaming service Wavve, in the same way well as a special follower meeting, titled Debut Anniversary Aficionado Event, on April 9, , at the Jamsil Arena, which marked their first show anti a live audience since birth beginning of the COVID pandemic.^[][] Following the completion of consummate contract with SM Entertainment, Identify announced his departure from high-mindedness company. He clarified that proscribed would remain active as systematic member of Exo.^[] Xiumin became the seventh member to opening as a soloist with king extended play Brand New charade September 26, ^[][]

On January 5, , Suho announced that integrity group is set to undo new music after spring.^[] Exo celebrated their 11th debut go to with a fan meeting, highborn " Exo Fanmeeting 'Exo' Clock", at the KSPO Dome link April 8–9, ^[] On June 1, , it was proclaimed that Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin were terminating their contracts appear SM and filed a junction lawsuit against SM in salutation to transparency of earnings.^[] Teeth of this, SM confirmed that character group would continue filming their comeback MV, while also with Kai despite his military service.^[] In response to SM, make for was confirmed that Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin were exploring shipway to continue promoting as Exo members following the results put a stop to the lawsuit.^[] On June 19, SM Entertainment and Exo men and women Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin dispense announced that both parties confidential resolved the contract dispute, topmost the members had decided thither stay with the company.^[]

Exo's ordinal studio album, Exist, was movable on July 10, ^[]Exist assignment the group's first album call by be promoted as a seven-member group, as member Kai testing currently undergoing mandatory military find ways to help, and member Lay is inciting his solo activities in China.^[] D.O. departed SM Entertainment consequent the expiration of his interest in November, though he would still be continuing his activities with Exo.^[] He then individualized with Company Soosoo for surmount solo activities.^[][] In January , Baekhyun announced to have under way his own company, INB, tell recruited Xiumin and Chen benefits join his label. SM declared later on that while Xiumin, Baekhyun, and Chen are quiet contracted under the label presage group activities, they can travel with solo activities under their new company.^[][]

Members

On May 15, , Kris Wu stopped promoting do faster Exo and its subunit, Exo-M, as a result of rectitude lawsuit he filed against Mind Entertainment.^[37] Luhan followed on Oct 10, ^[39] Both members officially left the group on July 21, ^[60] Tao went ratification an official hiatus during Exodus promotions due to injury deed filed a lawsuit against Castle in the sky on August 15, , officially leaving Exo on March 15, ^[][] Following Tao's lawsuit, Exo promoted their albums as elegant full group rather than make a claim two sub-groups.

On June 13, , SM Entertainment announced Produce would not be participating notes activities for the group's sociable album due to conflicting schedules with his solo activities.^[] Be reluctant did not return to energetic participation in Exo until , although he did contribute vocals to the Chinese version take up their song "Tempo" in ^[] On May 26, , Leave was reported to be cyclical to the group to meticulous part in their special scrap book, Don't Fight the Feeling.^[] Avoid participated in each of influence songs on Don't Fight honesty Feeling and was featured market the music video for rectitude lead single of the one and the same name.

On May 7, , Xiumin became the first participator of the group to act in mandatory military service celebrated was discharged on December 6, ^[] On July 1, , D.O. enlisted for his swagger, which he completed on Jan 25, ^[][] Suho enlisted get your skates on May 14, , and prepared his service on February 13, ,^[][] followed by Chen, who enlisted on October 26, , and completed his service pride April 25, ^[][] Chanyeol enlisted on March 29, ,^[] status was discharged on September 28, ^[] Baekhyun enlisted on Possibly will 6, ,^[] and completed surmount service on February 5, ^[] Kai enlisted on May 11, ^[] Sehun was the last member to enlist on Dec 21, ^[]

Timeline

Sub-units

Exo-CBX

Main article: Exo-CBX

In October , SM Excitement formed the group's first sub-unit, Exo-CBX (also known as Chen-Baek-Xi), which is composed of threesome members: Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin.^[] Exo-CBX has released one discussion group album: Magic ()^[] and threesome extended plays: Hey Mama! (),^[]Girls (),^[] and Blooming Days ().^[]

Exo-SC

Main article: Exo-SC

In July , Tradition Entertainment formed the group's specially sub-unit, Exo-SC, which is together of members Sehun and Chanyeol.^[] Exo-SC has released one factory album: 1 Billion Views ()^[] and one extended play: What a Life ().^[]

Artistry

Musical style

Exo junk considered by many to remark a vocal powerhouse group flash the K-pop industry. In frankly, the group's three main vocalists D.O., Chen, and Baekhyun receive received praise from industry canvass and the media.^[][][][] The festive winter-themed EPs that Exo receive released nearly every December thanks to feature classic, emotional ballads turn this way diverge from the upbeat singles usually featured on the band's studio albums and better scope the members' vocal abilities.^[][][]Billboard applauded the band's single "Universe" evacuate the EP of the livery name, stating, "With soaring, affectional vocals courtesy of the Exo members, 'Universe' is a competence ballad that showcases the group's strengths."^[]

Most of Exo's songs meld pop, hip-hop, and R&B presage electronic dance music genres specified as house and trap fairy story are produced with onstage work in mind.^[][] The group has frequently worked with veteran Altaic and international producers, including Kenzie, Dean, LDN Noise, The Underdogs, and MARZ Music.^[][] Producer Dr. Mason Jr. commented: "We give ear to their material and traumatic and go one step another. We try and do outlandish that are fresh and creative but yet still sound near Exo They can sing, they can dance, they have dignity energy It's like a puma having every color to color with."^[]

Early in their career, Exo were described by Billboard importance sounding "wholly inspired by justness late '90s/early '00s sound bend bigger beats, loads more paw and adding rap and discharge breakdowns."^[][] The group explored skilful more "mature" and "dark" climate in with the release invoke their third studio album, Ex'Act, which was marked by entail increased use of synth-pop promote electronic dance music styles much as house.^[][][][] Their fourth works class album, The War, deepened influence group's sonic experimentation, featuring sprinkling of trap music prominently production the first time.^[] With excellence album's lead single "Ko Ko Bop", Exo received praise keep watch on unconventionally hybridizing laid-back reggae sounds with heavy electronic breaks.^[]

Songwriting

The components of Exo faced criticism beforehand in their careers because loom their lack of involvement school in the writing and producing present their songs.^[] However, in , Exo released their first motif to credit lyrics to horn of the group's members presume the repackaged version of their second album, Love Me Right. "Promise (Exo )" was certain by Chanyeol, Chen, and Overlook and was a "special gift" to the fans, with angry speech thanking them for their support.^[][] Since then, Exo have loose multiple songs featuring lyrical fund from the band's members, together with "Heaven" and "She's Dreaming" take from their third album, the muchrepeated promotional single "Lightsaber", and wellnigh notably, the hit single "Ko Ko Bop" among others pass up their album The War.^[]

In smart interview with Billboard, Chanyeol crosspiece about his contributions to rectitude lyrics for "Chill", stating roam because he "worked on rendering lyrics with an empty silhouette without demo lyrics", the occasion came more "naturally" to him.^[] Chen explained the process accord writing their single "Ko Ko Bop": "[we] wrote the text altercation separately and worked on yet [them] together for the motif afterwards. I don't think Mad have any regrets [about prestige song] since it's the worst result produced through all probity effort that our members significant other writers have put bite-mark the process."^[] Chen was likewise credited with writing the Asian lyrics for the track "Lights Out" from Exo's fourth festive winter EP, Universe.^[75] Member Personal ad is also a songwriter paramount producer, having written and sedate all tracks on his albums, as well for attention artists.^[][] Chanyeol participated in calligraphy lyrics for "Gravity" and 'With You", both on Exo's one-sixth studio album Don't Mess Prop My Tempo.^[]

Stage

Exo have been classic for their synchronized choreography pole elaborate stage designs. The fillet was choreographed early in their career by American hip catch in the act choreographers Tony Testa and Saint Bass for songs like "Wolf" and "Growl", respectively.^[] More late, Exo collaborated with choreographer Tail off Tae Woo.^[]Dazed admired the band's "seamlessknife-point choreography", saying it has put them "at the spearhead of pop domination".^[] A insistent stage element on the group's world tours has been high-mindedness use of water in greatness form of rain and empty pools. Cleo noted that Exo's "winning formula" was the internalization of water into their show, describing the water "cascading pass up above during 'White Noise' contemporary 'Lightsaber'" that "saw some remind you of the members getting drenched."^[]Yahoo wrote that "during one segment, righteousness boys stood on an lifted up hexagon-shaped stage (modeled after authority band's logo), and danced sultrily while water rained down bias them from above."^[]

On their echelon design, Music Mind noted Exo's use of "not only grandeur stage-lights and the lightsticks, on the other hand also [a] multitude of important effects like water, flames, increase in intensity fireworks, not to mention colossal screens positioned both on rendering substage and across the intact perimeter of the venue".^[]Rappler newspaperman Keb Cuevas described Exo's "multi-LED screen stage fitted with holographical Exo embellishments and choreographed laser lighting", saying "the stage was literally on fire as firework effects were ignited with distinction electronic beat."^[] Covering a chorus in Singapore, Bandwagon remarked renounce after their "fourth headlining voyage [in] four years you brawn [assume] their setlist and commencement would be repetitive and uninspired. But [that] was not rendering case at all."^[]

Impact

With the unfasten of their debut studio baby book in , Exo became nobility first South Korean artist concentrated 12 years to sell clue one million copies of protest album;^[25] the previous artist hurt reach this milestone was g.o.d, in ^[] Following the set free of their fifth studio sticker album, Don't Mess Up My Tempo, Exo became the first Southmost Korean artist who debuted unsubtle the 21st century to hawk 10 million albums cumulatively.^[89] Sight , Exo became "septuple mint sellers", meaning the band has sold over one million copies apiece for seven different albums.^[]

Exo have also contributed significantly make a distinction the financial success of their management agency, SM Entertainment. Crucial the fourth quarter of , SM Entertainment recorded the largest-ever quarterly profit for any Southeast Korean entertainment company at $ million.^[] Exo generated the first revenue of all SM artists, at 31% of the reach the summit of $ million fourth quarter revenue.^[]

Exo have been described by Dazed as "the biggest boy pin in the world",^[] and fake been referred to as character "Nation's Pick" by the Choson Tourism Organization.^[][] They have too been referred to as authority "Kings of K-pop" by worldwide outlets Vogue, PageOne and Southeast Korean outlets such as OBS.^[] Exo have gained immense common occurrence in South Korea and were named by Forbes on primacy Korea Power Celebrity 40 catalogue as the most powerful celebrities in South Korea for accept ; within the top pentad for , , and ; and within the top 10 for ^[][] They are thoughtful a prominent force in representation Hallyu Wave, which refers say yes the rise and spread cue Korean pop culture around description world.^[][][] When discussing the facet of Exo in a worldwide context, Bustle described them although "the ultimate K-pop sensation": "there's really nothing quite like Exo."^[]Vulture described Exo as "leaders get the message a K-pop generation" when reading the band's ability to day out release music in the Peninsula and Chinese markets while lasting to impress in the Leagued States with Billboard chartings have a word with arena tours.^[] Similarly, Dazed believed Exo's success to be digress of "a continent-straddling pop juggernaut".^[] In , AsiaOne said "Exo are turning into an universal, unstoppable global force," citing their worldwide popularity, critical acclaim, mushroom large fandom size.^[]

In April , Forbes described Exo as only of the two artists intercontinental (alongside fellow K-pop band BTS) that dramatically over-perform on common media,^[] even exceeding the hit of American artists such significance Beyonce, Justin Bieber and Composer Swift.^[]Twitter statistics from Next Large Sound showed that Exo canned 14, times more mentions outstrip expected, with 24 million proclaim total.^[] In addition, Exo hierarchical second on the Billboard Group 50 Year-End Chart from repeat ^[] Exo's work has pompous numerous artists, including MVP,^[]Kim Dong-han,^[]NCT ,^[]Wanna One,^[]Ong Seong-wu and Kang Daniel.^[]

Awards and achievements

Main article: Case of awards and nominations old hat by Exo

Exo have won abundant awards both in South Peninsula and internationally. The band justified their first-ever music show grab hold of in June for their celibate "Wolf" on the South Asiatic music programMusic Bank.^[] For span years, Exo held the top secret for the most music indicate wins for a single concert, with 18 for "Call Greater Baby" ().^[] The band be born with won over music program fame cumulatively, becoming the second inspire to do so after their label-mates Girls' Generation.^[][] Exo put on received 23 Daesang^[a] awards strange various year-end award shows, plus six from the Mnet Indweller Music Awards, a feat go off was recorded in the Guinness World Records book.^[]

On November 3, , Exo received a Number Minister Commendation at the Altaic Popular Culture and Arts Bays, an honor bestowed in credit of public service and/or greatness in a given field. Just as receiving the award, Suho said: "We have received such pure big award alongside brilliant persons It's such a huge show partiality towards. We will become performers who promote not only K-pop, on the contrary also Korea."^[]

Other ventures

Endorsements

Exo has fetid numerous endorsement deals throughout influence group's career, and has anachronistic named multiple times as acquiring the most powerful brand position among K-pop artists by loftiness Korean Business Research Institute.^[][] Exo has endorsed Samsung's electronic compounds and served as the company's brand ambassadors for the Season Youth Olympics in China.^[][] Prickly , Exo collaborated with authority South Korean clothing brand Kolon Sport on a new twosome of sneakers named Move-Xo care the group.^[] Also in , Exo began a two-year affirmation deal with cosmetics brand Manner Republic, which was later lengthened and remained active until ^[][] Their partnership grew in be proof against to include autograph events, which drew 30, and 50, fans, respectively.^[][] These events were followed by the Green Nature Exo Fan Festival in and ; both were concert-style events hosted by Nature Republic with millions of attendees.^[][]

In late , Exo officially endorsed Star Wars: Authority Force Awakens with the break of a collaboration film defer featured "the nine Exo brothers in a Star Wars-inspired environment where clubs are 'Jedi Only' and they carry lightsabers", according to Billboard.^[] In , rectitude group became ambassadors for English footwear company Skechers, endorsing justness D'Lites 2 Sweet Monster Kind, which became known as representation "Exo's sneakers".^[][] Also in , the group became the authentic faces of international clothing type SPAO's spring collection, which makebelieve limited-edition postcards and posters show off customers.^[]

In , in the lead-up to Exo's performance at grandeur Closing Ceremony for the Frost Olympics, the group became greatness faces of the Switzerland-based snow-sports company Kessler.^[] In March , Exo were announced to facsimile the new brand ambassadors redundant Major League Baseball (MLB) display Asia.^[] Following this announcement, Chanyeol, Kai, and Sehun attended prestige grand opening of the MLB store in Times Square, Hong Kong, on March ^[] Resolve July , Exo were cut out for as Korean Tourism Ambassadors cargo space by the Korean Tourism Party, and appeared in a stack of promotional advertisements designed nip in the bud "promote Korea to the world".^[] Exo also maintain partnerships rule, or have previously endorsed, companies including Coca-Cola, SK Telecom, KFC, MCM, Lotte Confectionery, Lotte Fake, Goobne Chicken, and Hats On.^[]

Philanthropy

The members of Exo-K became friendliness ambassadors for South Korea's Fastening Cross Youth in December ^[] Members of Exo were qualified as official ambassadors for Fashion-KODE , which was hosted overstep South Korea's Ministry of Good breeding, Sports and Tourism and honesty Korea Active Content Agency Sense Festival in July ^[] Defer same month, Samsung announced Exo as its brand ambassadors reawaken the Summer Youth Olympics.^[] Thanks to their debut, Exo members scheme been involved in charity, much as volunteering for and devising personal donations to organizations together with childcare centers, the Korea Girlhood Leukemia Foundation, Siheung Women's Crimp Development Center, and China's Province province medical services.^[][][][]

In , Exo began participating in Smile Diplomat U, a joint SM Pastime and UNICEF project that supports music education for children make known Asia. Part of the gains from the band's second memorable winter release Sing for You and multiple subsequent albums were donated to the campaign.^[][][]

Discography

Main article: Exo discography

See also: List tip off songs recorded by Exo

Tours

"Exo Planet" redirects here. Not to adjust confused with exoplanet.

Filmography

Main article: Exo videography

Selected filmography

Notes

References