In the third generation of K-pop, EXO and BTS are the most prominent male groups. EXO ruled the boy group scene from 2012 to 2016, while BTS took over shortly after, with both groups maintaining massive fanbases and generating significant revenue.
Although it’s clear that both BTS and EXO are incredibly successful and wealthy, the question of which group is richer still remains unanswered.
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Is EXO Richer Than BTS?
In 2022, the South China Morning Post (SCMP), a reputable news source, published an article titled “5 Richest K-pop Groups of 2022, Net Worths Ranked,” offering insights into the financial success of some of the biggest names in K-pop.
According to this article, BTS ranked second on the list, with a total net worth estimated between 120 and 150 million USD. In contrast, EXO claimed the top spot, with their group net worth surpassing a remarkable 1 billion USD.
This difference in net worth indicates that by 2022, EXO’s collective wealth was approximately six times greater than that of BTS. As a result, EXO stands out as the richer group between the two.
While both BTS and EXO have achieved immense global success, earning substantial revenue through albums, merchandise, concerts, and brand partnerships, EXO’s overall financial standing is currently higher, solidifying their position as the wealthiest K-pop group at that time.
Why EXO Is Worth So Much
When the South China Morning Post article revealing EXO’s net worth of over 1 billion USD was first published, it caused quite a stir among fans and netizens alike. Many were shocked by the staggering figure, especially when compared to other K-pop groups. However, upon closer inspection, there are several key reasons behind EXO’s immense wealth, which fans have highlighted as contributing factors.
First and foremost, EXO debuted without any debt. Unlike BTS, who launched their career under a small company, Big Hit Entertainment (now HYBE), and faced significant financial struggles (including a debt of approximately 7.4 million USD), EXO’s debut was under SM Entertainment, a much larger and more established agency. SM Entertainment is known for its financial stability, which allows its trainees to debut debt-free, ensuring that EXO could focus on their careers without the financial burdens that some other groups had to overcome.
In addition to this, EXO’s rapid success played a huge role in their impressive net worth. While BTS took years to build their recognition and grow a substantial fanbase, EXO achieved top-tier status within just a year of debut. This quick rise to fame allowed them to generate significant income from the get-go. Moreover, EXO’s lineup included Chinese members, which helped them secure a large and loyal fanbase in China. The Chinese market has long been a lucrative one for K-pop, as fans there are known for their immense support and willingness to spend on merchandise, concerts, and fan events.
EXO’s early success in China, where they gained massive popularity, allowed them to earn substantial amounts from activities such as fansigns, concerts, and TV appearances, particularly those in China. These early ventures laid the foundation for their substantial wealth over time.
Another major factor behind EXO’s financial success is their prolific number of endorsement deals. Throughout their career, EXO has been known for securing lucrative partnerships with top brands, such as Samsung, Coca-Cola, Lotte Confectionery, and KFC, among others. These constant endorsement deals provided a steady stream of income for the group, further boosting their net worth.
On the other hand, while BTS has been successful in their career and has earned a significant amount, they faced different challenges. The lack of Chinese members in BTS meant that they were unable to tap into the lucrative Chinese market, especially after the Hallyu ban was imposed.
Additionally, BTS focused more on group activities, which meant they were slower to secure endorsement deals in their early years. These factors contributed to the financial gap between BTS and EXO, with EXO benefiting from an early and sustained presence in some of the most profitable markets in the world.
The Current Situation
As of 2022, EXO held a higher net worth than BTS, but the landscape has dramatically shifted since then, especially as we move into 2024 and 2025.
Over the past few years, BTS has significantly expanded its influence and wealth, largely through individual ventures. The members of BTS have collaborated with some of the world’s most prestigious luxury brands, such as Louis Vuitton, Valentino, Dior, Bottega Veneta, and Celine. These high-profile partnerships have not only enhanced their personal earnings but also reinforced BTS’s position as global fashion icons, adding substantial value to the group’s overall financial success.
Moreover, BTS’s popularity in Western markets has further boosted their earnings. Their breakthrough into the American music scene, coupled with continued success in other Western markets, has introduced them to a broader and more diverse audience. The resulting increase in streams, merchandise sales, and concert revenue from these regions has likely contributed to a significant rise in their overall net worth. Additionally, BTS’s ability to diversify its income streams—through solo projects, acting, media ventures, and global endorsements—has played a key role in driving their financial growth.
When comparing the two groups, it’s clear that BTS has likely surpassed EXO in total earnings due to their global success, diverse income sources, and substantial breakthrough in Western markets. While EXO’s net worth remains high due to their longstanding career and massive influence in Asia, BTS’s global expansion and high-profile collaborations in multiple industries have likely given them a higher net worth as of 2025.
Despite these developments, there is currently no public information on the exact earnings of either BTS or EXO in 2025. As a result, it’s unclear which group is currently wealthier. The situation remains uncertain, as both groups continue to build their legacies in different ways, with EXO continuing to capitalize on their long-standing success and BTS expanding their reach through solo ventures and international fame. Until more financial data becomes available, it’s difficult to definitively say which group is wealthier at this point.
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