Profile of EXO: 3rd Gen King that Stands Strong Through Multiple Issues (2024 Updated)

General Information

EXO is a boy group under SM Entertainment who made their official debut with the single “Mama” on April 8, 2012. Originally with 12 members, EXO now mostly promotes with an 8 member lineup. 

In particular, Kris and Luhan officially left the group in 2016, followed by Tao in 2018, although all three have gone on hiatus and filed a lawsuit against SM Entertainment quite a while prior. The only remaining Chinese member, Lay, has concluded his contract with SM Entertain and has not participated in any activities as EXO since 2022, but hasn’t announced a departure from EXO.

EXO is know to have multiple sub-units, including EXO-K (2012–2015), EXO-M (2012–2015), EXO-CBX (2016–present), and EXO-SC (2019–present).

Biography of EXO  

• Group name: EXO
• Debut date: 08/04/2012
• Company: SM Entertainment 
• Total member: 8 (previously 12)
• Members: Xiumin, Suho, Baekhyun, Chen, Chanyeol, D.O., Kai, Sehun
• Inactive member: Lay
• Former member: Luhan, Kris, Tao
• Fandom name: EXO-L

EXO Fandom

The fandom of EXO is called “EXO-L”. Here, the “L” stands for Love, and in alphabetical order, L is the 12th letter and links the letters K (EXO-K) and M (EXO-M). EXO-L is considered a sub-unit of EXO, so that EXO-K + EXO-L + EXO-M = One.

As in the band’s slogan “WE ARE ONE!”, meaning the band members and the fans are ONE. EXO-L is in charge of promoting worldwide the Love for EXO-K and EXO-M.

EXO also has an official fan color called “Cosmic Latte”

Official SNS channels of EXO

• Youtube: EXO Channel/SM Entertainment
• Instagram: @weareone.exo
• Twitter: @weareone.exo
• TikTok: @weareone.exo_official

Discography (excluding Sub-units and Solos)

1/ Korean

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)
• Don’t Mess Up My Tempo (2018)
• Love Shot (repackage) (2018)
• Obsession (2019)
• Exist (2023)

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)

Mini albums

• 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)

Digital singles

• “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

• “Lightsaber” (2015)

Collaborations

• “Dancing King” (2016)

2/ Japanese

Studio albums

• Countdown (2018)

Singles

• “Love Me Right ～Romantic Universe～” (2015)
• “Coming Over” (2016)
• “Bird” (2019)

Digital singles

• “Bird (EXO Planet 5 – EXplOration – in Japan)” (2020)
• “Bird (The Best Ver.)” (2023)

EXO Achievements

With the release of their debut studio album in 2013, EXO became the first South Korean artist in 12 years to sell over one million copies of an album. In fact, the boy group is said to have successfully revived physical album sales in Korea. 

EXO, who gained recognition shortly after their debut, is known to be a top boy group of the K-pop 3rd generation. They are considered a prominent force in the Hallyu Wave, which refers to the rise and spread of Korean pop culture around the world.

Additionally, EXO have won numerous awards both in South Korea and internationally. EXO have received 23 Daesang (Grand Prize) awards from various year-end award shows, including 6 from the Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA). The boy group also won over 100 music program awards, and once held the record for the most music show wins for a single song, with 18 for their 2015 released “Call Me Baby”.

On November 3, 2017, Exo 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.

Controversies

Member Departures and Legal Battles:

• Kris Wu: In May 2014, Kris filed a lawsuit against SM Entertainment to terminate his contract, citing health issues and mistreatment.
• Luhan: In October 2014, Luhan also filed a lawsuit to nullify his contract with SM Entertainment, citing similar reasons to Kris, including health issues and unfair treatment.
• Tao: In April 2015, Tao’s father publicly expressed his desire for Tao to leave the group due to health concerns. Tao subsequently filed a lawsuit against SM Entertainment in August 2015 to terminate his contract.

Chen’s Marriage and Fatherhood:

In January 2020, Chen announced his marriage and that his fiancée was pregnant. This news shocked fans, leading to mixed reactions. Some fans were supportive, but others felt betrayed and called for his removal from the group. Despite the controversy, SM Entertainment confirmed that Chen would remain part of EXO.

Lay’s Limited Participation:

Lay has had limited participation in EXO’s group activities since 2016 due to his solo activities in China and the strained political relations between South Korea and China. This has caused ongoing discussions among fans about his role in the group.

Chanyeol’s Personal Controversies:

Chanyeol: In October 2020, Chanyeol faced allegations from an anonymous individual claiming to be his ex-girlfriend, who accused him of infidelity during their relationship. SM Entertainment stated they had no official position on the matter, and Chanyeol remained silent, which led to mixed reactions from fans.

Baekhyun, Xiumin, and Chen’s Legal Dispute with SM Entertainment:

In June 2023, Baekhyun, Xiumin, and Chen initiated legal action against SM Entertainment over issues related to their contracts, specifically citing concerns about profit transparency and unfair contract terms. Eventually, the 2 parties reached an agreement and Baekhyun, Xiumin, and Chen established a new agency.

However, June 2024, a press conference was held regarding Baekhyun, Xiumin, and Chen’s dispute with SM again, this time revealing that SM has not conformed to previous agreements.