Overview of EXO
EXO is a nine-member South Korean boy group under SM Entertainment, based in Seoul which debuted in 2012. The group is popular for releasing music and performing extensively in Korean, Japanese and Mandarin after its debut on 8 April 2012. The group’s nine members are Xiumin, Suho, Lay, Baekhyun, Chen, Chanyeol, D.O., Kai and Sehun.
Originally, the group was formed with twelve members, but separated into EXO-K, including meambers Suho, Baekhyun, Chanyeol, D.O., Kai and Sehun, and EXO-M Xiumin, Lay, Chen, Kris, Luhan and Tao. However, amid legal battles with SM Entertainment in 2014 and 2015, the members Kris, Luhan, and Tao departed the group individually.
In 2016, members Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin debuted in the sub-unit Exo-CBX and 2019, Sehun and Chanyeol began promoting as the sub-unit Exo-SC. At the same time, each member maintains an individual career in television, films and music.
History, Formation & More
Pre-debut
In 2006, Suho, EXO-K’s leader joined SM Entertainment and Kai received a contract after winning the audition at the SM Youth Best Contest in the following year. Chanyeol joined the agency in 2008, D.O. joined in 2010 and Baekhyun became the last person of EXO-K to join SM Entertainment.
In 2011, the founder of SM Entertainment, Lee Soo-man revealed his plans to debut a new boy band performing songs in both Korean and Mandarin to promote the same music in South Korea and China simultaneously. He also announced that the boyband group would be divided into two sub-groups, which were later named Exo-K and Exo-M.
After several lineup changes, the group finalized its name as Exo in December 2011. The name was taken from the word ‘exoplanet’. On April 8 2012, both groups debuted with the single ‘Mama’.
Before their debut, they released two singles, ‘What Is Love’ and ‘History’. At the 2012 Mnet Asian Music Awards, it was awarded Best New Asian Group and also won the Newcomer Award at the Golden Disc Awards.
Initial Breakthrough
EXO made their debut on 3 June 2013 with the studio album, ‘XOXO’ in Korean and Mandarin. Exo-K and Exo-M jointly promoted it. With additional tracks, on 5 August 2013, they released a repackaged version of the album, ‘Growl’.
They became the first South Korean artist to collectively sell over one million copies of all versions of XOXO in 12 years. The same year in December, they released a special winter album, ‘Miracles in December’, which has a single of the same name.
On 7 May 2014, they released their third EP, ‘Overdose’ and its Korean edition peaked at number 129 on the Billboard 200, which made them the highest-ever charting male Korean group at the time. Also, ‘Overdose’ became the best-selling release of 2014 in South Korea. In the same year, they released their first live album, ‘Exology Chapter 1: The Lost Planet’ on 22 December. They became the best-selling K-pop artist of the year in Japan by the end of 2014.
Kris filed a lawsuit against SM Entertainment to terminate his contract in May 2014, alleging that the company disregarded his health and maintained unfair profit distributions. Also, Luhan filed a lawsuit against SM Entertainment to terminate his contract on 10 October mentioning health problems and different treatment than the group’s Korean members.
In the same year, the group launched its first headlining tour, Exo from Exoplanet 1 – The Lost Planet, at the Olympic Gymnastics Arena on May 24.
Japanese Debut
The group started its second headlining world tour, ‘Exoplanet 2 – The Exo’luxion’ on 7 March 2015 at the Olympic Gymnastics Arena in Seoul, and on 30 March 2015, the group released their second studio album, ‘Exodus’ with both Korean and Mandarin versions.
On 24 August 2015, Tao filed a lawsuit against SM Entertainment to terminate his contract and became the third member to do so.
They made their Japanese debut with the single album, ‘Love Me Right ~ Romantic Universe ~’ on 4 November 2015 and surprisingly the album sold 147,000 copies on the day of release, becoming the best-selling debut single in Japan by a Korean artist in the entire time. South Korean entertainment industry leaders ranked the group at number seven in the top ten pop culture leaders of 2015 in December, the highest rank held by a K-pop artist.
Success and Solo Activities
On 9 June 2016, Exo released its third studio album, Ex’Act and its singles ‘Lucky One’ and ‘Monster’ with two versions in Korean and Mandarin. Kris and Luhan left the SM Entertainment on 21 July 2016.
By the end of 2016, the group members began to advance their solo careers. Lay released his debut extended play, ‘Lose Control’ on 28 October 2016. On 31 October, other members Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin debuted in the group’s first sub-unit, ‘Exo-CBX’.
They released their second Japanese single, ‘Coming Over’ on 7 December 2016 and sold over 158,000 copies and received a platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of Japan.
Lay announced in June 2017 that he would not take part in the Exo’s coming album and would be focusing on his acting career.
Worldwide Popularity
On 5 September 2017, the band released the album, ‘The War: The Power of Music’ and added three new songs. Among the three tracks, ‘Power’ became so popular that on 16 January 2018, it was played at The Dubai Fountain at Burj Khalifa Lake, Dubai, becoming the first K-pop song to play there. Seven members of the group travelled to Dubai to view the first showing.
Exo released their first Japanese studio album, ‘Countdown’ on 31 January. The band performed on 25 February 2018 at the closing ceremony of the Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang and their performance drew widespread global media attention and recognition.
On 2 November 2018, they released their fifth studio album, ‘Don’t Mess Up My Tempo’, featuring all nine members. With the EP ‘April, and a Flower’, released in April 2019. Chen became the second Exo member to debut as a soloist. Additionally, with the EP, ‘City Lights’, released on 10 July, Baekhyun debuted as the group’s third soloist.
In the same year in July, Chanyeol and Sehun debuted as Exo’s second official sub-unit, Exo-SC, and released their first EP, ‘What a Life’. On 27 November 2019, they released its sixth studio album, ‘Obsession’.
Solo Activities
SM Entertainment announced in February 2020 that they would prioritise solo and sub-unit activities in the same year because a couple of members went for their mandatory military service.
On 30 March 2020, Suho debuted as a soloist with his EP Self-Portrait. In the same year on 30 November, Baekhyun and Kai appeared in the album, ‘Super One’, which is the first studio album of SuperM.
Lay marked his first activity with Exo after participating in the album, ‘Don’t Mess Up My Tempo’. The seventh extended play of Exo, ‘Don’t Fight the Feeling’ on 7 June.
Additionally, on 26 July 2021, D.O. debuted as the sixth soloist of the group with his EP ‘Empathy’.
In 2022, Lay announced his departure from SM Entertainment following the completion of his contract with the company, but he added he would be active as an Exo member. The same year on 26 September, Xiumin debuted as a soloist with his extended play, ‘Brand New’.
Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin terminated their contracts with SM Entertainment on 1 June 2023 and filed a joint lawsuit against SM regarding the transparency of earnings. However, on 19 June of the same year, SM Entertainment along with other members Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin together announced that both parties had settled the contract disagreement, and the members had decided to stay with the company.
Following the expiration of the contract, D.O. departed in November 2023, but he informed his fans that he would still be continuing his activities with Exo. However, for his solo activities, he signed with Company Soosoo.
Baekhyun started his own company INB100 in January 2024 and hired Xiumin and Chen to join his label. Later, SM Entertainment announced that while Xiumin, Baekhyun, and Chen are still contracted under the label for group activities, they can move on with solo activities under their new company.
Members
Xiumin
South Korean singer and actor Kim Min-seok, popularly known by his stage name Xiumin was born on 26 March 1990. He is a member of the South Korean-Chinese boy band Exo’s sub-group Exo-M and also the leader of its sub-unit Exo-CBX.
Xiumin debuted as a soloist with the release of his EP, ‘Brand New’, on 26 September 2022. He is an avid football fan and is an honorary ambassador of the Korea Football Association.
He made his musical theatre debut, playing the character of Aquila in the SM Entertainment Musical School OZ alongside labelmates Changmin, Key, Luna, Suho, and Seulgi in January 2015. In the same year, he played a lead role opposite actress Kim So-eun in the web drama, ‘Falling for Challenge’. He was enlisted for his mandatory military service on 7 May 2019, serving active duty.
Xiumin joined Baekhyun’s label, ‘INB100’ on 8 January 2024 to manage his solo activities while his group activities with Exo remain under SM Entertainment.
Suho
South Korean singer, songwriter and actor Kim Jun-myeon popular by his stage name Suho was born on 22 May 1991 in Seoul, South Korea. He leads the South Korean boy band Exo and its sub-unit Exo-K.
He graduated from Whimoon High School and made his solo debut on 30 March 2020 with the release of his EP ‘Self Portrait’. Apart from his contribution to the music industry, he also starred in multiple television dramas and movies, including ‘One Way Trip’, ‘The Universe’s Star’, ‘Rich Man’, ‘Middle School Girl A’, and ‘How Are U Bread’.
Suho enlisted for his mandatory military service on 14 May 2020 served as a public service officer and was discharged on 13 February 2022. His estimated net worth is around 18 million US dollars. His major source of income comes from his band and his solo projects from dramas, films, endorsements, musicals and solo albums.
Lay
Chinese rapper, singer-songwriter, dancer, actor, producer and businessman Zhang Yixing is known professionally as Lay Zhang or simply Lay. He was born on 7 October 1991 and first gained recognition for participating in the Chinese television talent show, ‘Star Academy’ in 2005. He debuted as a member of the boy band Exo and its Chinese sub-unit Exo-M under SM Entertainment in 2012.
He has produced and released over 100 songs, including 5 EPs and 4 studio albums and has won several music awards.
He starred in films and television shows, including ‘No More Bets’, ‘Crime Crackdown’, ‘ Empress of the Ming’, ‘The Golden Eyes’, ‘The Island’, ‘Kung Fu Yoga’, ‘The Mystic Nine’ and ‘Ex-Files 2′.
Baekhyun
Byun Baek-hyun, popularly known as Baekhyun is a South Korean singer, actor, and songwriter. He was born on 6 May 1992, in Bucheon, Gyeonggi Province. He began his career under SM Entertainment in 2011 and debuted in 2012 as a member of Exo.
He joined mandatory military service on 6 May 2021, but as he was diagnosed with hypothyroidism, he served as a public service worker. Due to his medical emergency, he was exempted from being an active-duty soldier. His military period ended on 5 February 2023. Baekhyun has a net worth of around 20 million US dollars.
Chen
South Korean singer and songwriter Kim Jong-dae, popularly known as Chen was born on 21 September 1992 in Daejeon. He was raised in Jeongwang-dong, a neighbourhood of Siheung.
He is a member of the boy band Exo and its main vocalist, its subgroup Exo-M and its subunit Exo-CBX. Along with his group activities, he also proved his talents in some television dramas, including ‘It’s Okay, That’s Love’ and ‘Descendants of the Sun‘.
He made his solo artistry debut in 2019 with his extended play ‘April and a Flower’ which ranked number two on South Korea’s Gaon Album Chart. He was enlisted for his mandatory military service on 26 October 2020 and served as an active-duty soldier. He served 18 months and was discharged on 25 April 2022. The estimated net worth of Chen is around 5-7 million US dollars.
Chanyeol
South Korean rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer, actor and model Park Chanyeol, widely known by his stage name Chanyeo is a member of the boy groups Exo, Exo-K and Exo-SC. He was born on 27 November 1992 in Seoul, South Korea.
Apart from being an active member of the groups, Chanyeol appeared in several television dramas and movies, including ‘So I Married an Anti-fan’ and ‘Secret Queen Markers’.
As an active-duty soldier, he enrolled into the military on 29 March 2021 and was discharged on 8 September 2022.
Being the most celebrated member of the Exo group, he earned a lot and the estimated net worth of Chanyeol is around 8 million US dollars. He lives a luxurious life and has a great love for expensive watches.
D.O.
South Korean singer and actor Doh Kyung-soo widely known by the stage name D.O. is a member of the South Korean-Chinese boy group ‘Exo’.
Apart from his group activities, he has starred in various television dramas and movies. His movie credits include ‘Pure Love’, ‘My Annoying Brother’, ‘Positive Physique’, ‘Room No.7’, ‘100 Days My Prince’ and ‘Bad Prosecutor’.
D.O. was enlisted on 1 July 2019 as a soldier for South Korea’s mandatory military service. After completion of his training, he served at the Capital Mechanized Infantry Division (Fierce Tiger Division) as a food handler. He was officially discharged on 25 January 2021. His estimated net worth is around 8-10 million US dollars.
Kai
South Korean singer, model, actor and dancer Kim Jong-in, popularly known as Kai is a member of the popular South Korean-Chinese boy group Exo and other bands like Exo-K and SuperM.
As the youngest member of the family with two older sisters, he was born on 14 January 1994 in Suncheon, South Jeolla Province, South Korea.
Kai made his debut as a solo artist in 2020 with his extended play ‘Kai’. Also, the most celebrated drama credits, include ‘Choco Bank’, ‘Andante’, and ‘Spring Has Come’.
He is one of the best dancers and the most influential K-pop and fashion icon. He began his mandatory military service on 11 May 2023 and served as an alternative social worker. The estimated net worth is around 13 million US dollars.
Sehun
South Korean rapper, singer, songwriter, actor, model and dancer Oh Se-hun is commonly addressed as Sehun. He is a member of the boy group ‘Exo’ and a member of the spinoffs Exo-K and sub-unit EXO-SC.
He was born on 12 April 1994 in Jungnang-gu, Seoul, South Korea and graduated from the School of Performing Arts, Seoul in 2013.
Apart from his participation in group activities, he also featured and starred in various dramas and films like ‘Secret Queen Makers’, ‘Now, We Are Breaking Up’ and ‘Dokgo Rewind’.
He is the youngest member to join the boy group Exo and he has not been called for his military enlistment. There is no official announcement about his enlistment and discharge date. The estimated net worth of Sehun is approximately 11 million US dollars.
Discography
- Exist – 2023
- Obsession – 2019
- Don’t Mess Up My Tempo – 2018
- The War – 2017
- Ex’Act – 2016
- Exodus – 2015
- XOXO -2013
Awards
- Asian Pop Music Awards 2023
Best Music Video (Overseas)- ‘Let Me In’ (2023) - Asian Pop Music Awards 2023
People’s Choice Award (Overseas) – ‘Exist’ (2023) - Asian Pop Music Awards 2023
Top 20 Albums of the Year (Overseas) – ‘Exist’ (2023) - Seoul Music Awards 2022
K-wave Special Award – (2022)
- Asia Artist Awards 2021
Popularity Award – Idol Group (Male) – (2021) - Asian Pop Music Awards 2021
People’s Choice Award (Overseas) – ‘Don’t Fight the Feeling’ (2021)
- Asian Pop Music Awards 2021
Top 20 Songs of the Year (Overseas) – ‘Don’t Fight the Feeling’ (2021) - Golden Disc Awards 2021
Disc Bonsang – Obsession (2021)
- Golden Disc Awards 2021
QQ Music Fans Choice K-Pop Artist – (2021) - Hanteo Music Awards 2021
Initial Chodong Record Award – (2021)
- Tencent Music Entertainment Awards 2021
Best Overseas Group – (2021)
- Gaon Chart Music Awards 2020
Album of the Year – 4th Quarter – ‘Obsession’ (2020)
- Gaon Chart Music Awards 2020
Top Kit Seller of the Year – (2020) - Seoul Music Awards 2020
Hallyu Special Award – (2020) - Seoul Music Awards 2020
Popularity Award – (2020) - Seoul Music Awards 2020
Hallyu Special Award – (2020)
- Seoul Music Awards 2020
QQ Music Popularity Award – (2020) - Gaon Chart Music Awards 2019
Album of the Year – 4th Quarter – Don’t Mess Up My Tempo (2019) - Golden Disc Awards 2019
Disc Bonsang – ‘Don’t Mess Up My Tempo’ (2019)
- MAMA Awards 2019
Worldwide Fans’ Choice Top 10 – (2019)
- Melon Music Awards 2019
Top 10 Artists – (2019)
- Seoul Music Awards 2019
Hallyu Special Award – (2021)
- Seoul Music Awards 2019
Bonsang Award – (2019)
- Global Fan Awards 2018
Fandom Award – (2018)
- Golden Disc Awards 2018
Genie Popularity Award – (2018) - Golden Disc Awards 2018
Global Popularity Award – (2018) - Golden Disc Awards 2018
Ceci Asia Icon Award – (2018) - Korea Best Star Awards 2018
Korea Top Singer Award – (2018)
- Melon Music Awards 2017
Netizen Popularity Award – (2017) - Philippine K-pop Awards 2017
Best Male Group – (2017)
- Seoul Music Awards 2017
Fandom School Award – (2017)
- Seoul Music Awards 2017
Daesang Award – (2017) - Seoul Music Awards 2017
Bonsang Award – (2017) - Asia Artist Awards 2016
Asia Star Award – (2016)
- Asia Artist Awards 2016
Popularity Award – Music (2016) - Asia Artist Awards 2016
Daesang Award – Music (2016)
- Gaon Chart Music Awards 2016
Popularity Award (2016)
- Golden Disc Awards 2016
Global Popularity Award (2016)
- iF Design Awards 2016
Best Packaging Design (2016)
- Japan Gold Disc Awards 2016
Best 3 New Artists (2016)
- MAMA Awards 2016
Best Asian Style Award (2016)
- Melon Music Awards 2016
Netizen Popularity Award (2016)
- Philippine K-pop Awards 2016
Album of the Year (2016)
- Seoul Music Awards 2016
Hallyu Special Award (2016)
- Top Chinese Music Awards 2016
Best Overseas Group (2016) - Gaon Chart Music Awards 2015
Popularity Award (2015)
- Golden Disc Awards 2015
Disc Bonsang (2015)
- Huading Awards 2015
Best International Group Award (2015)
- Korean Broadcasting Awards 2015
Artist Award (2015)
- MAMA Awards 2015
Best Asian Style Award (2015)
- MBC Entertainment Awards 2015
Popularity Award (2015)
- Melon Music Awardsn2015
Album of the Year (2015)
- Miguhui Awards 2014
Best Performance Award (2014)
- Myx Music Awards 2014
Favourite K-Pop Video (2014)
- Philippine K-pop Awards 2014
Best Male Group (2014)
- Red Dot Awards 2014
Communication Design Award – Packaging (2014)
- SBS Awards Festival 2014
Best Album – ‘Overdose’ (2014)
- Seoul Music Awards 2014
Best Song – ‘Growl’ (2014)
- Asian Idol Awards 2013
Popular Asian Group (2013)
- Baidu Music Awards 2013
Most Popular Group (2013) - Billboard Music Festival 2013
Most Popular Group (2013)
- Golden Disc Awards 2013
Newcomer Award (2013)
- Hawaii International Music Awards Festival 2013
Artist of the Year (2013)
- KBS Song Festival 2013
Song of the Year – ‘Growl’ (2013)
- Melon Music Awards 2013
Netizen Popularity Award (2013)
- Philippine K-pop Awards 2012
Rookie of the Year (2012)
- Korean Entertainment Arts Awards 2012
Rookie Singer – Exo-K (2012)
- K-pop Lovers Awards 2012
Best Rookie of 2012
Interesting Facts about Exo
- The group was formed by SM Entertainment and debuted in 2012 with 12 members.
- The group is divided into two subgroups: EXO-K and EXO-M.
- Successful albums and singles of the group are ‘Growl’, ‘Love Shot’ and ‘Monster’.
- Most of the group members have been successful in their solo careers too.
- The group won several awards, including multiple Daesang Awards.
FAQs
- What is the official Instagram ID of Exo?
weareone.exo - What is the Official Instagram ID of Suho?
kimjuncotton
- What is the official Instagram ID of Baekhyun?
baekhyunee_exo - What is the Official Instagram ID of Kai?
zkdlin - What is the Official Instagram ID of Sehun?
oohsehun
