EXO
Biography
EXO is a South Korean-Chinese boy band formed by SM Entertainment in 2011 and debuted in 2012. The group is composed of nine members: Xiumin, Suho, Lay, Baekhyun, Chen, Chanyeol, D.O., Kai, and Sehun. They are known for performing music in Korean, Mandarin, and Japanese. Their music incorporates pop, hip-hop, and R&B, along with electronic dance music genres.
Formation and Debut
EXO originally debuted with twelve members separated into two sub-groups: EXO-K and EXO-M. EXO-K consisted of Suho, Baekhyun, Chanyeol, D.O., Kai, and Sehun, and focused on the South Korean market. EXO-M, composed of Xiumin, Lay, Chen, and former members Kris, Luhan, and Tao, focused on the Chinese market. Their debut single, "Mama," was released on April 8, 2012, followed by the EP of the same name on April 9. EXO-K and EXO-M promoted the album separately in South Korea and China, respectively.
Rise to Prominence and Member Departures
The group gained significant recognition with their first studio album, "XOXO," released in 2013, and its accompanying single, "Growl." This album was a critical and commercial success, selling over one million copies and making EXO the first Korean artist to achieve this in twelve years. Between 2014 and 2015, members Kris, Luhan, and Tao departed from the group amid legal battles with SM Entertainment. Following these departures, the remaining nine members continued as a single group.
Sub-units and Solo Careers
In addition to their group activities, several members have pursued solo careers and participated in sub-units. In 2016, the sub-unit EXO-CBX was formed with members Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin. In 2019, a second sub-unit, EXO-SC, was formed with Sehun and Chanyeol. Most members have also released solo albums and have active careers in film and television. In 2024, Baekhyun, Chen, and Xiumin began their solo activities under Baekhyun's new label, INB100, while remaining part of EXO for group activities under SM Entertainment. D.O. also signed with a new agency for his solo work but continues his group activities with EXO.
Discography and Success
EXO has released eight studio albums, seven extended plays, and numerous singles. Several of their Korean studio albums have sold over one million copies each. Their 2018 album, "Don't Mess Up My Tempo," became their highest-charting album on the US Billboard 200, debuting at number 23. Their most recent studio album, "Exist," was released in 2023. The group has won numerous awards, including multiple "Album of the Year" awards at the Mnet Asian Music Awards and "Artist of the Year" at the Melon Music Awards. They have been recognized by Forbes Korea as one of the most influential celebrities in South Korea.
Military Service
As is mandatory for male citizens in South Korea, the members of EXO have been fulfilling their military service requirements in phases. Xiumin was the first to enlist in May 2019 and was discharged in December 2020. He was followed by D.O., Suho, Chen, Chanyeol, and Baekhyun, who have all completed their service. Kai enlisted in May 2023 and Sehun, the final member to enlist, began his service in December 2023.