EXOis a name that will pop into the mind for any K-Pop fan and there is no way you have not heard about them. They are a major game changer in the K-Pop industry since their debut in 2012 under SM Entertainment. Ever since then, EXO has been influencing fans from across the world in one way or another.

They were initially divided into two groups, EXO-K and EXO-M, with 6 members in each group that promoted their music in Korean and Mandarin respectively. Later, they came to form EXO which is ultimately inspired by the term 'exoplanet'. Their concept was unique and fresh as each of the 12 members had their allocated superpowers.

However, EXO currently consists of only 9 members as 3 of them had left the company due to contract disputes. Later on, sub-units such as EXO-CBXand EXO-SC were also formed.

1- Discography

EXO has been recognised in many occasions for their powerful vocals, jaw-dropping stage performances as well as addicting music. When EXO first debuted, they drew inspiration through the superpower theme and had released a total of 23 teasers and 2 pre-debut singles, 'What Is Love' and 'History'.

SM Entertainment

They debuted with their first mini album "MAMA" in April 2012 with Korean and Chinese versions, drawing the attention of K-Pop lovers from all over the world.

SM Entertainment

Their first full length album "XOXO" was later released in 2013 with title track 'Wolf'. Later, a repackaged album and follow-up title track 'Growl' was released. Many noticed that around this period, they had switched their concept to school looks with many of their stage outfits inspired by school uniforms.

SM Entertainment

In the same year, they showed off their emotional and warm sides with the release of "Miracles in December", their first winter special album.

In 2014, they released their 2nd mini album "Overdose" of the same title track, showing off their powerful and charismatic side. The switch in their image had also signaled the change in music style. Continuing, the single 'December, 2014' was released, making it their first number one single with amazing results on Gaon Digital Chart.

SM Entertainment

In 2015, their 2nd full length album "EXODUS" and title track 'Call Me Baby' was released. Their repackaged album with title track 'Love Me Right' was later released. At the end of the year, EXO released their 2nd winter special album "Sing for You".

In 2016, EXO released their 3rd full length album "EX'ACT" with title tracks 'Lucky One' and 'Monster'. With their repackaged album, their next title track 'Lotto' was also extremely popular. During winter, they had once again released their 3rd winter special album "For Life".

In addition, in 2016, EXO members began to venture into their solo careers with member BaekHyun first releasing a collaboration song 'Dream' with Suzy. Later on, EXO's first sub unit EXO-CBX which consists of Chen, BaekHyun and Xiumin also made their debut. Lay had also debuted as a solo artist with his solo track 'Monodrama'.

SM Entertainment

In 2017, their 4th full length album "The War" and title track 'Ko Ko Bop' was released. The repackaged album "The War : The Power of Music" with title track 'Power' was later released. Once again at the end of the year, they had released their 4th winter special album "Universe".

In 2018, their 5th full length album "Don't Mess Up My Tempo" of the same title track was released. Later, their repackaged album and title track 'Love Shot' took over the playlist of K-Pop lovers. At this time, many noted how EXO members matured as young, fine men with powerful influence in the K-Pop scene.

SM Entertainment

In 2019, Chen became the second EXO member to debut as a solo artist with his album "April, and a Flower". BaekHyun then became the third member to debut solo and released his album "City Lights". In addition, EXO's 2nd sub unit, EXO-SC, debuted with members SeHun and ChanYeol and their mini album "What a Life". Chen later released his 2nd mini album "Dear My Dear".

They also made a comeback with their 6th full length album "OBSESSION" of the same title track.

In 2020, SuHo became the fourth EXO member to debut as a solo artist with "Self-Portrait". Following suit, BaekHyun released his 2nd mini album "Delight".

2- EXO Members

SuHo

SM Entertainment

SM Entertainment

Part of: EXO-K

Born in: 1991

Position: Vocal, Leader

From: Korea

SuHo is the leader of the group and has been training under SM Entertainment for 6 years before making his debut under EXO-K. Aside from his soothing and smooth vocals, SuHo is also known to be the visual member of the group.

He had also acted in movies "One Way Trip" as well as dramas "How Are You Bread", "Rich Man" and so on, making him an idol with multiple talents. His handsome and outstanding visuals are also reasons why fans could not help but fall head over heels over him.

Plus, he also speaks basic English, allowing him to communicate with fans from all over the world.

Xiumin

SM Entertainment

Part of: EXO-M, EXO CBX

Born in: 1990

Position: Vocal, Rapper

From: Korea

Xiumin is actually the oldest member but had often was mistaken as one of the younger members. He had trained under SM Entertainment for 4 years before debuting as a member of EXO-M.

Just like other members, Xiumin had acted in web dramas "EXO Next Door" and "Falling for Challenge" as well as in the movie "Seondal: The Man Who Sells the River".

He is the first member in EXO to enlist in the military.

BaekHyun 

SM Entertainment

SM Entertainment

Part of: EXO-K, EXO CBX

Born in: 1992

Position: Main vocal

From: Korea

BaekHyun is one of the main vocals of EXO and he had trained for only 1 year under SM Entertainment before making his debut.

He is the mood maker of the team always joking around and bring up the energy of the team.

The singer is known to be one of the best vocalists of SM entertainment and he is also the most selling male K-Pop solo artist of Korea (as of August 2020). His voice is beautiful, make sure to have a listen to it below.

Chen

SM Entertainment

SM Entertainment

Part of: EXO-M, EXO CBX

Born in: 1992

Position: Main vocal

From: Korea

Did you know that Chen was the last member added to the group? He trained for about a year before he debuted as a main vocal of the group. He is said to have a humorous and playful personality, often playing pranks on the other members.

He has debuted as a solo artist and released 2 albums "April, and a Flower" and "Dear My Dear".

ChanYeol

SM Entertainment

SM Entertainment

Part of: EXO-K, EXO-SC

Born in: 1992

Position: Rapper, vocal

From: Korea

ChanYeol trained for about 4 years and was the last member to be introduced as part of EXO. During his pre-debut days, he was spotted in the music video for Girls' GenerationJapanese version 'Genie', Girls' Generation TTS 'Twinkle' and TVXQ 'HaHaHa Song'.

The idol is the tallest in the group with a height of 186 cm and also has his own YouTube channel.

D.O.

SM Entertainment

Part of: EXO-K

Born in: 1993

Position: Main vocal

From: Korea

D.O. is another main vocal of the group and he had trained for 2 years before making his debut. Through many occasions, he had proven his outstanding vocals skills and won the hearts of many music lovers.

In addition, he is also a recognised actor thanks to his amazing acting skills. Some of his significant works include the movies "Along With the Gods: The Two Worlds" and "My Annoying Brother" and drama "100 Days My Prince".

Kai

SM Entertainment

Part of: EXO-K

Born in: 1994

Position: Main dancer, vocal, rapper

From: Korea

There are many ways to describe Kai and some of the nicknames that he had earned include 'dancing machine', 'beat killer' and many more. His dancing skills is incredible and aside from that, he is usually known as the center of EXO too.

At first look, he looks to be too charismatic to talk to but that is not the case at all. He is kind and shy, he also looks adorable talking to kids (one of his passion).

SeHun

SM Entertainment

SM Entertainment

Part of: EXO-K, EXO-SC

Born in: 1995

Position: Maknae, rapper

From: Korea

SeHun may be the youngest member in the group but his physique and charming visuals do not really support that fact! Since a young age, he is known to be an 'ulzzang', someone who is famous for their visuals.

He became a trainee in 2008 and debuted 4 years later as a member of EXO. Among his other older members, he is known to be mischievous time to time but also someone who is sincere and considerate. Perhaps that is why fans are in love with him as not only does he has a kind sweet personality, he also showed how he had grown into a fine, mature man.

Lay

SM Entertainment

SM Entertainment

Part of: EXO-M

Born in: 1991

Position: Main dancer, vocal, rapper

From: China

Lay is the only Chinese member left in the group but due to the promotional schedule he has in China, he has not been promoting with the group since 'Ko Ko Bop'. Despite that being said, he is cherished and missed by many fans. They hope that they will be able to see him return and promote together with the rest of EXO soon.

While he is promoting in China, he had appeared in "Idol Producer" as the MC. He had also showed off his acting skills by appearing in several Chinese movies as well as dramas.

-Former Members-

Kris

SM Entertainment

Part of: EXO-M

Born in: 1990

Position: Main rapper, leader (EXO-M)

From: China

Kris was born in China and moved to Canada when he was 10, suggesting how he was able to speak 4 different languages (English, Chinese, Korean and Cantonese)! In the group, he has the position of the rapper.

However, 2 years after his debut, Kris had filed a lawsuit against SM Entertainment, requesting for the termination of his contract due to mistreatment.

LuHan

SM Entertainment

Part of: EXO-M

Born in: 1990

Position: Vocal, dancer

From: China

It is interesting to see how fate works as LuHan did not pass the audition for JYP but was scouted by a casting manager from SM Entertainment when he was an exchange student in Seoul. After becoming a trainee under SM Entertainment, he debuted as a member of EXO as one of the visual members.

Similar to Kris, he had filed a lawsuit against SM Entertainment 2 years later.

Tao

SM Entertainment

Part of: EXO-M

Born in: 1993

Position: Rapper, dancer

From: China

Tao is another member who was scouted by the casting manager as he was initially attending another audition. He has a set of martial arts skills and compared to his tough image, he is actually sensitive and emotional.

In 2015, he had filed a lawsuit against SM Entertainment because of the aggravating ankle injury during his participation on MBC "Idol Star Athletics Championships".

3- Must-know incidents and inside jokes for new fans

It has been 8 years since EXO's debut and there are tons of inside jokes and hilarious incidents that are shared among EXO as well as EXO-L. However, to just get you started here are some funny inside jokes that you should definitely check it out.

"Kkaebsong" is a term widely use by BaekHyun and the word originally derives from '아깝다 (Ah-Kkab-Da)' which refers to something regretful or pitiful. However, he had decided to twist in a such a way that showed off his adorable and lovable sides, changing it to 'Kkaebsong".

Another one is when EXO had an interview with iHeartRadio and they kept repeating the words 'big deal'. It seemed like they have a particular liking towards the words, causing many fans to laugh at their reaction.

You can check out the video below!

4- Concerts scale & collaboration with foreign artists

Since their debut in 2012, EXO had also held many concerts and world tours with large amount of EXO-L attending them. Not just in Korea, the amount of EXO-L out there in the world is definitely shocking.

In 2014, it was recorded that a total of 375,910 fans had attended "EXO from Exoplanet 1 : The Lost Planet". From 2015 to 2016, the number of attendees for "EXO Planet 2 : The Exo'lution" was twice the amount with 742,856 fans!

EXO Official Facebook

Later from 2016 to 2017, "EXO Planet 3 : The Exo'rdium" had 680,906 attendees. From 2017 to 2018, there were about 425,000 attendees for "EXO Planet 4 : The Elyxion". Their most recent concert "EXO Planet 5 : Exploration" in 2019 had a total of 365,000 attendees.

EXO continues to prove to be a global group as they have worked with numerous foreign producers, song writers and so on. They had the opportunity to work with Walt Disney by releasing a digital single 'Lightsaber' and a collaboration film related to "Star Wars" movie released back in 2015.

ChanYeol was also featured in collaboration Far East Movement X Marshmello along side with Tinashe for the song 'Freal Luv'.

5- Current activities

As of August 2020, Xiumin, D.O. and SuHo are currently in the military, serving their mandatory duties.

The rest of the members are busy with sub-units activities such as EXO-SC while others are also focusing on the individual schedules. Both BaekHyun and Kai are currently busy with SuperMcomeback.

It was also said that Kai will be debuting as a solo some time soon.