We Are One: A Hong Kong EXO-L Shares Her Story With Worldview Pioneer EXO

Many K-pop groups in recent years have created their own “worldview”, which serves as the base of the group’s concept and musical identity. But do you know who pioneered this idea? It is the all-time K-pop boy group legend EXO. 

Debuted in 2012 under SM Entertainment, EXO is one of the K-pop boy groups that opened up the 3rd generation of K-pop. EXO was first introduced as extraterrestrial beings from the EXOPLANET who have come to Earth for a mission, and each member possesses a supernatural power. EXO then adopted this worldview in their albums, concerts, and even variety shows, setting the trend of creating worldviews among succeeding K-pop groups until today. 

Not only did EXO introduce the groundbreaking idea of worldview, the group has been constantly making waves in the K-pop industry by releasing countless global megahits such as “Growl”, “Overdose”, and “Call Me Baby”. In 2018, EXO even became the first K-pop act that debuted after 2000 to surpass 10 million copies of album sales in Korea, and the only K-pop group that performed at the Closing Ceremony of the PyeongChang Winter Olympic Games. Throughout the years, the members have successfully launched their own careers as actors and solo singers while at the same time continuously dropping million-seller albums, proving their invincible status as the “3rd-gen King of K-pop”. 

This month marks the 12th anniversary of EXO, and 6 of the members will be holding their first fan meeting in a year “ONE” on April 14. As we celebrate EXO’s heartfelt reunion, let’s meet a Hong Kong EXO-L Erica as she shares her decade-long story with EXO, from her encounter and best memory with the group, to her favorite songs from EXO, and more! 

Q: Can you introduce yourself to our readers?

Hi! I am Erica from Hong Kong and I have been an EXO-L for 11 years. EXO is the only K-pop group I stan until now. Being a fan of them has changed my life a lot. And this is something I would have never imagined before meeting them! I hope you enjoy reading my story as an EXO-L 🙂 

Q: How and when did you enter the fandom?

I was first introduced to EXO by my classmates! It was the time when “Miracle in December” was just released. My classmates played this song in the classroom everyday. I did not listen to K-pop before, so it was really new to me and I found the song really good. Then, my classmates introduced every member to me in detail. It was the time when EXO was still with 12 members, and I took quite a lot of time to recite their names with my classmates’ help (hahaha). At that time, EXO’s first group variety program “EXO’s Showtime” was on-air as well. I watched the show with my classmates and got to know each member more and more, and I gradually became an EXO-L.

Q: What makes EXO your favorite K-pop Group?

EXO introduced me to K-pop. EXO is a really mature group that has the greatest leader, most charismatic dancers, best vocalists at the same time. They do well as singers, and some of them are even being recognized as being successful actors. They also have incredible sense of humor that brings me so much fun! (GOAT: Kai’s panty :D)

Another thing is that the fandom was really strong when I joined. Although various setbacks happened throughout the years, we have stayed united and endured the down times with EXO. After overcoming all these challenges together, I have a really special connection to them. I believe this is also another reason that I stay in the fandom until today. We have gone through so many together! TT

Q: Which member of EXO caught your attention first?

When EXO appeared on “Weekly Idol”, Sehun’s hair was really colorful. (Check out “aegi” (baby) Sehun with rainbow hair!)

It was my first time seeing so many colors on a person’s hair at the same time! I was so impressed by his hair and that caught my attention. He looked so good with this special hair color! I guess Sehun was the very first idol who dyed his hair into rainbow color.

Q: Who is your bias in EXO and why?

Baekhyun is my bias! I think Baekhyun is the member who can do well in every concept and showcase his unique charisma and personality on stage. He has a lot of great ideas and he knows the fans well. He always tries his best to fulfill EXO-L’s wishes. He often searches his name on Twitter (X) to see what EXO-L share in the internet. He knows we always want him to do live broadcasts, so he did many on Twitter (X) through Space. In the Space live broadcast, he even asked for the fans’ opinions on concert ticketing and ways to avoid ticket scalpers from re-selling his tickets at a high price.

Also, Baekhyun is given the name “Genius Idol” with his outstanding stage presence and sense of humor. He is a great singer who constantly tries to improve his singing skills despite having debuted for 12 years. He attended vocal lessons frequently even when he was in the military. (As a social service personnel, he normally worked 9-6 on weekdays and he went to vocal lessons after work or during his spare time!)

Q: Can you recommend a fancam, V Live, or cover video, of your bias? 

I would really like to recommend this “Love Me Right” performance! Baekhyun had really great facial expressions and did small special gestures that made him stand out on stage! He slays (as always)!!

Q. Can you share your best memory with your bias?

Baekhyun has recently concluded his first off-line solo concert “LONSDALEITE” in Seoul on 16 & 17 March, and I went to Korea just for his solo concert. It was my first time attending a concert in Korea! The concert was very meaningful not only because it was his first off-line solo concert, but because it was also his first activity after he established his own company INB 100. I was really excited to join the concert and I had a great time there! In this concert, Baekhyun showcased his dancing skills and almost every song from the setlist had choreography. Some are choreo are even newly made just for the concert! He once again proved the title “Genuis Idol” that he can do well no matter in singing, dancing or rapping! I hope to see him again when he visits Hong Kong in June.

Q: Can you also recommend a content video (variety series, radio show, drama etc.) of EXO?

A recent must-watch show for me would be “EXO’s Ladder Season 4”! There is a game that I remember well even until now. Every member has a secret mission to complete, and Xiumin’s mission is to get (steal) an item from each member. For example, he kept Suho’s contact lenses and Sehun’s driver’s license. The funniest part is when Xiumin needs to show what he got, he said he took “Suho’s Eyes”! This made me laugh so hard!

Q: What is your favorite title track and B-side track from EXO?

It’s really hard to choose my favorite because they released so many albums and songs that it is difficult for me to choose only one. I am going to give you some of my favorites. The songs are all good! 🙂 

Title tracks: Love Me Right, KoKoBop, Universe

B-side track: Wait, Been Through, Don’t Go, Forever

Q: Which superpower of EXO’s members do you find the most interesting?

I think it must be D.O.’s! His superpower is Earth which means he has great powers. It is very interesting because Kyungsoo is really small compared to the other members and cute. It is such a great contrast with his superpower. What makes this funnier is that he is not into sports at all, what a funny contrast! ( I am really a fan! :P)

Q: What kind of concepts/songs would you like EXO to try out in the future?

They have tried out many concepts already, but I would love to see them making a comeback with a bright, cheerful and energetic song again like "Love Me Right". The song just makes me feel happy every time I listen to it! (I REALLY LOVE this song!!)

Q: Can you share your experiences going to EXO’s concerts?

EXO must visit Hong Kong whenever they do a concert tour! I am really proud that I have been to their concerts in Hong Kong before, and I did try to be in both the standing area and the seated area.

It is a pity that I still do not have a chance to attend their concert in Korea. As a foreign fan and a student at that time, it was so expensive to join the official global package. But since I am no longer a student now, I hope I can go to their concert in Korea soon with my own money!

Q: Can you recall your best memory with EXO?

After being a fan for more than 10 years, the best thing about joining the fandom is that EXO has already become a part of my life. We share a lot of memories together! 

No matter ups or downs, their music is always with me. In every downturn, the bonding between EXO and EXO-L has grown stronger as we overcome difficulties. I think all these many things add up and make the best memories for me. Though there were hard times, EXO and EXO-L are still together. This is touching and really syncs with the group’s slogan “We Are One”.

Q: How has EXO influenced your life?

I would say they have a huge influence on my life. Before knowing them, I have never imagined myself learning Korean just because I want to understand the lyrics in their songs and their jokes. After self-studying for some time, I decided to study Korean more, so I attended lessons to improve my Korean skills. I got a TOPIK (Korean proficiency test) Level 6 certificate and I am now working in a Korean entertainment company!

Q: Describe EXO in three words.

Pioneer, United, Friend.

Q: If you could talk to EXO in person, what would you wish to tell them?

Wow! I actually have a lot to tell but if I have to conclude in short, it would be:

"Thank you for being EXO! I have a great time being an EXO-L and I am so proud to be an EXO-L.

EXO, saranghaja!"