EXO 2023.04.17. (Photo = Provided by SM Entertainment) photo@newsis.com *Resale and DB prohibited
Reporter Lee Jae-hoon = Hallyu group ‘EXO’ will make a comeback as scheduled amid a dispute between the unit Chenbaeksi and the agency SM Entertainment.
According to the K-pop industry and SM Entertainment on the 9th, EXO will release their 7th regular album on July 10th. As member Kai had to do alternative military service as a social worker sooner than expected, it was difficult for the 8-member group to do activities. However, as Kai participated in the album production, it is safe to call it a complete album.
It has been 4 years and 8 months since EXO’s full group activity since the regular 5th repackage ‘Love Shot’ in December 2018. Some members did not participate in the regular 6th album ‘OBSESSION’ in November 2019 and the special album ‘DON’T FIGHT THE FEELING’ in June 2021.
EXO, a 2.5th generation K-pop group, is evaluated as a team that laid the foundation for a world view that began in earnest from the 3rd generation K-pop group. Since 2013, he has recorded 5 consecutive regular albums as ‘Million Sellers’. Of course, it is the cumulative sales volume of Chinese version albums or repackaged albums (BTS is the first to break 1 million copies with a single album since 2001 in 2017), but based on fandom, the sales volume of 3rd and 4th generation K-pop groups is rapidly increasing. It is undeniable that EXO played a role as a catalyst.
In addition, “Growl” (2013), in which the members wear school uniforms and dance in perfect harmony to a sophisticated melody, is the same monumental song in the history of K-pop that raised the level of K-pop group performances to the next level. The music video for “Growl”, which was filmed in a one-take format, received favorable reviews for its sensuous visual beauty, resembling a dance movie. Their high-quality performances were also recognized for their subsequent releases such as ‘Addiction’, ‘Call Me Baby’, ‘Love Me Light’, ‘Ko Ko Bop’, ‘Tempo’ and ‘Love Shot’. At the time of their debut, they started out with 12 members, but as all the Chinese members left, the 8-member group became a complete group.
However, as Baekhyun, Xiumin, and Chen, who are tied to Chenbaek City, recently notified SM of their exclusive contract termination, there was a great concern that the release of this new album would become unclear. However, it is speculated that a comeback is possible as both sides agree that they must continue to maintain the EXO brand amidst the confrontation. Even in the midst of a conflict with SM, Chenbaekshi filmed a music video for EXO’s new song. The team’s own web reality entertainment program was also recorded.