[Twenty] Who is EXO?

If you haven't heard already, SM, one of the largest record labels in Korea has released a new boy band in the end of March/early April. 


The group is called EXO, which is another way of referring to extrasolar (exo) planets, that lie out of our solar system. As extraterrestrial as that name sounds, the group EXO is a truly revolutionary group that is topping music charts in Korea, China, and Japan. In addition, EXO has a huge fan base based on various online sites, literally around the world, from Italy to Indonesia and beyond. 


EXO is made up of 12 Korean and Chinese boys in their teens/early twenties who are divided into two sub-groups: EXO-M, which focuses on the Chinese market and EXO-K, which is geared for the Korean market. Although EXO is divided for now, based on the fact that both sub-groups sing the same songs (but in two different languages), performs the same dances, and emphasizes in interview by saying, "We are one", it seems like we can expect the group to perform united as well. 




For 100 days, SM released various teaser videos to showcase the various talents of the members, including singing, rapping, dancing, and wushu. These teasers are short, but create a powerful first impression for EXO as a group that is beyond what you might think when you hear the word "boy-band" or "K-pop idols". These teasers are more than just a sample of a music video. It tells a story, there is colour, lights, action...It almost reminds me of Cirque du Soleil than anything else because of the dramatic and expressive nature of these videos. EXO is more than just music or dance, it feels more like an experience that has been created through the hard work of the members and their record label.


EXO-K member Kai in the teaser "Baby don't cry"



EXO-M member Luhan and EXO-K member Sehun in "너의 세상으로"

EXO-M member Tao in "Metal"



EXO-M member Lay in "Phoenix"
(Source for images: Google)

On top of the fact that their performance and music are captivating, it seems like EXO is gaining popularity because its members are humble, funny, and I guess for the female fans, also good-looking. And perhaps it is the fact that fans want to get to know EXO as not only musicians, but just people, that is sustaining their popularity. Although the group's recent interviews of EXO-M (on Tudou, Youku, Sohu, etc.) and EXO-K (on MBC, Melon Music, etc.)  have helped fans get to know the members on a personal level, it is unfortunate that when it comes to explaining their music, they do so in a way that makes it feel as though they are disconnected from it because, perhaps, they have not been directly involved in producing their album. Of course, this could be because EXO is still a rookie group and its members already have their hands tied up singing, performing, going to interviews, and other activities. However, if EXO could become more in touch with their music, perhaps if SM allows its members to compose or write lyrics, it would help foster better group unity and more popularity in the long run. 

Despite the perceived disconnect the members seem to have with their music, it is true that like all music, EXO's music seems to speak for itself and the message of the songs comes through in EXO's performances. 

The first mini album released by the group is called "Mama". There are two versions of the album because there are two sub-units of EXO. And although the songs are exactly the same, since different members are singing/rapping in two different languages and the lyrics have not been translated verbatim, EXO-K's album does differ from EXO-M in subtle ways. Unfortunately, I don't understand Mandarin Chinese enough to comment on EXO-M's album. But, I will give my thoughts on EXO-K's album. 


EXO-K's album (Online version available on iTunes)

Track One: Mama



The music and performance of this song are no doubt epic and dramatic. And the lyrics discuss the frustrations and helplessness of living in a world full of hatred and void of love. When I first read the lyrics, it reminded me of the song "Where is the Love" by Black Eyed Peas. 

However, as you will notice when you watch the music video, there is a more complex message, which involves a mythical/fictional story of how EXO came to be. Some people have raised their brows about the various symbolism that is inherent in this music video, including the meaning of "Mama" (apparently not mother/mom), the scene in the middle where the member Kai appears with a rather scary-looking face-paint job, and the super-powers EXO members have (which is reminiscent of the old Power Ranger days). These complexities can be understood as everything from interesting, confusing, to weird. And everyone should make their own opinion about it, but one thing that is clear is that this song makes you stop, for at least a moment. 

Track Two: What is Love



This is a song about someone who falls in love at first sight & feels as if everything around the world except the girl of his dreams is slowing down, like in a movie scene. The melody and the musical background add onto painting a dreamy image of being in love. The message of this song does get across. However, if you do not understand Korean, I think your opinion on the song will depend, to a large part, on how you like the beat: unique or distracting?

Track Three: History



This song is similar to "Mama", in the sense that it talks about social ills. But unlike "Mama", which dwells on feeling helpless and angry at the current state of the world, "History" has more of a message of hope that we can work towards better future. 

The music is interesting and up-beat, the performance is engaging, and plus the music video does not stir up the confusion found in the first track. If you did not like the two previous songs, this might be the song that makes you a fan of EXO.

Track Four: 너의 세상으로 (Angel)



The melody of this next track is calming and peaceful, which makes it a delight to listen to. However, the sound effects ("Hey") added as the song progresses onto the chorus seems to intrude this atmosphere. In addition, for those who understand Korean, the lyrics take an unexpected turn towards the end, that might cause you to stop and reassess the message of this song. The part that I am thinking about is the part where the lyrics discuss how the person singing has lost his wings and eternal life. So, we find out that the person singing is supposedly an angel who has come out of heaven because he loves this girl. He even gave up eternal life for her because he feels that he loves her, anywhere and everywhere would be Heaven. The lyrics, which describe an eternal and true love does sound romantic in some ways. But, I cannot help think that this would have been a better love story if the former(?) angel did not give up on eternal life and instead was able to share it with his lover. 

Track Five: 두 개의 달이 뜨는 밤 (Two Moons) [feat. Key]



This is the only song in the album that is completely based on rap and it's about EXO leaving their planet as two moons appear in the sky (this song draws on the fictional story that the EXO members are from outside earth). Well, we can't really relate to this story, but that doesn't mean that you won't enjoy the song!

Track Six: Machine 



This last track in the album is an up-beat love song that is interesting to listen to. However, like some other songs in this album, the lyrics might throw you off because it's a bit complex. The song describes how a guy thinks that his crush is like a "machine", in the sense that he wants to know her better, but has a hard time figuring her out. In addition, the guy expresses how he thinks that she is beautiful by saying "칼 같이 아름다운 여신" ("You're a beautiful goddess who is like a knife"). There must be a story behind why the lyricist includes this phrase. Once again, this can be a cryptic song if you care for the words, but an enjoyable one if you focus on the music. 
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Although we could get into all of these details, all in all, if you like listening to pop music and/or watching spectacular performances, I think that you will like EXO-K and EXO-M. Even if you're not convinced, we should continue to watch for EXO in K-pop news, as this rookie band is topping music charts in Asia and has a strong and growing fan-base around the world that could help the band become a more international sensation. 


Yours truly,
Sunflowerchocolate