Search Results

EXO’s Surprise Mini Reunion Took Over the Stage Fans were shocked when Suho and Chanyeol  joined Kai

EXO fans anticipate a full-group reunion as China plans to lift the Hallyu Ban. China is reportedly preparing to lift its long-standing "Hallyu Ban" on Korean content by May 2025 . The ban, first imposed in 2017 as a response to South Korea's deployment of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system, has significantly affected the Korean entertainment industry . Among the hardest-hit groups was EXO , which had a strong presence in China. With the ban finally lifted, fans are now hopeful for an EXO OT9 comeback . Why Was the Hallyu Ban Imposed? The THAAD missile defense system, deployed by South Korea to counter threats from North Korea , was viewed by China as a security risk due to its powerful radar capabilities. In response, China enforced an unofficial ban on Korean cultural exports, blocking K-dramas on streaming services, banning K-pop concerts, and restricting Korean artists from Chinese television (as per The Diplomat). K-pop fans at Beijing Airport (Credits: RADII) How EXO Was Affected EXO, originally formed with a dual concept featuring EXO-K (Korean unit) and EXO-M (Mandarin unit), had a strong foothold in China. The group initially included four Chinese members— Kris, Luhan, Lay, and Tao —but the ban severely impacted their activities. EXO Chinese Members Kris, Lay, Luhan and Tao. Chinese Member Departures:  Kris, Luhan, and Tao left EXO between 2014-2015 to pursue solo careers in China. Though their departures happened before the ban, worsening relations between South Korea and China made any future collaboration with EXO nearly impossible. Lay’s Solo Career in China:   Lay remained an EXO member but focused on solo projects in China. Due to the ban, his participation in EXO’s Korean activities became limited. Concert and Promotion Restrictions:  EXO, once one of the most popular K-pop acts in China, could no longer hold concerts, attend fan meetings, or promote albums directly to their massive Chinese fanbase. EXO Beijing Concert (Credits: RADII) Why Is China Lifting the Ban Now? Chinese media reports suggest that the decision to lift the ban is part of a larger effort to improve China-South Korea relations. A senior official from the China-Asia Pacific Cooperation Center stated, "Starting next month, we plan to send a private cultural delegation to South Korea and expand cultural exchanges, aiming for a full cultural opening within the first half of this year" With K-pop and Korean dramas gaining global recognition, China appears to be acknowledging the economic and cultural benefits of allowing Korean content back into its market. China plans to improve its relationship with South Korea by lifting the ban. The Korea Development Bank's Future Strategy Research Institute estimated that the ban resulted in economic losses of up to 22 trillion KRW (approximately USD 15.3 billion) for South Korea in 2017 alone. Will EXO Finally Reunite as OT9? With the ban coming to an end, EXO-Ls (EXO’s fandom) have renewed hopes for an EXO OT9 reunion. All members have either completed or are close to finishing their mandatory military service , making a full-group comeback a realistic possibility. Social media is already buzzing with speculation about whether SM Entertainment will take this opportunity to reunite EXO, including Lay, for a long-awaited comeback. With K-pop concerts in China set to resume, do you think EXO will finally return as OT9? Would you attend an EXO concert in China? Let us know your thoughts! #EXO #EXOLs #EXOL #Lay #Kris #Luhan #Tao

EXO’s Kai Image: EXO’s Kai - soompi.com Kai stans, mark your calendars! Get ready to welcome back the effortlessly stylish and undeniably talented Kai – the stage is waiting

If you've ever been deep down the rabbit hole of K-Pop, you would be somewhat familiar with the variety of playlists K-Pop songs are featured on. I found the way there myself, one night on an all-nighter trying to finish an assignment. My Lofi 2 a.m. Study Playlist was failing to keep me awake and I stumbled upon a K-Pop "hoe playlist". I laughed a little at the name but the playlist did keep me awake! Similar to the hoe playlist we bring you the "Ultimate Halloween Mood K-Pop Playlist". Are you ready? We are! Here's the 2. A.M. Lofi playlist in case you'd like to listen to that too! - HALLOWEEN MOOD K-POP PLAYLIST - What we went for with this playlist were songs or music videos that gave off either a spooky or eerie vibe or those that make you want to get up and dance! Let us know which one is your favorite! 1. BTS — "Blood, Sweat & Tears" For obvious reasons. Also, "He too was a tempter; He, too, was a link to the second, the evil world with which I no longer want to have anything to do" - RM 2. Taemin — "Criminal" A lot of Taemin 's songs give off a very sexy, spooky vibe. This music video, his outfits, and, the mood fit perfectly for Halloween! 3. ATEEZ — "The Black Cat Nero" I feel like I don't need to explain this one too much. The outfits, make-up, and dark mood of the song sell themselves. Especially, the eerie vocals in the intro! 4. Stray Kids — "Venom" It's the beat in this one that makes you feel like a techno spider is crawling up your spine and into your ears! Haha! 5. BLACKPINK — "Pink Venom" Since we're on the theme of venom, we thought BLACKPINK 's " Pink Venom " was the perfect fit for Halloween! The music video also screams spooky themes. Is anyone dressing as BLACKPINK for Halloween? The outfits would be so cute! 6. Enhyphen — "Drunk Dazed" I know a lot of you may disagree with us on this one, because " Bite Me " exists but we feel like "Drunk Dazed" is the best for Halloween. Why? It sounds like a tragic vampire movie and the music video is quite mystical too! 7. Exo — "Wolf" We were going to choose " Obsession " or " Monster " but we wanted to bring this legend back. 8. Red Velvet — "Psycho" I feel like girl groups have the best outfits! "Psycho" is a great Halloween track! This concept inspired me so much that I dressed up inspired by it one year! 9. MONSTA X — "Shoot Out" Our explanation: "Walker walker walker growling (hey)" - Monsta X "Uh, Joohunnit One Hunnit, yah. Excuse me I'm walkin' like zombie uh" 10. TXT — "Puma" We struggled with this one. On the list of contenders, we also had " Good Boy Gone Bad " and " Devil by the Window ". "Puma" won this time! BONUS TRACKS! SHINee — "Married to the Music" This one is self-explanatory. This song sounds like a party we'd like to be at! BIBI — "Vengeance" This music video gives off Korean Thriller/Horror movie vibes and we love it! Bibi's attitude also fits the Halloween vibe! That was our Halloween Mood Playlist for this year! We hope you have a nice Halloween and stay safe and well! Stay safe out there and make wonderful memories! Comment below what songs you would have added to this playlist! #halloween #kpop #music #playlist #moodplaylist #musicvideos #halloweenplaylist #kpopplaylist #kpophalloweenplaylist #kpopmood

Set to take over Tokyo Dome and Hong Kong's Kai Tak Stadium this January, these final shows are expected

Sehun’s return completes EXO just in time for their comeback (Credits: SM Entertainment) On September 8, 2025, EXO surprised fans by dropping a mysterious teaser image on their official social media at 1:26 AM. The teaser confirmed that the group is preparing for a comeback in December 2025 . The post included the phrase “WHEN WE BECOME TRUE ONE, A NEW WORLD AWAKENS” , instantly sparking excitement among EXO-Ls worldwide. The timing of the release made it even more special. The teaser dropped during a lunar eclipse, connecting once again to EXO’s signature cosmic storyline. Fans quickly pointed out the significance, saying it felt like “the universe aligning with EXO’s return.” Sehun’s Discharge from Military Service Adding to the excitement, EXO’s youngest member Sehun will be discharged from his alternative military service on September 20, 2025 . His return completes an important chapter for the group, as all members will finally be available for activities together. Fans have been counting down the days, with many sharing posts like: We’ve waited so long for Sehun — now EXO is truly complete. This milestone makes the December comeback even more emotional, as it sets the stage for the long-awaited OT9 reunion. What Fans Can Expect from the Comeback The comeback teaser’s powerful message has fueled speculation about what EXO will bring this time. Many believe the phrase hints at a new era of EXO’s storytelling, blending their cosmic mythology with a fresh sound and concept. Since their debut in 2012, EXO has been known for groundbreaking concepts and high-quality performances. Their last album release as a group was Don’t Fight the Feeling  in 2021, which already feels like a lifetime ago for fans. With over four years since their last full album, the December 2025 comeback is expected to be one of their most emotional and impactful returns yet. EXO (Credits: SM Entertainment) Fan Reactions Around the World The announcement immediately trended across platforms like Twitter, Weibo, and community forums. Fans shared emotional reactions such as: I was crying the moment I saw the teaser. An OT9 comeback feels like a dream. The lunar eclipse teaser gave me chills. EXO always knows how to make it magical. With Sehun back, this is the comeback we’ve all been waiting for. Many fans also expressed hopes for a full-length album and a world tour, saying this moment deserves to be celebrated on the biggest stage possible. Why This Comeback Matters EXO’s return is not just another release; it’s a historic moment in K-pop. Few groups have stayed together through more than a decade of ups and downs, military service, and solo careers, only to reunite with all members. For EXO-Ls, the December comeback is more than music; it’s proof of the group’s bond and resilience. The Countdown Begins! As the countdown to December begins, EXO-Ls are celebrating more than just a teaser. They are preparing to witness the long-awaited return of their nine shining stars. With Sehun’s discharge just around the corner and the teaser’s cosmic message giving fans chills, this comeback already feels like history in the making. Are you ready for EXO’s OT9 comeback in December 2025? What do you hope to see — a full album, a tour, or maybe both? #EXOLs #EXO #weareoneEXO

IU is now the fourth Korean celebrity to be named a global brand ambassador following EXO's Kai , Shin

Popular singer, sometime actor, and idol Kai from Exo stunned fans by winning Best Male Entertainer. While he has acted in dramas before, Kai won this award for his role in a variety show called New World

place July 4th to 6th , excitement is already surging with confirmed appearances by the charismatic KAI

EXO comeback controversy intensifies as CBX reveals they accepted SM’s conditions but were still excluded (Credits: X) EXO  recently announced their first major comeback since all members completed their military service, triggering excitement across K-pop fandoms. Yet the joy was short-lived when the official schedule revealed that sub-unit EXO‑CBX  ( Baekhyun , Chen , and Xiumin ) wouldn’t participate. The absence of CBX from what was billed as a full-group comeback has left fans feeling betrayed and skeptical. CBX (Credits: X) CBX Claims They Did Everything, Yet Still Excluded CBX’s agency INB100 issued a detailed statement saying the trio: Met with SM Entertainment on July 9, 2025,  to discuss full-group activities. Exchanged detailed agreements by September 10, 2025 . On October 2 , formally accepted all terms set by SM. Cleared their entire December schedules to prioritize EXO activities. Despite all that, SM announced the comeback without them. As CBX concluded in their statement: “We have been making every effort to fulfil our promise for full-group EXO activities.” SM Maintains Legal Disputes, Prevents CBX Participation SM Entertainment responded by saying that the settlement of legal disputes and group activities are separate matters. They claim CBX has not fulfilled a key payment clause: 10% of individual activity revenue from the settlement signed in June 2023. Further, reports indicate that CBX has lost most of its legal battles against SM, reducing its leverage. Fan Outrage: “Never OT9” Fans expected an OT9 reunion , meaning all nine original EXO members would participate. The absence of CBX triggered hashtags like #AlwaysWithOT9 and fierce critique of management. For many EXO-L, this comeback feels incomplete, even disingenuous. EXO with OT9 members (Credits: SM Entertainment) What This Means for the Comeback Contract disputes and internal drama now overshadow the momentum and hope around EXO’s return. What should have been a triumphant revival now feels like a fractured comeback. While the remaining six members push ahead, the missing trio and unresolved undercurrents may dampen the impact. EXO’s long-awaited return still carries huge potential, but without Baekhyun, Chen, and Xiumin, it may not feel like the  EXO comeback fans imagined. The question now is whether SM, CBX, and the fandom can rebuild trust and how that affects the group’s legacy. What are your thoughts on this matter? Will you still support the December EXO comeback despite CBX exclusion? Let us know in the comments! #EXO #CBX #EXOcomeback #EXOControversy #Chen #Baekhyun #Xiumin #SMEntertainment #AlwaysWithOT9 #KpopNews #KpopScandal #Kpop2025

Every January 12, EXO fans worldwide come together to celebrate a special day dedicated to one of the group's most beloved members, D.O. Known affectionately as "D.O. Day" , this occasion in 2026 was marked by heartfelt digital photo cards, lively fan events, and a shared excitement for what lies ahead in EXO's musical journey. This year, the celebration carried extra meaning as D.O. recently finished his compelling role as a villain in the Disney+ K-drama The Manipulated , and fans eagerly await EXO's upcoming 8th album . EXO's D.O. celebrated his birthday in style as fans rushed to social media to congratulate him (Credits: @weareoneEXO) D.O.'s Impact Beyond Music D.O., whose real name is Do Kyung-soo, has long been admired not only for his vocal talent but also for his acting skills. His recent role in The Manipulated showcased a darker, more complex side of his artistry. Playing a villain on a major platform like Disney+ added a new dimension to his career and impressed fans and critics alike. This role demonstrated his versatility and deepened fans' appreciation for his dedication to his craft. The timing of this achievement made D.O. Day 2026 even more special. Fans took the opportunity to celebrate not just his birthday but also his growth as an artist. The digital photo cards created by EXO-Ls featured images capturing his various expressions and moments from his acting career, alongside warm birthday messages. These digital gifts spread across social media, creating a vibrant atmosphere of love and support. Kyungsoo's Birthday Livestream Connects Fans One of the highlights of this year's celebration was D.O.'s birthday livestream titled Kyungsoo's Room On My Birthday on YouTube. This event gave fans a rare chance to interact with him directly, hear his thoughts, and enjoy a more personal side of the star. The livestream included candid conversations, behind-the-scenes stories from his recent projects, and moments of gratitude toward his fans. The livestream also reflected D.O.'s humble and genuine personality, which has always been a key reason for his strong fanbase. His ability to connect with fans in such an intimate setting made the celebration feel more meaningful and memorable. For many EXO-Ls, this was a treasured experience that strengthened their bond with D.O. Anticipation Builds for EXO's 8th Album While D.O. Day was a moment to honor the individual, it also reminded fans of the exciting future ahead for EXO as a group. The anticipation for EXO's 8th album, entitled REVERXE , set to be released on January 19, 2026, is growing rapidly. Fans have been eagerly awaiting new music that will showcase the group's evolution and the unique contributions of each member, including D.O. The album is expected to blend EXO's signature sound with fresh elements, reflecting their growth over the years. D.O.'s recent experiences in acting and music hint at a deeper emotional range and maturity that could influence the new tracks. This anticipation adds another layer of excitement to the birthday celebrations, as fans look forward to hearing what D.O. and EXO will bring next. How Fans Celebrated D.O. Day Korean music platform, Melon, celebrated D.O. Day by wishing him a very Happy Birthday (Credits: Melon) The celebration of D.O. Day went beyond just sending birthday wishes. EXO-Ls organize various activities to honor their favorite member: Digital Photo Cards : Fans create and share digital photo cards featuring D.O.'s best moments, often including personalized messages and artwork. Social Media Campaigns : Hashtags trend worldwide as fans flood platforms with birthday greetings and fan art. Charity Donations : Some fan groups make donations to causes D.O. supports, turning the celebration into a way to give back. Streaming Parties : Fans gather online to stream D.O.'s music and dramas, boosting his visibility and showing support. These activities highlight the strong community spirit among EXO-Ls and their dedication to celebrating D.O.'s achievements! The Meaning Behind D.O. Day for EXO-Ls For many fans, D.O. Day is more than just a birthday. It is a moment to reflect on the impact D.O. has had on their lives through his music, acting, and personality. His sincerity, talent, and hard work inspire fans to pursue their own passions. Celebrating D.O. Day becomes a way to express gratitude and admiration. The day also strengthens the connection between D.O. and his fans. Through shared celebrations and direct interactions like the birthday livestream, fans feel closer to the artist they support. This connection fuels their enthusiasm for EXO's future projects and keeps the fandom vibrant. How did you celebrate D.O. Day? Comment below! #EXOLs #EXODO #EXO #HappyDODay #weareoneEXO

Kai Sehun Seeing the members travel together again after a long gap has made this season especially emotional