EXO Has Been in Career for 8 Years But Still at the Peak of Popularity, Making Netizens Wonder, Is This the Secret?

Kapanlagi.com - The wheel always turns. Not always those on top will always be at the peak. The same goes for popularity. There are times when a celebrity can be very popular, but two or three years later they may disappear as if swallowed by the earth.

This time we will discuss one of the popular K-Pop groups, EXO. It just so happened that on April 8th they celebrated their eighth anniversary after debuting in 2012. EXO fans made it trending on Twitter, put up advertisements, and made donations on behalf of their idol to celebrate it. Fans in Korea streamed EXO's songs on Melon platform, with dozens of their singles re-entering the top 100, including the old ones.

Seeing this makes netizens wonder to the point that someone made a post on a forum titled: 'Why doesn't EXO's popularity decline?'. EXO did experience a peak period from 2013-2015 where they seemed to dominate the K-Pop scene at that time. Now, it can be said that EXO is not as popular as before, but their popularity can still be considered the best along with BTS.

Here's what's puzzling, because usually K-Pop groups will decline in popularity after two or three years as a trend. What's even more unique is that EXO has lost three members. Two of the most popular members in Korea, Baekhyun and Kai, were caught dating, which can be considered 'taboo' for a K-Pop idol to go public with their romantic relationship, and even Chen is already married and has a child. Lay is on hiatus and two members (Xiumin and D.O.) are serving in the military. But all of this seems to have no effect, EXO still persists and remains popular. Even the solo albums of each member or subunit continue to sell well and are accepted by the public for their songs.

So, what's really going on with EXO? Here are some opinions that could be the reasons why EXO is still holding onto their popularity.

1. Fan Love

Fan love is the term given to the attention idols give to their fans. EXO is considered by many to always treat their fans very well and always know what EXO-L wants. In short, the bond or relationship between EXO and fans is very strong.

For example, Suho once said, 'Oppa knows everything.' Although he doesn't openly admit to having a Twitter account, Suho said he knows what fans want on social media. The leader has also said at one of EXO's concerts that fans who come to tell him what he said so that fans around the world who couldn't be there can also know.

Baekhyun also suddenly often appears on Twitter and greets fans. For example, when fans celebrate EXO's anniversary, he tweeted and said that EXO-L is also his 'youth'. EXO-L often says 'EXO is my youth'.

Kai also often chats with fans live on Instagram. Fans are also happy because they feel trusted by Kai when their idol shares pictures of his beloved nephews. This is important to them because many Korean artists do not want to expose their families.

EXO fans are also often disappointed and protest against SM Entertainment agency because of the lack of content for fangirling. EXO definitely knows about this. That's why they try to make fans happy with variety shows, creating a YouTube channel, and being active on social media. Even Lay, who rarely participates in activities with EXO, is often seen liking posts from other members. Just that already makes EXO-L happy.

2. No Visual Holes

For those who don't understand, no visual holes means there is no one who looks bad. Besides being talented, EXO has been recognized as handsome since their debut. Each member is considered to have a different charm. Even if they sit next to each other, there is a saying: 'handsome guy sitting next to handsome guy sitting next to handsome guy'.

Not only that, EXO is also considered to take good care of themselves. During their 8-year career, they are seen as if they don't change and can't age. Suho and Xiumin, who are already in their thirties, are still considered to be in their early twenties.

3. Friendship Among EXO Members

It cannot be denied that behind the glitz of K-Pop stars, there is an important business side. Yes, they are formed to attract fans. Fans will buy products about their idols, and the profits will be shared between the agency and the respective artists. In essence, many K-Pop artists aim to become idols not only because of passion, but also for money.

Netizens once again feel amazed by EXO. Some say that when a K-Pop group reaches seven years, the true relationship between the members will be visible, whether they are really friends or just united for the sake of business. EXO is still united even when Suho debuted as a solo artist, other members not only congratulated him on Instagram but also attended when the leader performed on the show 'SBS Inkigayo'.

Not only that, many joke that it is the EXO members who have raised their maknae, Sehun. As the youngest, the older members have indeed seen Sehun grow from middle school to become a gentleman like he is now.

Seeing the togetherness of the EXO members is what always makes fans happy.

4. Concept and Quality of the Amazing Album

Besides being handsome and talented, it is also important for a K-Pop star to have cool and enjoyable songs. Because songs can also make the public, who are not fans, like them. EXO is considered to have an extraordinary concept and album quality.

Let's talk about the concept first. Since their debut, they have made many people curious with the concept of aliens from another planet coming to Earth to save the universe. Each member is said to have different powers. This EXO concept is still often used until now, for example in concert videos.

Not only that, in every album, EXO always has a different concept. In 'Growl', they become school kids. 'Call Me Baby' uses the pathcode concept, where fans are invited to solve the mystery in the teaser. Other concepts include becoming monsters, motorcycle gangs, and fighting against their own clones.

The quality of their songs always happens as well. The main songs have different genres, but they can be performed well. EXO's side B tracks are also known to always be good and enjoyable to listen to.

Lastly, the album design, both for the group and individual members, is always interesting. Some are shaped like school yearbooks, papers, comics, and so on.

The design of EXO's logo for each comeback is also eagerly awaited because it is unique and out of the box. Like from flowers, ice cubes, flags, to speedometers, all of which can suddenly form the letters EXO.

5. Have Many Hardcore Fans

Fans can come and go. Some like to stay, some switch and move to younger groups. Surely there are EXO fans like that, but those who stay are far more numerous.

EXO is believed to have many loyal fans who have stayed with them since their debut until now. They are willing to buy EXO albums in dozens and maintain the reputation of their idol. 

6. Always Have New Fans

EXO is said to still attract many people to join their fandom until now. Some are interested in them after seeing D.O. in a drama or movie. Some are interested after seeing Kai dance or accidentally hearing their songs. There is one netizen who claimed to have just become an EXO fan forty days ago. 

Are there any EXO-Ls here? If so, what makes you like EXO? 

(kpl/pit)