The comeback of EXO (EXO, affiliated with SM Entertainment), regarded as a true "return of the king" to the K-pop scene, is three days away. Beginning with the release of their eighth studio album "REVERXE" (Reverse), we look at the anticipated highlights of EXO's 2026 activities.
'A renewed K-pop universe craze' EXO promotion that sparked obsessive fandom
This album is a work that reunites EXO's universe that sparked the K-pop universe craze. The album title itself attracted attention by using EXO's expression. The album title "REVERXE" reinterprets the English word "Reverse," meaning to return, based on the EXO universe story, conveying the meaning "a new world opens again."
Earlier, EXO staged diverse universe-based album promotions and received explosive reactions. The "lunar eclipse" teaser image, the "REVERXE" cinematic trailer, the "black cloak legion" that appeared in four locations in Seoul, the "mystery quiz" that raised curiosity about the album narrative, as well as content using the main object "tree of life" and each member's supernatural abilities were opened to give fans around the world the pleasure of interpreting the universe.
Furthermore, on the album release date the title track "Crown" music video will brilliantly depict the "return of the king" narrative, and the EX-VISION version album, a digital photo keyring-style package, will include a 'short novel' as well, allowing fans to experience the high-quality EXO universe in various ways, including a short story written by author Lee Hee-joo.
'The weight of the crown willingly received' music and performance that prove EXO
This album is EXO's first new record in two years and six months since the group's seventh studio album "EXIST," released in July 2023, and is filled with nine tracks in total. Among them, the title track "Crown" develops its lyrics around the motif of a "crown," comparing a precious person to a crown desired by many and expressing a desperate resolve to stake everything and protect them to the end.
In particular, EXO shows a solid presence as one team with the SMP-style title track "Crown" performance. "Crown" is a hard dance track that blends Atlanta trap drums, heavy metal guitar and EDM synths to break genre boundaries; the members perform powerful group choreography with eight dancers, and the impactful movement that looks as if placing a crown on the head is a viewing highlight.
'A collection of standout album tracks' EXO's other music is also drawing attention. The cozy winter song "I'm Home" and the intense performance track "Back It Up" were pre-released as year-end stages and drew attention, and in addition fans can encounter songs that blend various moods and narratives such as "Crazy," "Suffocate," "Moonlight Shadows," "Back Pocket," "Touch & Go," and "Flatline."
'Priority is still EXO-L' enjoying this year's activities together with EXO
After the comeback, EXO places meeting fans around the world as the top priority. First, after the full album release at 6 p.m. on Jan. 19, they will present the title track "Crown" stage for the first time at an album showcase held at Kyung Hee University Peace Hall at around 7:30 p.m., which will be broadcast live on EXO's YouTube and TikTok channels.
Then beginning on the 20th, a pop-up store commemorating the album release, "REVERXE THE WORLD," will run for eight days at The Hyundai Seoul B1 Event Plaza, and several YouTube contents will be sequentially opened, including the already filmed "Channel Fifteen at Night" and "HalMyungSu," as well as "Former Convict," which highlights the close chemistry of MC Kai and Sehun, "Masterpiece" starring Suho and Kai, and "Minju's Pink Cabinet" featuring Suho and Chanyeol.
Afterward, EXO plans to launch a new season of their solo reality variety show "EXO's ladder to world travel," followed by kicking off a solo concert tour in April to interact with fans around the world, so attention is focused on EXO's activities this year, which herald the "return of the king."
[photo] SM Entertainment
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