EXO is regarded as one of the most successful K-pop groups, with two main languages, three units, five studio albums, nine current members and a huge fan base.

Hit songs like “Growl,” “Overdose,” and “Love Me Right” have made the boy band famous all around the world. Under S.M. Entertainment, EXO has sold millions of records and racked up over 230 awards.

Although the band has been in the spotlight for the past seven years, there are some facts about EXO that not everyone knows.

(Instagram 'weareone.exo')

Who is in EXO?

EXO was introduced to the world as a 12-member twin-unit Chinese-Korean band in 2012. Its name was derived from the term “exoplanet,” meaning a planet that orbits a star outside the solar system.

With initially one leader in each unit, Suho from EXO-K became the sole leader of EXO when Kris from EXO-M left the group. Kris, Luhan and Tao from Exo-M left the band after filing lawsuits against S.M. Entertainment in 2014-15.

The members are now Suho, Baekhyun, Chanyeol, D.O., Kai, and Sehun for EXO-K and just Xiumin, Lay, and Chen for EXO-M.

(S.M. Entertainment)

How to break down the group

As stated above, EXO is divided into twin units known as EXO-K and EXO-M; the “K” stands for Korean, while the “M” represents Mandarin. A strategic publicity tactic, the separation of the group is meant to target both Chinese and Korean fans. Still, the music that is released by both groups is the same, apart from the language component.

Although the group debuted as teams of six, the twin units became groups of six and three as members left. Nevertheless, EXO has been seamlessly continuing its activities.

Its debuted its very first subunit, EXO-CBX, in 2016 with the EP “Hey Mama!” This unit consists of both EXO-K and EXO-M members: Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin. The unit’s name comprises the initials of the members’ first names.

(S.M. Entertainment)

Evolution of fan club’s name

Fans of the band had called themselves EXOtics, until S.M. released a statement regarding EXO’s global fan club.

In the hope of promoting worldwide support for the band, S.M. named the fan base EXO-L, which stands for EXO-Love. There is also a hidden meaning behind the moniker: “L” is between “K” and “M” alphabetically, signifying that the fans are always in the middle of the twin units. EXO-L also represents the fan club slogan “We are one,” which emphasizes the idea that EXO and their fans are always together.

Although it’s easy to recognize EXO’s name and unmistakable popularity, it is understandable that only super fans would be able to remember these detailed facts.

By Serena Soh (sjsoh@heraldcorp.com)