EXO – South Koren – Chinese group
SM Entertainment formed Exo (sometimes stylized as EXO) in 2011 in Seoul. Its members are Suho, Sehun, Baekhyun, Chanyeol, Xiumin, D.O., Kai, Lay, and Chen. They perform in Korean, Mandarin, and Japanese.
In 2012, with SM Entertainment’s assistance, the group released its debut EP, Mama. The success of the first album was overwhelming. It climbed to the top of South Korea Gaon Weekly Albums Chart and came in 8th on Billboard’s World Albums Chart. The Chinese version of the album settled on the second spot of Sina Album Chart (China) but didn’t make it to the US charts. Soon after the release, many fans tried to book Exo for private events, but their schedule was tight.
In June 2013, the artists recorded their first LP, XOXO. Two months later, the Chinese version came out under the name of Growl. Both albums were released in Kiss and Hug editions. They reached the top 10 of South Korea Gaon Weekly Albums Chart, South Korea Gaon Monthly Albums Chart, and South Korea Gaon 2013 Yearly Albums Chart. The album also climbed to a high spot on the Japan Oricon Weekly Albums Chart. It became successful in the USA, topping Billboard World Albums Chart and reaching the 23rd spot of US Billboard Heatseekers Albums Chart.