The emergence of ‘EXO-K,’ a ‘planet to fear’ that
will become a big star in the music industry
The first boy group from SM after
‘SHINee’
All the talented members entered ‘the path of a
singer’ since elementary school
Just the fact that they are the first boy group
introduced by the birthplace of idol groups, SM Entertainment,
since ‘SHINee’ 4 years ago is enough to draw interest. Gathering
massive interest, they could have immediately appeared, but they
revealed themselves little by little for 100 days and announced the
entrance of a great rookie. The wait of 100 days was not in
vain.
As soon as they came out, the response of the fans was
explosive. Certainly within the country, but the entire world was
delighted with them. The group ‘EXO-K’ is prepared to write history
in the music industry with their debut album ‘MAMA.’
“We needed the time to sufficiently introduce the unique
charms and performances of all 12 members, including ‘EXO-M,’ who
promotes in China. Because we went into a countdown of 100 days,
with the thought that we will not disappoint, we were able to
become rather tough.”
The name EXO-K comes from a planet outside of our solar
system called EXOPLANET. Their twin group EXO-M is dedicated to
performing the same music in Chinese versions with Chinese
promotions. As a team engaged in unique group activities, each of
the members has a special super power.
Kai has a badge hanging from his chest that is the
source of his teleportation power, D.O has a ring giving him the
strength of a wild beast, and Chanyeol wears a ring that carries
the power of fire. Sehun’s power of wind comes from his belt, Suho
has power over water, and Baekhyun has power over
light.
“If you watch the music video for our title song,
‘MAMA,’ we show our powers really well. At a first glance, it might
seem childish, but if you look, it is really cool.”
The title song, ‘MAMA’ shows the essence of SMP (SM
Performance). It produces a harmony between the magnificent
orchestra with a powerful performance.
“It is a story about the dryness of the 21st century
society that does not communicate due to its being caged by digital
machines like the cell phone and computer. We are asking the mother
of people, the earth, a god named ‘MAMA,’ what to do with this
world.”
Their seniors, including ‘TVXQ,’ ‘Superjunior,’ and
‘SHINee,’ who have led the K-POP craze, willingly gives generous
advice to their first juniors in a long time.
“U-Know Yunho senior, even in the midst of an overseas
tour, watched our first broadcast and called immediately. Through
the speakerphone, he pointed out lacking parts of each and every
person, one by one. ‘SHINee’ seniors, with their promotion period
overlapping ours, told us helpful things.”
Every one of them, earlier than most others, took up the
thought to walk the ‘path of a singer’ since the 6th grade of
elementary school. Although his time since he entered SM was the
shortest with 1 year, Baekhyun, through his activities in a school
band, has developed his musical diversity, and leader Suho has
refined his skills in SM for 7 years, the longest out of them.
Sehun and Kai have been already picked by SM through street casting
when they were in the 6th grade of elementary school and entered
through their audition in their 2nd year of middle
school.
“After the team EXO was made, we prepared for 1 year. As
we debuted this year, my heart overflows even with just the fact
that we can stand on the same stage as the seniors we respect. We
want to work hard so that we can also hold the newcomer award in
our hands.”
▶ I am this type of an
idol
Suho: He is the team leader.
He entered SM in 2006 and spent his trainee days. His specialties
are acting and golf. He wants to try the role of a warm oppa (older
brother) or a good-looking college student.
Baekhyun: He has a lot of
interest in variety shows. He is bright and is the mood-maker
wherever he goes. He has great hapkido (self-defense) skills to the
point where he has taught students at the government services. He
is a vocalist in the team.
Sehun: He gained interest in
the field of singing when he was casted on the streets. As he
received training, he naturally formed an interest in acting as
well. He focused on training in dance and
acting.
Kai: He did many diverse
dances, including ballet, jazz, hip-hop, popping, and locking.
Originally, he wanted to become a dancer, but starting from the 6th
grade of elementary school, he formed an interest in the field of
singing and learned related dances. If the chance comes, he wants
to do a musical with the 6 members.
D.O: He created the name D.O
because his real last name is ‘Do.’ He did beat-boxing since
elementary school as a hobby. In his second year of high school, he
went on a singing competition and won a prize; while he was going
home, he got cast.
Chanyeol: Along with playing a
variety of instruments such as guitar, drum, bass, and djembe, he
also raps and acts. Because he has liked listening to music since
he was young, he started playing the drums since the 6th grade of
elementary school. If the chance arrives, he would like to promote
as a band for sub-unit promotions.
Translated by gpark @ CXO
