7 Things To Know About The Korean Boy Band EXO And Why They Have A Legion Of Devoted Saudi Fans

If you’ve yet to hear of EXO, then you’ve come to the right article.

It’s about time to get acquainted with this Korean boy band that has been all the RAGE around the world.

The 9-membered band who debuted in 2012 has since been an international success, with fans not just all over Asia but the West and peculiarly enough, SO many fans in the Middle East- especially in Saudi Arabia.

Don’t miss on their tempo and get to know them through these seven facts:

(Image Credits: Instagram/ @weareone.exo)

1. The South-Korean/Chinese band had originally debuted with 12 members

The twelve members, upon debut, were supposedly segregated into two sub-groups- the EXO-K and EXO-M.

Kris, Luhan and Tao left the band in 2014 and 2015, leaving the now nine members to carry on the legend of We Are One.

The current 9 members are namely: Suho, Baekhyun, D.O., Kai, Sehun, Xiumin, Lay and Chen.

2. EXO’s first album XOXO in 2013 was a massive success that sold over 1 million copies

This is the first time such a record had been sold in South Korea in a long while, making them the best-selling Korean artist in 12 years.

The song ‘Growl’ was one of the pivotal records in the album that really earned them their breakthrough.

Listen to it below.

3. Baekhyun is the main vocalist of the group

According to The Odyssey Online, singer Baekhyun is the main vocalist of the group, having performed in OST’s (official soundtracks) for drama series and even being a part of a musical.

4. Most of the Korean members of EXO can actually play the piano

Skills on skills on skills.

That’s on top of their other instrumental talents, vocal abilities and dancing grooves.

5. They’re actually so BIG in the Middle East: especially in the UAE and Saudi Arabia

Korean bands don’t just make it out into the world for no reason, there’s no denying the palpable efforts they put into their craft. I mean, just look at the other Korean Pop (Kpop) artists of previous decades: Girls Generation (SNSD), Super Junior and Big Bang.

Still, no one could have expected this level of EXTREEEME fandom that has even reached the GCC.

And Saudi fans just recently set up a project to have EXO promotional videos displayed at the world’s largest curved theatre. Located in none other than Jeddah.

EXO fans went CRAYYY when EXO visited Dubai just a few months back

Just look at all the fans that showed up at their recent Dubai performance back in July.

Intense crowds gathered by the world’s tallest tower, The Burj Khalifa.

6. Saudi EXO fans made their fave band anniversary hoodies made out of actual GOLD

SBS reports that Saudi fans are so EXTRA with their fandom (living for it) that they even got customised anniversary hoodies all decked in gold thread embroidering.

The hoodies spelled out EXO’s member names and their special numbers in the back.

This was just in commemoration of the band’s sixth anniversary.

7. Saudi EXOLs are also trying really hard to get the General Entertainment Authority to bring the boy band to the Kingdom

Following the boys’ visit to neighbouring city of Dubai, an official fan page for Saudi fans of EXO tried to get them to Saudi from the beginning of the year. They’ve even gone as far as already sending the request and waiting for an agreement.

Hopes prevail for Saudi EXO fans and who knows what 2019 might bring for them?

After all, there have been so many performances by international stars in the last year alone.