Exo, a popular South Korean-Chinese boy band, has captivated millions of fans worldwide with their exceptional talent and charismatic presence. Comprised of nine members – Xiumin, Suho, Lay, Baekhyun, Chen, Chanyeol, D.O., Kai, and Sehun – Exo has risen to international fame through their catchy music, stunning performances, and a devoted fan base known as EXO-Ls. However, it's important to note that Exo's original lineup included three additional members, Kris, Luhan, and Tao, who were all Chinese. These talented individuals played a significant role in Exo's early success, contributing to the group's diverse sound and international appeal. While Kris, Luhan, and Tao have since departed from Exo, their contributions to the band's legacy remain unforgettable. Today, Exo continues to captivate audiences worldwide with their powerful music and electrifying stage presence, cementing their status as one of the leading K-pop acts of the decade.
Are All EXO Members Korean?
EXO, one of the most popular K-pop groups worldwide, is widely recognized for it’s unique blend of Korean and Chinese talent. While it’s true that the majority of EXOs members hail from South Korea, not all of them are Korean. In fact, the group boasts a diverse lineup consisting of individuals with both South Korean and Chinese heritage.
The nine members of EXO are Baekhyun, Chen, Chanyeol, D.O, Kai, Lay, Sehun, Suho, and Xiumin. This collective showcases the groups dedication to inclusivity, as it brings together individuals from different cultural backgrounds.
Among these members, Baekhyun, Chen, Chanyeol, D.O, Kai, Sehun, Suho, and Xiumin are of South Korean descent. They haven’t only contributed immensely to EXOs success but have also made a mark as individual artists in the K-pop industry.
On the other hand, Lay, often referred to as the groups “Chinese unicorn,” is the sole Chinese member of EXO. Born and raised in China, Lay adds an intriguing dimension to the groups music and performances with his unique cultural influences.
This collaboration not only enriches EXOs music but also fosters cultural appreciation and understanding among fans worldwide.
After the departure of Kris, Luhan, and Tao in 2014 and 2015 respectively, the dynamics of EXO underwent a significant shift. These departures were accompanied by legal battles with SM Entertainment, leading to a change in the group’s composition. Prior to that, Exo-K and Exo-M had been actively performing music in Korean and Mandarin, respectively. However, things took a turn with the release of their third EP Overdose in 2014.
When Did the 3 EXO Members Leave?
In 2014, the popular South Korean-Chinese boy band EXO faced a significant setback as three of it’s members decided to leave the group. Kris, Luhan, and Tao departed EXO individually, marking a significant turning point in the bands history. These departures weren’t simply personal decisions but rather were the result of legal battles with SM Entertainment, the entertainment agency that manages EXO.
The first member to depart was Kris, who filed a lawsuit against SM Entertainment in May 2014, claiming unfair treatment and violation of his rights. Luhan followed suit in October of the same year, citing health issues and his desire to pursue a solo career. Tao, the final member to leave, filed a lawsuit against the agency in April 2015, seeking termination of his contract due to health problems and inadequate treatment.
Before these departures, EXO was composed of two sub-units: Exo-K and Exo-M, who performed music in Korean and Mandarin, respectively. The split between these two units allowed EXO to cater to both Korean and Chinese audiences, reflecting the groups multinational appeal. However, following the departure of Kris, Luhan, and Tao, EXO consolidated into a single unit, focusing primarily on Korean-language music.
This transition occurred around the time of EXOs third EP titled “Overdose,” which was released in 20The EP marked a significant shift in the groups sound and vision, as it showcased the remaining members ability to adapt and continue to thrive despite the departure of their Chinese counterparts. Since then, EXO has continued to release successful albums and gain worldwide recognition, cementing their status as one of the most influential K-pop groups.
While the departures of Kris, Luhan, and Tao undoubtedly had an impact on EXO, the groups resilience and talent allowed them to overcome this challenging period. Today, EXO remains active and beloved by fans worldwide, proving that even in the face of adversity, their music and performances continue to captivate audiences.
The Evolution of EXO’s Music and Sound After the Departure of Kris, Luhan, and Tao
After the departure of Kris, Luhan, and Tao from EXO, the group underwent a noticeable evolution in their music and sound. The remaining members worked hard to fill the void left by the departures, resulting in a shift in their musical style and approach. EXO began experimenting with different genres, incorporating elements of R&B, hip-hop, and electronic music into their sound. They also started exploring more mature and introspective themes in their lyrics. This transition allowed the group to showcase their versatility and growth as artists. While the absence of Kris, Luhan, and Tao undoubtedly had an impact on EXO’s dynamics, the remaining members persevered and successfully continued their musical journey, delighting fans with their evolving artistry.
Source: Why did Tao, Kris, and Luhan choose to leave EXO?..
The departure of Chinese members from the beloved K-pop group, EXO, has left fans wondering about the reasons behind their decisions. Among them, Tao’s departure from the group was influenced by various factors. Not only did he feel that EXO-K received more promotional opportunities, but Tao also faced health issues resulting from injuries sustained during concerts, which weren’t addressed adequately. Additionally, Tao’s father played a role in his decision, urging him to return to his home country, China.
Why Did the Chinese Members of EXO Leave?
The departure of the Chinese members of EXO has been a topic of interest among fans and music enthusiasts. One of the main reasons for their departure lies in the disparities in opportunities for promotion within the group. It was perceived that EXO-K, the Korean sub-unit, received more chances to showcase their talents and actively promote their music than EXO-M, the Mandarin sub-unit. This perceived imbalance in promotional activities likely played a significant role in the decisions of the Chinese members to leave.
Moreover, Tao, one of the Chinese members, departed from EXO due to multiple reasons. Firstly, it was reported that Taos father expressed a desire for him to return to China, possibly to pursue other endeavors or spend more time with family. This familial influence could have influenced his ultimate decision to leave the group. Additionally, Tao had sustained injuries during concerts, which weren’t adequately treated or addressed. It’s plausible that the dissatisfaction with the managements handling of his injuries and the lack of proper medical care played a significant role in his departure.
It’s important to consider the individual circumstances and personal factors that contribute to a members departure. Each member may have their own unique motivations and circumstances that influence their decision to leave. While promotional disparities and personal reasons have been highlighted in the Chinese members departure, it’s essential to approach this matter with empathy and respect for their personal journeys.
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Wu Yi Fan, also known as Kris Wu, is a multi-talented artist who gained popularity as a member of the South Korean-Chinese boy band Exo. However, his career took a dark turn when he faced serious legal consequences. It’s important to acknowledge both his past achievements and the allegations surrounding him, as they’ve had a significant impact on his reputation and career trajectory.
Who Was the Former Chinese Member of Exo?
After leaving EXO, Kris Wu embarked on a successful solo career in China. He released his debut solo album “Antares” in 2018, which topped music charts and earned him numerous awards. He’s since released several hit singles and collaborated with internationally renowned artists.
However, Kris Wus career took a dark turn in 2021 when he was arrested and subsequently convicted for sexual assault. The case garnered widespread attention and sparked a conversation about the prevalent issue of sexual misconduct in the entertainment industry.
The former EXO members conviction and the subsequent backlash had a significant impact on his career. Many endorsements and partnerships were terminated, and he was taken off various projects. There was also a decline in his popularity and public support.
It’s important to separate Kris Wus criminal actions from the achievements and contributions made by other Chinese members of EXO, such as Lay Zhang, who’s still an active member of the group. Lay has had a successful solo career in both China and Korea and has been involved in various philanthropic endeavors.
It’s crucial to focus on the positive contributions made by other Chinese members of EXO, who continue to pursue successful careers in the music industry.
Conclusion
Kris, Luhan, and Tao were part of EXO, representing a fusion of Korean and Chinese talents. Their inclusion allowed EXO to connect with a diverse fan base, showcasing the group's appeal beyond national borders. These Chinese members contributed to EXO's success, helping to establish their popularity in both Korea and China. However, as time went on, KrIs, Luhan, and Tao decided to part ways with EXO, pursuing their individual careers. This departure marked a significant chapter in EXO's journey, leading to the current lineup of exceptional talents that fans have come to love. As EXO continues to evolve and captivate audiences worldwide, the legacy of their Chinese members remains an integral part of the group's history and serves as a testament to their global appeal.