Exo excellence

Top boy band lands in Bangkok

By Suwitcha Chaiyong
Photos courtesy of SM True

After emerging as a rookie group in 2012, boy band Exo, which consists of both Korean and Chinese members, had a big breakthrough with their massive 2013 hit, “Growl.” That song was taken from their debut album, XOXO, which set a new record in the Korean music industry by selling more than a million copies in less than two years.

Following up that huge success, Exo released their second album, Overdose, and embarked in their first concert tour of Asia.

On September 12, Exo’s Exo-L fan club created chaos around Paragon Park as they flocked to see the stars. The fans were everywhere, including in nearby parking lots and on a Sky Train station.

Ten of Exo’s 11 members — leader Suho, 23, Xiumin, 25, Lay, 22, Baekhyun, 22, Chen, 21, Chanyeol, 21, D.O, 21, Tao, 21, Kai, 20 and Sehun, 20 — showed up onstage in the evening. Unfortunately, 24-year-old Chinese member Luhan couldn’t make it to Thailand due to illness.

EXO CONVERSATION

During their press conference, Lay showed off his Thai language skills by asking Exo-L in Thai to buy him some somtam. He also said that he ate some delicious green curry chicken.

Here are some of the other highlights of Exo’s interview with the press.

Question: How do you feel about performing an official concert in Thailand for the first time?

Suho: First of all, I’d like to say that I recognise this place. We once performed around here. I’m happy to have our first concert in Thailand. I’ve been waiting for this for a long time.

Kai: I want to tell Thai Exo-L that we can have a concert here because of you guys. I’ll work hard to pay back your love.

Question: Since you guys have been here several times, what are your impressions of Thailand?

Chanyeol: Every time I’m here, I feel warm love. Sometimes it gets really hot! Thailand is the warmest place.

Suho: Visitors usually receive garlands when arriving Thailand. I wish somebody would give me one!

Question: Can you tell us about your latest individual projects?

D.O: I starred in the TV drama It's Okay, That's Love. I’m very happy with it.

Tao: I was a guest on an episode of the variety show Law of Jungle, and it will be airing tonight.

Chanyeol: I’m filming a movie. I just recently worked on the first scene.

Question: Do you have any message for your Thai fans?

Kai: Exo-L is big in Thailand. I have to say sorry that we don’t come here more often. Next year, I promise to come to see you guys before I miss you like crazy.

Suho: We’re sorry that Luhan couldn’t be here because he’s really sick. He said that he regretted not being able to come with us.

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The Exo from Exo Planet #1: The Lost Planet in Bangkok concert was held on September 13 and 14 at Impact Arena. The show kicked off with a video in which the guys looked like video game characters. They raced one another before jumping off Exo planet and landing on planet Earth. The guys then appeared onstage in dark outfits and sang their debut single, “Mama,” which sounded intriguing with singing like a sacred chant.

MESMERISING MOVES

Exo displayed their terrific teamwork during the two-hour show. Aside from the stylish choreography during their big hit “Growl,” the dance routines on “Moonlight” and “My Lady” were dazzling.

During “Moonlight,” D.O and Baekhyun crooned at a round table while the other members performed their routines on chairs arranged in a circle. The group also wowed the crowd during “My Lady” with their provocative and alluring dance moves.

TRIO’S TRIUMPH

Every member of Exo displayed their great individual talents during their solo performances, but three members were particularly impressive. Rapper Chanyeol showed his drumming skills on the song “Delight.” He crashed the drum kit with both slow and fast, fiery rhythms.

Lead vocalist Baekhyun melted girls’ hearts with his emotional singing and beautiful piano playing on the ballad “My Turn to Cry.” Main dancer Kai showed that as well as having great dancing skills, he was also able to use facial expressions and body movements to tell a story with his quirky routine during the song “Deep Breath.”

FRIENDLY WITH FANS

Exo and their fans have a great bond, and Thai Exo-L playfully teased Exo with hilarious pictures and gifts that they brought to the show. For their part, the guys in the group casually played with their fans like they were personal friends.

During the final part of the show, Suho sat down on the stage and said that he felt at home. Baekhyun said that the concert was a lot of fun because of Thai Exo-L. Tao then asked for the lights to be turned off so that he could take pictures the fans holding their bright light sticks. He later posted videos and pictures of the show on his Instagram account.

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