The month of April is always a bittersweet time for an EXO fan like me. Who would have thought that, at 30, I’d still get emotional over a group of Korean men?

My love for EXO started when I was a freshman at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, weighed down by my semester load and the relentless pressure of college life. I was 17 years old then.

Yesterday, 8 April, was a significant date: EXO’s 14th anniversary. Since debuting in 2012 under SM Entertainment, EXO quickly rose to stardom with their unique concept, powerful performances and genre-defying sound. From early hits like “MAMA” to chart-topping anthems such as “Growl” and “Call Me Baby,” the group became a defining force in the global K-pop wave.

But behind the accolades lies a journey full of challenges that tested both the group and EXO-Ls, their devoted fandom.

Trials and triumphs

Over the years, EXO navigated member changes, including the departures of Kris, Luhan and Tao — moments that shook the group at the height of their fame. Despite these setbacks, they regrouped and continued to thrive, proving their staying power in a constantly evolving K-pop industry.

EXO’s discography reflects their growth as artists while staying true to their signature mix of high-energy pop, R&B and electronic music. Early releases, like XOXO (2013), cemented their status as K-pop royalty, with hits like “Growl” dominating charts and earning critical acclaim.

Albums such as EXODUS (2015) and The War (2017) showcased their versatility, with tracks like “Call Me Baby” and “Ko Ko Bop” blending catchy hooks and intricate choreography. Later releases, including Don’t Mess Up My Tempo (2018) and Obsession (2019), highlighted a matured sound and deeper lyrical themes, resonating with both long-time fans and new listeners.