TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - K-pop group EXO officially returned with their eighth studio album, REVERXE, on Monday, January 19, 2026, following a hiatus of more than two years. This comeback is not merely a standard musical release; it signifies EXO's revival and their dominance across various global music charts.
As reported by The Korea Times, EXO released REVERXE at 6:00 p.m. KST, a moment long-awaited by their fans, EXO-L. This marks their first studio album since the release of EXIST in July 2023, which was their last group activity before the members completed their military service and pursued individual projects.
The album consists of nine songs, featuring the lead single titled "Crown," a hard-hitting dance track that blends Atlanta trap beats, heavy metal guitar riffs, and EDM synthesizers. The lyrics depict a fierce determination to protect something very precious, using a crown as the primary metaphor.
The music video for "Crown," released on the same day, contains potent symbolism, including scenes of the members wearing crowns, according to SM Entertainment.
However, only six members participated in this comeback—Suho, Chanyeol, D.O., Kai, Sehun, and Lay. Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin were absent due to contract disputes with SM Entertainment. This formation has drawn attention from fans who long for the full lineup.
Global Response and Album Domination
According to The Chosun Biz, REVERXE not only marks a meaningful comeback for EXO but also demonstrates the group's global dominance. On its first day of release, the album topped the iTunes charts in 35 countries worldwide, including the United States, Brazil, Japan, and several Southeast Asian nations.
In China, REVERXE achieved Double Platinum certification on QQ Music with digital sales exceeding 2 million yuan and dominated Tencent Music's K-pop chart. In South Korea, the album also topped the Hanteo Daily Chart and various other major music rankings.
To celebrate the group's return, EXO held a showcase at Kyung Hee University’s Peace Hall in Seoul. They performed "Crown" and the song "I'm Home," a sentimental winter-themed track.
During the showcase, the members stated that EXO-L are their "crown" and highlighted the emotional bond between the group and their fans. They added, "We are proud and happy to be EXO. Now that only good times with EXO-L remain, we want to make good memories."
IKFINA RAHMAH AULA
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