This is a review of Day 1 of EXO’s EXO PLANET #6 EXhOrizon in Seoul
It had been six years since K-pop stars EXO graced the stage together for a tour. The group, which featured five of the nine members: Suho, Chanyeol, D.O., Kai, and Sehun, is on their sixth World Tour, “EXO PLANET #6 – EXhOrizon, which started in Seoul on April 10-12, showcasing their 8th album REVERXE along with some of their classic hits.
Debuting in 2012, EXO released their single and EP, Mama, which peaked at No. 1 on South Korea’s Gaon Album Chart and No. 8 on the Billboard World Albums Chart. During their debut year, they won Best New Asian Group and Newcomer at the Mnet Asian Music Awards and Golden Disc Awards, respectively. Since then, they’ve released more music and have had successful solo careers as artists, actors, and hosts. When they did collaborate, they climbed even higher on the charts and sold millions of records. Their eighth studio album, REVERXE, became the 8th to reach 1 million since their first, XOXO, in 2013. The new album reached No. 1 on iTunes’ Top Albums charts in 48 countries and regions since its release on January 19.
For those who may not be aware of the group’s impact on pop culture. EXO was one of the music inspirations for The Saja Boys from Netflix’s Academy Award-winning film KPop Demon Hunters.
Their EXhOrizon three sold-out shows were held at the KSPO Dome in Seoul, with Day 1 being livestreamed on Beyond LIVE and Weverse, allowing fans from around the world to tune in. They continue their expansive tour of the Asia circuit, spanning 13 cities, including Ho Chi Minh City, Nagoya, Bangkok, Macau, Osaka, Jakarta, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Tokyo, Kaohsiung, and Singapore, with around 22 shows scheduled through July 2026.
EXhOrizon combines the group’s name “EXO” with “horizon,” symbolizing a new world for EXO and their fans – EXO-L – to come together. It was hilarious to watch the members struggle a bit initially to pronounce the title. Chanyeol welcomed everyone to the EXOhOrizon tour, which the members made fun of him for saying wrong. But it was adorable to watch them all pronounce it as they read it behind them.
Prior to the group’s arrival, the KSPO Dome was filled with fans, holding their EXO lightsticks, waiting patiently for the show to start. As the background music played instrumental versions of EXO’s discography, the crowd began singing along in unison, like a church choir. It was pretty impressive to hear all the harmonies as they sang the different songs played.
As the show began, it introduced the lore of EXO, a complex fantasy universe in which each member possesses unique elemental powers to protect the Tree of Life from the evil Red Force. It has been a long time since the lore came into play for the group, so its return was exciting for fans who studied it. This show’s concept brought it all back, reintroducing each member’s powers and their purpose.
The group opened with their debut song, “Mama,” sending the crowd wild, as they delivered a powerful opening set filled with beautiful graphics and the members chanting toward the Tree of Life. Kai, who has been consistently performing on stage as a solo artist, commanded the center of the choreographed moments, which distracted from any potential errors. The group, which hasn’t toured together in a long time, had some missteps but did very well. And as time went on, each set got even better.
Vocally, there were no concerns, as EXO has always excelled as vocalists, especially with D.O. and Suho, who now have to cover for several of their equally powerful vocals of their missing members. It was a very strong opening, marking EXO’s highly emotional return. The members kept the momentum going with other fan favorites, “Monster,” “Total Eclipse,” “Wolf,” and “Overdose.”
“Monster” was a full performance, and it was exciting to hear the fan chants in between, as if fans were going back in time to when the song was first released in 2016. Suho did an incredible job covering for Chen during the bridge, hitting the high note, before Chanyeol and Sehun’s rap part.
After the first set, the members welcomed the audience. They worked hard and took a quick water break, breathing heavy, serving as a reminder that these men are older yet are still amazing and thriving. Sehun, who returned from South Korean mandatory military service this past September, welcomed the fans to the concert,
“It’s been almost seven years since our last concert, right?” he says calmly. “I don’t think I ever took for granted that a day like this would come. I even wondered if we’d ever get to do this again. But because of our members, our staff—and most of all, because of you—we are here today.
Leader Suho reflects on those seven years, appreciating the fans for waiting. “Looking out at all of you. It really feels like we’ve gone back seven years. But your passion feels even stronger now. I’m grateful for your love every single day—and that’s what made this concert possible.”
It was emotional as it had been so long since the group had been together as EXO. Despite the breaks and members’ disputes, the fans waited and supported every member, including the units and solo careers. The members also didn’t forget each other throughout their solo endeavors. Despite successful solo careers, the members always established themselves as part of EXO. Kai would say he’s “Kai of EXO” even as a soloist.
They then continued with performances of “Moonlight Shadows” and Chanyeol’s solo introduction performance of “Gravity.” Chanyeol opened the song well, transitioning from dancing to his speedy rap, which was even more impressive, given that he had to adjust the earpiece in his pants during the performance. It was cool to see it transition again with the rest of the group.
It then opens with Kai’s stunning solo performance of “Jekyll,” as he danced with a draped figure, which was mesmerizing. The man nearly tripped over the doll, but he made it look so natural. I could not take my eyes off his performance, even after the members joined him. The trance off Kai only came off after Suho hit the high note, and I was able to focus on all of them. The group then exploded with “Crazy,” staying in sync throughout the track, and all stood out in their performance, visuals, and vocals.
The members took their deserved water break, reflecting on their second set, over Chanyeol and Kai’s solos. Chanyeol, who participated in the lyrics for “Gravity,” knew he had to include it, because “it’s my baby. Getting to perform it as a solo dance on stage this time, I put a lot into it. Seeing how much you enjoyed it, it truly means everything to me.”
As the members catch their breath, D.O joked about their ages – all of the members are now in their early 30s. He says, “Up next, we’re going to show you a more mature side of us—something that reflects who we are now – a 30s kind of sexy.”
Of course, that meant they would perform the sexy track, “Playboy,” with Kai taking off his jacket during the performance, causing a frenzy on the floor beneath them.
They then performed even more – starting with Sehun’s sexy solo before “Artificial Love.” I sincerely only heard the audience’s screams over his vocal performance as he danced with a female dancer and took off his jacket. I can’t tell you what his vocals sounded like, as the screams drowned them out.
It was only when the group joined him for “Artificial Love” that things calmed down, but not by much. With “Artificial Love,” “The Eve,” and “Love Shot,” it felt like the guys were all feeling themselves, and it intensified even more with the fans’ cheers. Even D.O., who is a bit more reserved during the “sexy” performances in the past, got into it. The energy in the room during this performance was intense and very passionate. Fans could be heard trying to calm down even after EXO finished their performance and went to change for the next set.
Their next set was A FULL PARTY as they danced around the stages singing, “Power,” “Don’t Fight The Feeling,” “Run,” “Tempo,” “Ko Ko Bop,” CALL ME BABY,” “LOVE ME RIGHT,” and “Growl.”
Though some of the vocals faltered as EXO focused on having fun with the audience and doing fan service, the audience didn’t seem to mind, since they were closer to the members. It was a dance party. To be honest, it didn’t matter. It felt like a celebration to dance alongside these artists who have nothing to prove, as they’ve earned the right to just enjoy after entertaining their fans for 14 years.
In fact, the fans sang to the members during “Run,” “Tempo,” “Kokobop,” and “CALL ME BABY,” which was so heartwarming. The fans’ energy just fueled the group even further. Sehun had the best time, and it was obvious. His dance moves were so sharp when paired with Kai.
Then the group performed “Growl,” one of their most popular tracks, and it felt like a time machine as they hyped each other up during each solo part. After the performance, Kai mentioned, “Performing our title tracks brought everything back for me. On stage, it felt like I’d gone back in time—it was incredible.”
D.O. was so impressed by the fans singing along with the group. He tells them, “There’s something really special about hearing songs you know well—songs you know by heart. It just makes everything more fun.”
D.O. and Suho then performed the soft, slow jam, “Baby Don’t Cry,” which is one of the hardest vocal ballads to perform. Individually, D.O. and Suho hit their parts, but there was a bit of a disconnect when they performed together; it was beautiful.
They continued the ballads with “Walk on Memories” and “Don’t Go.” As they performed “Don’t Go,” they went on a large, floating flower ship, which actually felt more impactful. It was sweet to see them all on there singing together, just looking out at the crowd. It was so emotional, and should have ended there in the VCR
Before that, the final VCR shows the group reuniting, demonstrating that they’re stronger as a team, as the Red Force descends upon them, reawakening their purpose. Basically, the boys are awake, together with their powers, and ready to take on whatever evil lies ahead.
The production of “EL DORADO” was stunning, utilizing its graphics and lighting. They brought the audience to the grand temple with the setting. The strong, steady vocals are back, and they sound beautiful. They then sang “Back It Up,” with flames shooting up from the ground as they began, and continued with “Forever” and “Crown.”
With “Crown,” it was one of the stronger performances of their new songs, which were fierce and sexy, featuring strong choreography. The song is very reminiscent of their older stuff and really represents their royalty status, as they ended the set ascending the stairs into the building in the sky.
Before the encore, they return by singing “Back Pocket” and “Paradise.” The graphics on the back had their animated animal characters. Dressed in their merchandise, EXO went on the charts to say hello to those in the stands. It was another fun dance party.
The members were more relaxed as the concert neared its end, and they got to show their closeness to each other and to their fans. Their interactions with each other felt like one of the many variety shows they’ve done together. Kai kept mentioning how they’re all men now, but also how tired they are all, complaining about the stairs they had to climb before the encore. It’s just a reminder that some of the audience grew up with them, and many of the fans grew up alongside them. (I hate stairs too, Kai.)
They talked about their custom microphones and in-ear monitor designs. Sehun with his orange microphone and in-ears, “like a carrot.”
As the members said their good-byes to the audience, the feeling throughout the show was one of gratitude for their staff and fans. Chanyeol mentioned how much work they all put into this production, working on every detail. He reveals, “There were moments of doubt, but just as much excitement – a mix of emotions, really. But finally, being able to start the tour and share this moment with all of you—it made today incredibly special for me.”
Kai made good on his promise that he made at every solo concert he’s performed at, saying that EXO would be back together. “I’m just glad I didn’t end up a liar,” he laughs. “Rehearsals were tough—I got frustrated at times—but the moment I stepped on stage, it just hit me. It felt like I was back at the very beginning. All those memories came rushing back, and all I felt was happiness.”
Suho, who had made the same promise during his performances, was elated to have kept it. “I guess I’m somehow the one who keeps his promises,” he beams. “But more than anything, thank you, EXO-L, for making this possible—and for waiting for us. I’m so grateful. Looking out at all of you, it felt like we’d gone back seven years. I was so happy, and I hope it was just as meaningful for you, too. We’ll do our best to make this tour unforgettable over the next few months. Thank you, truly. We love you.”
As Sehun began to speak, he became overwhelmed with emotion, telling the members how much he loved them and standing in front of their fans just “doesn’t feel real.”
D.O. began to chuckle as Suho and Chanyeol tried to cheer Sehun up. D.O. is shocked to see Sehun crying, as he “rarely cries,” and tells the “maknae” (the youngest member), “Stop crying.” If you understand their relationship dynamics, D.O. means well, but he’s not known as the most emotional guy. He remains the only member of the five who did not cry during the Seoul concerts. (Kai and Sehun cried on the second day, Suho and Chanyeol cried on the third). D.O. thanks the audience for coming and to be safe.
Throughout the concert, EXO sang, dance, and performed their hearts out. It may not have been perfect at all times, but they gave so much of themselves throughout. If anything, the concert is a reminder for them that despite the years apart as a group and the trials and tribulations that affect the group, they’ll always be EXO and have EXO-L in their life.
They emotionally end the concert with their romantic ballads, “Flatline” and “Angel,” dedicated to their fans. Before they ended, they reminded the audience once more, “This was EXO. We are ONE!”
EXO continues their EXO PLANET #6 EXhOrizon Tour in Asia.
