Considered a vocal powerhouse of the K-pop industry, boy band EXO is widely known for its successful singles and individual stylistic choices. Originally consisting of 12 members, this boy band now has 9 members. So how many EXO members left the group? And what were their reasons?
During their 9 years (and still counting) stay in the industry, EXO has achieved immense success. But despite their achievement, it is important to note that K-pop bands’ dynamics change frequently.
How many EXO members left the group?
EXO’s years since their debut were pretty smooth sailing. Ever since their first-ever televised performance at the annual SBS Gayo Daejeon, EXO released chart-topping hits one after another and has been steadily climbing ranks in the industry. So when did trouble arise and some members decided to leave the band?
Firstly, how many EXO members were there originally? The OG lineup consisted of Suho, Baekhyun, Chanyeol, D.O., Kai, Sehunand, Xiumin, Lay, Chen, Kris, Luhan, and Tao. Kris, Luyen, and Tao are the EXO members who left.
The first division occurred in May 2014 when member Kris filed a lawsuit against EXO’s management company SM Entertainment. The lawsuit argued for the termination of Kris’s contract.
Kris left the group shortly after EXO released their third extended play (EP), Overdose. Soon after, another member, Leyun, filed a similar lawsuit against SM and left the boy band. EXO went through a lineup change during those months, as the number of members was reduced to 10.
The next year another departure happened when member Tao was absent from many of the group’s promotional activities and during many performances. Fans hoped that he was sorting out his issues and taking a temporary hiatus. It came as a surprise when he terminated his contract with SM, citing health and personal issues.
How many EXO members were there originally?
EXO was originally a 12-member boy band. The band debuted in 2012, but the members became trainees under their management company, SM Entertainment, in different years. Below is the information regarding the original members and their joining years with the agency:
| Members | Joining Year with SM Entertainment | Members | Joining Year with SM Entertainment |
| Xiumin | 2008 | Kai | 2007 |
| Suho | 2006 | Sehun | 2008 |
| Lay | 2008 | Kris (Wu Yifan) | 2007 |
| Baekhyun | 2011 | Luhan | 2010 |
| Chen | 2011 | Tao | 2011 |
| Chanyeol | 2008 | D.O. | 2010 |
How Many members are in EXO now?
The dynamic of EXO shifted dramatically when Kris, Luyen, and Tao left the group. Now, you may wonder, how many members of EXO are left? The members’ lineup was reduced to Xiumin, Suho, Lay, Baekhyun, Chen, Chanyeol, D.O., Kai, and Sehun, which remains the same even to this date.
The exit of the three members led to virtually no fall in the group’s popularity or success. EXO continued to produce hit albums and EPs, collaborated with Walt Disney, and frequently donated part of their earnings to charity.
After 12 years of working relationship, it was announced on October 23 that member D.O. was leaving SM Entertainment, which sparked disbandment rumors. EXO leader Suho assured that no such thing was happening. D.O. will pursue another agency for his solo ventures but will continue to be a part of EXO.
What are the issues between EXO and SM Entertainment?
The dispute between EXO and its management company SM Entertainment dates as far back as member Tao left the band. Even though there is no base for these rumours, many fans allege that an injured Tao was forced to perfume on-stage, which further de-escalated his health and ultimately led him to quit the band. Not to mention those lawsuits that were filed by members Kris and Leyun.
A significant altercation happened when three members, Baekhyun, Xiumin, and Chen, who are part of EXO’s subunit group EXO-CBX asked for documents regarding their earnings and payments. SM Entertainment declined this request, citing “confidential reasons.”
The three members have doubts that there were discrepancies between their earnings and payments and requested those documents to exert their rights of artists and agency transparency.
Refusal to grant access to the requested documents led the three artists to file a lawsuit against their agency. Around June 2023, news arose that Baekhyun, Xiumin, and Chen were leaving the agency and the group, but this was rectified when a joint statement released by SM Entertainment stated otherwise.
FAQs: How many EXO members left the group?
Here are some of the frequently asked questions related to boy band EXO and its members.
#1. Is EXO disbanding?
As of now, no, EXO isn’t disbanding. News of disbandment arose when member D.O. decided to part ways, but those rumors were refuted when leader Suho assured fans that no such thing was happening. On 5th January 2024, it was revealed that the boy band will make its comeback after spring.
#2. Why is EXO split in two?
The 12-member band is split into two subunits: EXO-K and EXO-M. This is due to marketing reasons. As the group consists of both Korean and Chinese members, the demographic of both countries is the target audience of EXO’s music. The two subunits focus on both Korean and Mandarin music, thereby spreading the reach of the band.
#3. Who left EXO for the military?
In December 2021, the youngest member of EXO, Seyun, temporarily left the band to begin his mandatory military service. Other members Xiumin, D.O., Suho, Chen, Chanyeol, and Baekhyun, have already finished their service. Recently, Kai left EXO to begin his military service.
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Conclusion: How many EXO members left the group?
It is not uncommon for K-pop bands to shift their member lineups. Members who were supposed to be the original members of a band often end up not being part of the lineup. Members leave the groups, this could be owing to issues with their agency, scheduling issues, or personal problems. It’s the way the kpop industry operates.
EXO is no stranger to these mechanisms of the K-pop industry. Kris and Leyun left the band due to legal issues with their agency, and Tao exited owing to health issues.
Even though the exit of members led to a change in the overall dynamic of the band, EXO persevered and adapted to this new shift. The band’s achievements and success are a testament to their commitment to their music.