Popular K-pop boy band EXO is set to make their triumphant return to the music scene at the end of this year, marking their first group activities in nearly two years. The announcement comes after all members have successfully completed South Korea's mandatory military service requirements, clearing the way for the group to reunite and resume their collaborative projects.

SM Entertainment, the group's management agency, revealed that EXO will kick off their comeback with a special fan meet-and-greet event called "EXO'verse." The highly anticipated two-day event is scheduled to take place on December 13-14 at the Inspire Arena in Incheon, located just west of Seoul. This fan gathering will serve as a precursor to the release of their eighth full-length studio album, which is planned for launch during the first quarter of next year.

The upcoming projects represent EXO's first group endeavor since the release of their seventh studio album titled "Exist" in 2023. However, only six of the group's members will participate in both the fan event and the new album production. The participating members include Suho, Chanyeol, D.O., Kai, Sehun, and Lay, who will come together to deliver performances and new music for their dedicated fanbase.

Notably absent from the reunion will be three members: Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin. These artists will not be taking part in the group's comeback activities due to an ongoing contract dispute with SM Entertainment. The legal and contractual issues between these members and the company have prevented their participation in the planned group projects, creating a significant change in the group's lineup for their return.

During the two-day "EXO'verse" event, fans can expect to hear both beloved classic hits from the group's extensive catalog and exclusive previews of new songs from their forthcoming eighth album. This combination of nostalgic favorites and fresh material is designed to celebrate both the group's rich history and their exciting future direction.

The band's hiatus from group activities began in 2019 when members started fulfilling their mandatory military service obligations. Xiumin and D.O. were among the first to enlist, setting off a staggered timeline of military commitments that would span several years. The most recent member to complete his service was Sehun, who finished his military duties last month, officially marking the end of the group's service-related hiatus and opening the door for their much-awaited reunion.