Popular K-pop boy band EXO is preparing to reunite and resume group activities at the end of this year following the completion of mandatory military service by all nine members. SM Entertainment announced on Monday that the group will hold their first major fan event in nearly two years, marking a significant milestone for both the band and their devoted fanbase.
The entertainment company revealed that EXO will host a special meet-and-greet event titled "EXO'verse" for fans at the Inspire Arena in Incheon, located just west of Seoul. The two-day fan gathering is scheduled for December 13-14, 2025, and will serve as the group's official return to the spotlight after an extended hiatus due to military obligations.
Following the fan event, EXO plans to release their eighth full-length studio album during the first quarter of next year. This upcoming release will mark the group's first complete album project in approximately two years, with their most recent group effort being their seventh studio album "Exist," which was released in 2023.
However, only six of the nine EXO members will participate in both the upcoming fan event and the new album. According to SM Entertainment, Suho, Chanyeol, D.O., Kai, Sehun, and Lay will take part in these activities. The remaining three members – Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin – will not participate due to an ongoing contract dispute with the company, though they remain part of the group.
During the two-day "EXO'verse" event, fans can expect to hear performances of the group's biggest hit songs as well as exclusive previews of new tracks from their forthcoming eighth album. This special showcase will give longtime supporters their first opportunity to see EXO perform together as a group in nearly two years.
The band has been on an extended break from group projects since members began fulfilling their mandatory military service obligations in 2019. Xiumin and D.O. were the first to enlist, starting the lengthy process that would eventually see all members complete their required service. Sehun became the final member to finish his military duty last month, officially clearing the way for the group's highly anticipated reunion and return to active music-making.
