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EXO's Comeback: A Bittersweet Return to the Stage
22 Dec, 2025
Summary
- EXO performed together for the first time in eight years.
- Five members performed, with Lay absent due to personal reasons.
- CBX members were absent due to an ongoing legal dispute.
After an eight-year hiatus, K-pop legends EXO recently reunited on stage, marking a significant moment for the group and their dedicated fanbase. The performance featured five members—Suho, DO, Kai, Chanyeol, and Sehun—delivering a powerful set that included beloved older tracks and a preview of their upcoming eighth album. Their return was met with overwhelming applause and admiration from fellow artists and fans alike.
Despite the jubilant reception and the members' undeniable stage presence, the reunion was bittersweet. The absence of Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin, collectively known as CBX, was palpable due to their ongoing legal issues with SM Entertainment. This absence transformed a potential full group reunion into a poignant reminder of the group's evolving dynamics and past completeness.
Social media buzzed with fan reactions, describing the event as "emotional" and "surreal." While celebrating the group's stable performance and bond, many posts conveyed a longing for the full EXO lineup. With a new album scheduled for release next year, EXO appears poised to reassert their influence in the K-pop scene, even amidst these complex circumstances.
