Idol group EXO set the K-pop world abuzz on Monday with the release of their highly anticipated music video and special album “Don’t Fight the Feeling.”
The music video was released at 5 PM Philippine Standard Time and featured seven out of their nine members, Xiumin, Lay, Chanyeol, Baekhyun, D.O, Kai and Sehun vibing with the mech-alien and sci-fi concept of the video.
The special album has five tracks including the title track, “Don’t Fight the Feeling,” “Paradise,” “No Matter,” “Runaway,” and “Just as usual.”
The title track “Don’t Fight the Feeling” is a dance with a refreshing rhythm, synth noises and powerful bass. The lyrics, written by K-pop powerhouse Kenzie, talks about freedom and encourages the listener to believe in themselves and look forward to the future in times of difficulty.
SM Entertainment earlier announced that the special album has exceeded 1,220,181 stock pre-orders as of June 6, breaking EXO’s record so far.
The album marked Lay’s first official promotion with EXO after three years with the release of “Tempo” in 2018, and Xiumin and D.O’s first official comeback after finishing their military duties.
Members Chanyeol and Baekhyun took part in the recording of “Don’t Fight the Feeling” before they enlisted in the military in March and May, respectively.
This was EXO’s first comeback in two years after the release of “Obsession” in 2019.
During EXO’s two-year hiatus, four members — Suho, Chen, Xiumin and D.O. — served their mandatory military service. Suho, the band leader, and vocalist Chen are not expected to be discharged until February and April 2022.
Rappers Sehun and Chanyeol focused on EXO-SC (EXO’s second official subunit). Baekhyun and Kai meanwhile joined SuperM, a “supergroup” established by SM Entertainment in 2019 consisting of members from SHINee, NCT and WayV. Baekhyun and Kai also did solo work.
Six members — Chanyeol, Baekhyun, Suho, Chen, Kai, and Sehun — performed to packed crowds at the Mall of Asia Arena for a two-day concert in August 2019.
EXO-Ls rejoiced at EXO’s comeback and trended hashtags and phrases that occupied four top spots on Twitter.
As of writing, the music video has garnered 477,341 views and ranked number one on the ITunes chart in several countries.
EXO debuted under SM Entertainment in 2012 with their debut track “MAMA.” The group is known for their chart-topping songs such as “Growl,” “KoKoBop” and “Tempo.” Jade Veronique V. Yap