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EXO's Comeback ... It's Complicated

February 6, 2026 · 60 min

Show notes

Put simply: We have big and complex feelings about EXO's highly anticipated comeback following the return of all members from their military enlistment.

When news of an EXO reunion first broke, we were just as excited as any diehard EXO-L. Unfortunately, as time went on and it became evident that CBX would NOT be included in the comeback due to their ongoing legal troubles with SM Entertainment ... well, our enthusiasm waned.

What happened to the OT9 EXO reunion much of the fandom eagerly awaited? Does it make sense to release a title track called "Crown" when key powerhouse vocalists are missing? Is it even possible to support the boys, but not the comeback?

To help us make sense of our mixed feelings we invited Ashley, the host of the podcast An Album a Day to join us for a free-flowing and honest chat about all things EXO.

Tune in to hear:

  • Why we think "Crown" seems like a SuperM song from the vault
  • Our honest thoughts on REVERXE as an album
  • Why we think the visuals and marketing didn't match the music
  • The "Suju-fication" of EXO's unique sound - is this the future?
  • Some quick context for EXO-CBX's legal woes with SM
  • Why we're hopeful about a future reunion
  • Our thoughts on fan wars and how we can move forward

About our Guest:

Ashley is a content creator, educator, and public speaker. As a music historian and an authority on the K-pop phenomenon, she has collaborated on projects and events with various domestic and international companies and brands. As the host of An Album a Day, ("A3Day"), Ashley leads listeners on a journey through every album available within K-pop with fact-based and opinionated commentary within each "shortcast" episode.

Keep Up With Ashley and An Album a Day:

It's a K-pop Thing is hosted by two journalists and longtime K-pop stans, Alexis Hodoyán-Gastélum and Theresa Avila.

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CONTACT:
E-mail us at: [email protected]

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