EXO Exhorizon Singapore: A Triumphant Seven-Year Return

Singapore came alive with a wave of silver lightsticks as K-pop titans EXO touched down at the Singapore Indoor Stadium on July 24 for their “Exo Planet #6 – Exhorizon” tour. For EXO-Ls in the Lion City, it was a night that perfectly blended novelty with a powerful wave of nostalgia, marking the group’s highly anticipated return after a seven-year hiatus.

Having graced Singapore on every headlining tour since their iconic 2012 debut, and performing almost annually from 2014 to 2019, EXO’s two-night stop (with a second show on July 26) felt like a true homecoming. Fans, who had deeply missed the group’s bold, boisterous sound since the pandemic, eagerly snatched up tickets released in April, leading to an immediate sell-out. The five active members – Suho, Chanyeol, D.O., Kai, and Sehun, now seasoned veterans aged between 32 and 35 – concluded their momentous sixth tour right here, a city where their popularity has consistently soared. As Chanyeol perfectly encapsulated the sentiment, “Singapore was the perfect city for us to end our tour.”

The 160-minute comeback gig was a masterclass in K-pop performance, delivering an unforgettable experience. Here’s a closer look at the concert’s highlights:

A Night of Familiar Favourites

True to form, EXO kicked off their set by tapping into the deep well of fan favourites, as if knowing exactly how much their devoted fandom craved a journey through their legendary discography. The show erupted with their powerful debut single, “Mama” (2012), accompanied by a thrilling blast of pyrotechnics and their instantly recognizable, energetic choreography. The intensity continued with the dark and captivating “Monster” (2016), a track celebrated for ranking No. 3 on US Billboard’s list of the 20 best K-pop songs of 2016.

The sensual grooves of “Love Shot” (2018) and the high-energy anthem “El Dorado” (2015) each had their moment to shine, igniting fervent fanchants across the stadium. A particular highlight was the playful yet fierce “Growl” (2013), a song that not only topped the US Billboard list of the 20 best K-pop songs of 2013 but also cemented EXO’s status as global trendsetters.

These throwbacks were a reminder of Exo’s distinguished discography which made them an unstoppable force in the late 2010s.

Unveiling New Horizons: Tracks from Reverxe

While nostalgia ran high, EXO also ensured their fans were firmly rooted in the present with tracks from their eighth studio album, “Reverxe.” Released in January, this album marked the quintet’s first in three years, and they wasted no time getting fans up to speed with its fresh sound.

Out of the nine new tracks, a generous six made it onto the setlist, showcasing the group’s evolving artistry. The R&B love song “Moonlight Shadows” charmed the crowd as it was performed on a raised platform on the B-stage, bathed in ethereal purple and blue lights. The track “Crazy” injected an immediate burst of energy, becoming a key part of a dynamic dance medley that swiftly had the audience on their feet. The synth-heavy “Back It Up” revved the energy up even further, creating an electrifying atmosphere. The album’s powerful lead single, “Crown,” took its rightful final spot on the official line-up, leaving a lasting impression. But the night wasn’t over yet! EXO also saved two special songs for the encore: the funky “Back Pocket,” which allowed them to showcase their romantic sides, and the rock number “Flatline,” which closed the show on a contemplative and powerful note.

A Resounding Promise: Exo Will Return

Seven years is an incredibly long wait for any fandom, and EXO made it abundantly clear they understood this sentiment, promising to return to the Lion City much sooner next time. The members’ heartfelt reassurances resonated deeply with the emotional audience.

Kai, with his characteristic warmth, declared: “It has been a while since we last came here as Exo… We are going to be back here real soon, so don’t think of (this) as the final tour. It is going to be even more fun next time. We are going to come back as soon as possible for you.” D.O. shared his genuine joy, stating he had a lot of fun, while Sehun offered a firm assurance: “We will come back to Singapore, and we won’t make you wait for too long.” Leader Suho, ever the steadfast anchor, sealed the deal with a powerful declaration that brought cheers from the crowd: “As long as you love Exo and want Exo, we are going to come back.” The message was clear: this isn’t goodbye, it’s just ‘until next time,’ and EXO-Ls can eagerly anticipate their beloved group’s swift return to Singapore.