Reverxe is the eighth studio album by the South Korean-Chinese boy band Exo, released on January 19, 2026 by SM Entertainment. The album contains nine tracks, including the lead single "Crown".
The album's production and promotional cycle were marked by a legal dispute between SM and members Xiumin, Baekhyun, and Chen (collectively known as Exo-CBX) regarding revenue sharing and contract transparency. While the trio expressed a desire to participate in group activities, SM Entertainment announced that the album would proceed with a six-member lineup—consisting of Suho, Lay, Chanyeol, D.O., Kai, Sehun—citing a breakdown of trust and unresolved contractual obligations.
To promote the release, an eight-day pop-up store titled "Reverxe the World" will be held at The Hyundai Seoul from January 20 to 27, 2026, featuring a maze-like installation themed after the group's "Exo Universe" concept.
Background and release
Following the release of Exo's seventh studio album Exist in July 2023, the members focused on solo projects and the completion of mandatory military service for Kai and Sehun.[1][2] The production of the album was influenced by a long-running legal dispute between SM Entertainment and members Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin (Exo-CBX) over revenue-sharing and settlement data, which ultimately led to several court dismissals of the trio's claims and investigations by the Fair Trade Commission finding no wrongdoing by the agency. Citing a "destruction of trust" from the litigation, SM excluded Exo-CBX from the project, which instead features Suho, Chanyeol, D.O., Kai, Sehun, and Lay, the latter returning for his first major group release since 2018.[3][4]
On September 8, 2025, SM released a teaser image through Exo's official social media accounts featuring a lunar eclipse–like visual set in outer space and the text "December 2025", indicating a potential future release or group activity. The image referenced Exo's fictional narrative, which has been part of the group's concept since their debut in 2012, through the phrase "When We Become True One, a New World Awakens". The announcement took place shortly before the military discharge of the group's final enlisting member, Sehun, after which Exo was expected to resume collective promotions and fan-related activities.[5]
On December 8, 2025, SM released a cinematic trailer through Exo's official YouTube channel, signaling the beginning of the promotional rollout for the album. In the video, the members, except Kai, are depicted struggling to believe in their own supernatural powers, blurring the line between reality and dreams. Despite this, they are mysteriously drawn back to the symbolic "Tree of Life", a recurring motif in Exo's original universe storyline. The trailer concluded with the reveal of the studio album's title, Reverxe. The album title is a stylized variation of the word "reverse", intended to signal a continuation of the group's debut concept. Scheduled for release in the first quarter of 2026, the album was preceded by a fan meeting titled "Exo'verse" held on December 14, 2025, at the Inspire Arena. During this event, the group would performed their 2013 song "The First Snow" alongside the first public preview of a new track from the upcoming album.[6] Four days later, SM Entertainment announced the release of "I'm Home", a b-side track from Exo's eighth studio album. The song follows the group's established history of winter-themed releases, such as "Miracles in December" (2013), "Sing for You" (2015), "For Life" (2016), and "Universe" (2017). The music video was released on the same day of the fan meeting coinciding with the song's live debut. The performance was made available to global audiences through livestreams on Beyond Live and Weverse.[7] On December 15, SM announced the details of the album, which included the release date to be on January 19, 2026, along with physical and digital formats. The album consists of nine tracks and marks the group's first full-length release in 30 months since Exist (2023). A new logo image was revealed through Exo's official social media accounts, and pre-orders opened the same day.[8] A comeback showcase was held on the same day of the album's release at the Kyung Hee University Grand Peace Hall in Dongdaemun District, Seoul. Ahead of the album release, Exo appeared at the 2025 Melon Music Awards, marking their first appearance at the ceremony in eight years. During the broadcast, they premiered the performance of "Back It Up", a dance track included on the album, and performed several songs from their previous discography.[9]
On January 5, 2026, "Crown" was revealed as the title track for the album.[10] On January 18, the music video teaser for "Crown" was released.[11] The next day, Exo released the album and the title track's music video.[12]
Promotion
Hours before the first fanmeet scheduled for the album, it was announced that Lay would not be taking part in group activities due to "unavoidable circumstances," resulting in Reverxe being promoted as five members.[13]
In late 2025, Exo initiated a multi-channel promotional campaign for their eighth studio album, Reverxe. The campaign utilized various guerrilla marketing tactics throughout Seoul, including the distribution of business cards featuring encrypted codes near the Gocheok Sky Dome and the SM Entertainment headquarters, as well as the appearance of individuals in black cloaks branded with the album logo in districts such as Gangnam, Seongsu, and Hongdae. Digital engagement further supported the launch through short-form video content and an interactive "mystery quiz" released on their X account on December 29, which integrated the album's fictional narrative with social media participation.[14]
Exo held a pop-up store titled "Reverxe the World" at The Hyundai Seoul from January 20 to 27, 2026. The installation was themed after the group's "Exo Universe" concept, featuring a maze-like layout and a "Cube" installation intended to visualize the members' fictional supernatural powers. The venue included displays of album versions, props from the "Crown" music video, interactive zones for producing stickers and photo cards, and a retail area for merchandise. Entry was managed through online and on-site reservations, with the first session of each day reserved for members of the official fan club, Exo-L.[15][16]
Composition
Reverxe consists of nine tracks that span multiple genres, including the lead single "Crown", the winter-themed track "I'm Home", and the performance-oriented "Back It Up". The title track, "Crown", is characterized as a hard dance song that incorporates elements of Atlanta trap drumming, heavy metal guitar, and EDM synthesizers. The production utilizes siren sound effects and builds tension through the group's vocal delivery. Lyrically, "Crown" employs the titular object as a metaphor for a precious entity, focusing on themes of commitment and protection.[10] The album's supporting tracks incorporate various genre influences. "Moonlight Shadows" is an R&B pop song featuring layered synth textures and electronic pulses. The track "Crazy" is a dance song built on an 808 bassline that combines electronic pop with Brazilian funk elements, utilizing tempo changes intended to reflect the lyrical theme of emotional obsession. "Suffocate" is a dance song characterized by synth pads and a dry kick-and-bass arrangement, with lyrics focused on the experience of a breakup.[17] "Back Pocket" is a mid-tempo R&B track featuring guitar riffs and a funky bassline. The lyrics describe an attraction and the desire to be near another person. "Touch & Go" is a pop song characterized by a minimal arrangement of arpeggio synths, vocal chops, and a drum loop. It compares the experience of falling in love to the falling of dominoes. "Flatline" is a mid-tempo pop-rock song that incorporates acoustic guitar and synth sounds. The lyrics utilize a maritime metaphor, comparing life to sailing and a partner to a navigational landmark.[18]
Prior to its release, Forbes and NME listed Reverxe as one of the most anticipated albums of 2026.[20] Following its release, NME's Crystal Bell described Exo as "album-oriented artists" and noting that the record solidified their artistic identity while exploring "new possibilities".[19] Writing for Tmrw Magazine, Hasan Beyaz described the lead single "Crown" as a "declaration" of the group's maturity that connects their "legacy and longevity" to a new chapter.[21] Robin Murray of British magazine Clash characterized the release as a "comeback blockbuster", highlighting both the musical content and the personal narratives shared by the members during the album's promotional showcase.[12]
Commercial performance
Upon its release, Reverxe debuted at number one on the Hanteo Daily Album Chart, selling 265,934 copies and recording 362,921.22 points on the physical record index. By the end of its first week of availability (January 19–25), the album reached number one on the Hanteo Weekly Physical Album Chart with 907,976 copies sold, totaling 1.16 million points.[22][23]
The album's first-week sales were 41.89% lower than those of the group's 2023 album, Exist, which sold 1.56 million copies in its first week. First-day sales also saw a decrease from the 1,074,914 copies recorded by Exist. Media outlets noted that the lineup for Reverxe consisted of six members and did not include Baekhyun, Chen, and Xiumin (Exo-CBX), who were present for the Exist release.[23]
Internationally, Reverxe reached number one on the iTunes Top Albums chart in 46 regions, including the United States, Japan, and Brazil.[20] In China, the album reached the top of the QQ Music digital album sales chart. It was certified triple platinum by the platform for exceeding three million yuan in sales revenue, after initially receiving a double platinum certification for surpassing two million yuan.[20][22] In Japan, the album appeared at number one on the Recochoku daily album ranking and the AWA real-time rising chart.[20]
↑Park, Seo-hyun (September 8, 2025). 개기월식 맞춰 다시 돌아가는 엑소의 시계..드디어 돌아온다[Exo's clock is ticking again to match the total lunar eclipse..They’re finally coming back]. Herald Muse (in Korean). Retrieved January 3, 2026.
↑Seon, Mi-kyung (December 8, 2025). 엑소, 돌아온 'K팝 세계관 맛집' 반응 폭발했다..'Reverxe'[Exo, the returning 'K-pop universe masters', sparks explosive reactions..'Reverxe']. Osen (in Korean). Archived from the original on December 11, 2025. Retrieved December 8, 2025.
↑Kim, Min-ji (December 12, 2025). 엑소, 새 윈터송 '아임 홈' 예고...'첫눈' 감동 잇는다[Exo teases new winter song 'I'm Home'...Following the emotional success of 'The First Snow']. News1 (in Korean). Retrieved January 3, 2026.
↑Hwang, Hye-jin (December 15, 2025). 엑소, 1월 19일 정규 8집 Reverxe 발매 "믿고 기다려줘 감사"[Exo to release 8th full-length album Reverxe on January 19 "Thank you for believing in and waiting for us"]. Newsen (in Korean). Retrieved January 3, 2026.
↑Lee, Seung-gil (December 22, 2025). [공식] 전설의 귀환, 엑소 컴백 기념 쇼케이스 1월 19일 개최[[Official] Return of the Legends, Exo to Hold Comeback Showcase on January 19]. Mydaily (in Korean). Retrieved January 3, 2026.
↑Jang, Eun-ji (December 30, 2025). 엑소, 강남·홍대 덮친 '검은 망토'...역대급 컴백 프로모션[Exo's 'Black Cloaks' Appear in Gangnam and Hongdae...Part of Comeback Promotions]. Sports Donga (in Korean). Archived from the original on January 8, 2026. Retrieved January 11, 2026.
↑Ji, Min-kyung (January 13, 2026). 엑소, 컴백 기념 팝업스토어 개최..멤버별 초능력 경험[EXO to hold pop-up store for comeback..experience members' supernatural powers]. Osen (in Korean). Archived from the original on January 13, 2026. Retrieved January 14, 2026.
↑Geum, Bit-na (January 9, 2026). '레전드의 귀환' 엑소, 'REVERXE' 수록곡 베일 벗다...사랑 서사로 가득['Return of the Legend' Exo Reveals Details of Tracks for Reverxe Album...Lyrical Themes Focus on Romantic Narratives]. MK Sports (in Korean). Retrieved January 11, 2026.
↑Kang, Da-yoon (January 15, 2026). 엑소, 빛나는 왕관부터 거친 항해까지...정규 8집 속 다양한 표현법[Exo, from shining crown to rough voyage...various expression methods in 8th full-length album]. Mydaily (in Korean). Retrieved January 18, 2026.
1234Yoo, Ji-hee (January 26, 2026). "컴백 블록버스터"...엑소 정규 8집 ‘리버스’ 글로벌 매체 호평["A comeback blockbuster"...Exo's 8th full-length album Reverxe receives critical acclaim from global media]. Ilgan Sports (in Korean). Retrieved January 28, 2026.
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