Exo-mania in Dubai: who are they and why are they such a big deal?

Not everyone might understand the hype behind the massively popular K-pop boy band

They came, they saw, they sent their vocal army of fans into a frenzy.

Exo, a mega band from Korea, has been taking Dubai by storm, and left their mark on residents swept up by the hype.

Scores of K-pop fans woke up early to welcome the group at Dubai International Airport and the hashtag #WelcometoDubaiExo quickly emerged and ranked as a top trending topic. More than 350,000 tweets were posted from their fans around the world.

Later in the day, Exo hosted a short press conference where they popped out from the Burj Khalifa to watch their hit song Power choreographed to the Dubai Fountain.

The song's inclusion is the first K-pop song on the list of melodies. There will be other chances to see the show as Power plays at the Dubai Fountains as they've extended their showtimes until March 31. You can catch the performance on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 8.30pm and Thursday and Friday at 10.30pm.

In case you missed it or aren't in the UAE, part of the water performance has been uploaded to their official account.

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A post shared by EXO Official (@weareone.exo)

While it’s clear their fans know who they are, but for the uninitiated here are some fast facts:

• The group was founded in 2011 with 12 members

• Even though the band's origin is from South Korea, they are mixed with South Korean and Chinese member

• They've divided the original group into two subgroups Exo-K (Korean) and Exo-M (Chinese)

• Three members from Exo-M have left (Luhan, Kris, and Tao) so the group is back to being known as Exo

• Their debut album XOXO was the best-selling album in Korea in 2013

• Their fans are known as Exo-Ls (short for Exo-Love)

• The seven members to travel to Dubai were Suho, Xiumin, Baekhyun, Chen, Chanyeol, Kai and Sehun

Facts from the fans

Exo-Ls aren't afraid to share their knowledge of the band. Here's what we learned from them:

They aren't just singers:

EXO members are not only singers, rappers and dancers, 3 of them are models w/c Kai,Chanyeol and Sehun, they are also actors they already starred in a musical, drama series and movie. They are the most versatile kpop band that I've ever known.

— StrawberryBananaMilkshake 🐰 (@zel_zen) January 17, 2018

They've set a world record:

"On August 29, 'The Guinness World Records - 2018 Edition' book was released, naming Exo as having the "most "daesang" ("grand prize") awards won at the Mnet Asian Music Awards" in history".#BestFanArmy #iHeartAwards @weareoneEXO EXO 엑소

— XLKSLBCCDTKS ❤ (@exol_chogiwa) January 17, 2018

Each member brings something special:

Each members has their own unique attitude & talents that made them stand out as a group I love all their songs! I'm a fan since growl era (2013) now I'm currently working here in Dubai and it is the 1st time that I will have a chance to see them. @weareoneEXO #EXOPowerDubai :)

— allen precious ☆‿◕ (@yzannie) January 17, 2018

Why they're the best

Their humbleness is a big factor:

They've broke so many records and the fact that they are still humble with this big name is one of so many reason they have public's respect and loyal fans.Their quality music is on another level so its hard to choose fav song, but you can check out their recent song "Universe"😊

— J🌱 (@kjimypride) January 17, 2018

Humbleness is their forte

— Chris 🐳 hiatus (@ChrisJayakody) January 17, 2018

As is the feel good music they constantly produce:

Became a fan of them last year and I don’t regret it. Every #EXO songs will give you different kind of vibe and mood. I love all of their songs and it’s so hard to choose but as of now I’m loving #BeenThrough from their winter album. You guys should listen to it.

— Maisher23 (@maisher23) January 17, 2018

Even if it means branching out to a different genre:

Also they are the most versatile group i've ever known. They are not afraid to try different genres for their music, in every comeback and every album you can enjoy variety of genres, from slow to rock, even genres that are unfamiliar to korean people like reggae.

— J🌱 (@kjimypride) January 17, 2018

It is speculated that they will return to Dubai for a concert. With hits such as Universe, Growl, Call Me Baby, and Kokobop - there's plenty for new fans to listen to in time get on the bandwagon.