Korean Boy Band EXO Rode the K-Pop Explosion at the Olympics Closing Ceremonies
When the 2018 Olympic Winter Games officially came to a close in Pyeongchang, K-Pop boy band sensation EXO delighted fans over the world with an electrifying performance. The band is quickly gaining popularity in the United States and all over the world, and their performance at the Closing Ceremonies exposed the band to millions of new fans.
Like much of the opening and closing ceremonies, EXO’s performance featured use of technology, dancing in time to coordinated images projected on the stage. The performance also utilized traditional elements of “boy band” performance, including coordinated choreography and charismatic singers. EXO brought matching style prevalent in pop music with a collective ensemble of tailored white suit jackets with black lining and matching skinny ties.
Korean pop bands like EXO and CL, who preceded them at the Closing Ceremonies, have achieved some crossover successes in the past decade, following the worldwide explosion of Psy’s hit “Gangham Style” in 2012. Since then, Korean pop music has experienced a wave of popularity with many young fans in the United States. In 2017, a Forbes magazine article titled, “Is America Ready To Embrace K-Pop? It Already Has; You Just May Have Missed It” by Hugh McIntyre reported on the phenomenon, in particular the success of K-Pop group BTS. “Last month, boy band BTS made waves by debuting their new EP Love Yourself: Her at №7 on the Billboard 200.” BTS also performed at the 2017 MTV Video Music Awards.
EXO has also debuted albums on the Billboard 200, and the group is well known with audiences worldwide. This performance appeals to their existing fan base, but it is sure to garner new fans of the group as well.
Works Cited:
McIntyre, Hugh. “Is America Ready To Embrace K-Pop? It Already Has; You Just May Have Missed It.” Forbes. October 11, 2017