Today, February 26, 2026, EXO solidified their legendary status once again. Their eighth studio album, REVERXE (released January 19, 2026, via SM Entertainment), officially surpassed 1 million cumulative copies sold—marking it as the group's eighth million-seller album overall. This achievement comes just over five weeks post-release, underscoring EXO's enduring dominance in K-pop's physical sales era.
Dubbed "The Kings of Longevity," EXO continues to reign supreme 13 years after their 2012 debut. From pioneering the million-seller revival with XOXO in 2013 (the first Korean album in 12 years to hit that mark) to now securing eight such albums, EXO's track record is unmatched. Their catalog has driven massive equivalent sales—estimated at over 35 million across albums and tracks historically—proving timeless appeal that transcends trends.
Global Conquest: REVERXE Tops Charts Worldwide
Upon release, REVERXE exploded internationally:
- No. 1 on iTunes Top Albums in 48 countries and regions, including powerhouses like the US, Japan, Brazil, Mexico, the Philippines, Thailand, the UK, UAE, Vietnam, and more.
- Lead single "Crown" trended at No. 1 on YouTube Worldwide for three days, fueling massive buzz.
- In China: No. 1 on QQ Music and Kugou digital album sales; first 2026 album to exceed 100,000 digital copies, earning Triple Platinum certification (over 3 million yuan in revenue).
- In Japan: Topped Recochoku daily album rankings and AWA real-time rising charts.
- Domestic dominance: Debuted at No. 1 on Circle Album Chart (EXO's 21st No. 1 album—the most for any K-pop act in history), Hanteo Weekly (907,976 copies in week 1, totaling 1.16 million points), and more.
First-day sales hit 265,934 on Hanteo, with strong multi-version support (main, SMC, Nemo editions). While first-week figures were lower than 2023's Exist (due to lineup differences), the steady climb to 1 million highlights loyal EXO-L support and sustained demand.
The Resilience Behind the Reign
This milestone shines brighter amid challenges. Members Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin (EXO-CBX) were absent from REVERXE's promotions and production, stemming from ongoing legal disputes with SM Entertainment. The conflicts—centered on contract terms, revenue transparency, individual activities via Baekhyun's INB100 agency, and profit-sharing percentages—began in 2023 and saw multiple court rulings favoring SM in 2025. Despite mediation attempts and appeals, the issues persist, keeping the trio sidelined from full-group activities.
Yet EXO (with the remaining six members: Xiumin absent here too in context, but group as Suho, Lay, Chanyeol, D.O., Kai, Sehun active) powered through. Lay's return after years added fresh energy, and REVERXE's success proves the group's core strength lies in its unbreakable bond with fans and proven artistry.
EXO isn't just surviving—they're thriving, rewriting longevity records in an industry that often cycles through quick rises and fades. Eight million-sellers. 21 domestic No. 1 albums. Global chart sweeps in 2026. This is what true kings look like.
EXO-L, your crowns have built an empire. What's next for the legends? Drop your thoughts below—let's celebrate this historic moment! 👑✨
Stay locked on kpopecho.com for more EXO updates, deep dives into REVERXE tracks, and the latest on their unstoppable journey.
