EXO returns in unit group

From left are Baekhyun, Xiumin and Chen, the three members of EXO-CBX, shown in a teaser video released on the SMTOWN channel last Saturday. / Courtesy of S.M. Entertainment

By Kim Jae-heun

The popular boy band EXO is being spun off to form its first sub-unit, named EXO-CBX, S.M. Entertainment announced Monday.

The sub-unit is scheduled to release their first mini-album “Hey Mama!” next Monday. All tracks included on the album will be revealed at midnight on major online music charts such as Melon, Genie, Naver Music and Mnet. The album is also available offline.

EXO-CBX consists of EXO members Chen, Baekhyun and Xiumin, who have been active in various movies, dramas and TV entertainment shows and received much attention and support.

EXO-CBX’s debut already grabbed attention last Saturday prior to the talent agency’s official announcement, as they revealed a teaser video titled “HOT DEBUT: EXO’S FIRST UNIT” on the SMTOWN YouTube channel as well as Naver TV CAST plus mobile live streaming platform V App.

The title track has a strong influence from ‘70s funk, disco and pop music. “Mama” in the title refers to an attractive woman as the song is about partying all night to make an ordinary life special.

The three members appeared in the teaser, wearing colorful costumes.

“The sub-unit plans to show a different style of music and performance from its full-member group EXO and we expect them to sweep the music industry this fall,” said S.M. Entertainment in a statement.

EXO rose to stardom when it debuted in 2012, selling over 1 million copies each of their first, second and third albums. The band became the first idol group to record a triple million-seller and won grand prices at music award ceremonies for three consecutive years.

The sub-unit will make its debut performance on cable TV Mnet’s “M Countdown” next Thursday.