After years of solo projects and military service, EXO is officially returning as a group. The comeback begins this December with a special fan meeting and will continue into early 2026 with the release of their long-awaited eighth full-length album.
EXO will hold their fan meeting, titled ‘EXO’verse,’ at Inspire Arena in Incheon on December 13 and 14. This will be more than a reunion; it will be the start of a new era.
The group will take fans down memory lane by performing some of their best-loved hits, including their winter classic “The First Snow.” Plus, they might also give a first-ever live performance of one of the new songs from their upcoming album.
The album itself is scheduled for release in the first quarter of 2026, which will be EXO’s first full-length project in almost three years since Exist in 2023. This comeback signals a fresh chapter for the group as they return to activities together after completing their mandatory military service.
Upcoming EXO Comeback with Six Members
SM Entertainment confirmed that six members — Suho, Chanyeol, D.O. (Do Kyung Soo), Kai, Sehun, and Lay — will participate in both the fan meeting and the new album. This marks the first time in a while that these members are performing together under the EXO name.
Lay’s inclusion is especially meaningful for fans. While he remained active as a solo artist in China, this will be his first official EXO comeback in about four years, since his virtual participation in the 2021 track Don’t Fight the Feeling.
The lead-up to this comeback has been full of subtle hints. In September, EXO caught fans’ attention with a teaser image that resembled a total lunar eclipse. They paired it with the words “DECEMBER 2025.”
The post immediately sparked theories about their return, and now, that clue has become reality. Starting in December, the group will roll out promotional content tied to the new album, including concept photos, possible pre-release tracks. This will build up to their big 2026 release.
EXO-CBX won’t Participate Due to Ongoing Dispute
Notably, Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin were not mentioned in SM Entertainment’s announcement and will not be taking part in these activities. These three EXO members are managing their activities independently through INB100. In addition, they filed a lawsuit against SM Entertainment last year over a contract dispute.
The court will give a verdict on the case soon since mediation attempts have failed and both parties have failed to settle. Due to this, EXO-CBX will not take part in any of the comeback activities.
‘EXO’verse Tickets Schedule
Fans hoping to attend the December fan meeting in person will be able to get tickets through Melon Ticket. The fan club presale opens on October 30 at 8 p.m. KST, followed by general sales on October 31 at 8 p.m. KST.
For international fans or those unable to attend, EXO has plans for a live online broadcast via Beyond LIVE and Weverse. More streaming details about the ‘EXO’verse’ fanmeeting will be announced soon through the group’s official social media channels.
For over a decade, EXO has been known for their message “We Are One,” and this comeback captures that spirit once again.