EXO’s Latest Group Photo Triggers Controversy And Divided Reactions
EXO’s newest promotional poster for their December 14 fanmeeting event has set off a massive wave of reactions online.
The photo, featuring only six members — Suho, D.O, Chanyeol, Kai, Sehun, and Lay — immediately sparked debates across both Korean and international social media.
The image was released as the main teaser for EXO’verse, the group’s upcoming fan event. While many fans were excited to see a fresh group photo after a long gap, the absence of the three CBX members quickly became the main talking point.
On X (formerly Twitter), fans reacted to the announcement with edits inserting Baekhyun, Chen, and Xiumin into the poster. In contrast, others posted emotional responses or expressed frustration toward SM Entertainment for promoting the group without them.
EXO is 9 https://t.co/Bbj2JqcxUw pic.twitter.com/6TjPYKs4Js
— parkip🤍🪄 (@thepikka) December 1, 2025
https://t.co/eS6uLexgdf pic.twitter.com/bAVddM6whZ
— 큥베리 | Grace 💫 (@Ace_BBH) December 1, 2025
😭😭😭😭😭😭 https://t.co/98JjmyFglB pic.twitter.com/xhb5RjO1mW
— Ana (@legendsexo_) December 1, 2025
Meanwhile, Korean netizens reacted very differently, with the majority focusing on the members’ visuals rather than the member count. Many were impressed by how cohesive the photo looked and how naturally the six settled into the concept.
- “They’re so handsome.”
- “The group feels so solid… hurry and give us a new song ㅠㅠ.”
- “What is up with Lay.”
- “What is Chanyeol even… he really is good-looking.”
- “Wow, they all look great.”
With EXO’s fanmeeting event now just weeks away, the photo has reignited long-running debates within the fandom — but it has also reminded many fans how much anticipation still surrounds any group activity. Whether the controversy will affect the event remains to be seen.
