Chapter 131 This Counts as News

s a crucial one for EXO's future. Everyone is too invested and focused on it, to the point where they're afraid something might go wrong and are constantly anxious and stressed about it.Today is May 3...Entertainment: According to the charts, EXO's second regular album "EXO-L", released on January 1st, reached a physical sales volume of 1,005,988 copies by the evening of January 11th, officially breaking one million in sales on the eleventh day.

Thus far, EXO has broken a 12-year record in 2013 with their first regular album "XOXO" by topping the million sales chart for the first time. This is their third time achieving this incredible feat. Unlike the previous two versions which were calculated together, this million sales achievement was accomplished solely through this single album. Additionally, ten days is the fastest speed in history to achieve a million sales.

It is reported that 《EXO-L》 was compiled from the four EPs released in the previous four months, 《E》《X》《O》《L》, and added two new songs. On the day of its release, it topped the iTunes album chart in nearly 70 countries and regions worldwide. One of the main songs, 《boywithv》, successfully entered the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart in the second week of June, reaching a peak position of 25 and remaining on the chart for four weeks so far, demonstrating the undisputed global popularity of the new generation Kpop king.

This time's regular second album, 《EXO-L》, pre-orders have exceeded 800,000 copies, surpassing the highest pre-order record previously set by their mini-second album "overdose". While refreshing their own records, they have also created a brand new Kpop album pre-order record.

dau: EXO's second full-length album has once again achieved a million sales, simultaneously setting numerous astonishing records.

Google Korea: Behind the Scenes Collection Effects are obvious, EXO's sales reverse growth significantly, successfully selling one million copies

As physical album sales dwindled, EXO emerged, captivating the nation with their constant hits and creating a sales myth. They pushed Kpop

While leading the way for the world, he also propelled the entire market upward, making outstanding contributions to the Peninsula's music scene.

The Destroyer of the Market! EXO's Sales Are Too Exaggerated, Occupying the Survival Space of Other Kpop Idol Groups! A Discussion on Whether EXO's Existence is Good or Bad for the Development of Kpop.

How long can the fan economy last Taking EXO fans' frenzied, repetitive album purchases as an example, we look at the increasingly pathological idol market today...

For insiders, this heavyweight news is naturally impossible to ignore. Even now, the influence of Chi Jingyuan and their peers has extended far beyond the music industry. Many political news outlets have even issued reports on the matter, while numerous marketing accounts are fanning the flames, eschewing mainstream praise and instead attempting to explore many dark angles.

However, after seeing these overwhelming news reports, including some fans like Alice, many people didn't react too much. Their first reaction when they saw these reports was:

"Millions in sales EXO again Can you please stop reporting on this, is this even news"

"When it was presold for 800,000, I knew it would definitely hit a million. Today, after seeing the results, I'm not at all surprised."

Many people were indifferent to the news, and even felt a little bored.

Because this is a number that's hard to imagine for other combinations, XO has been a regular occurrence since 2013. As long as they return, almost every year you can see this.

Although completing this achievement again felt somewhat underwhelming, Alice naturally obtained another sharp weapon and launched a fierce attack against the VIPs who were still stubbornly resisting until now.

"See Another million-selling album, on top of the four singles released earlier. This year XO has almost reached three million copies sold, we're just stronger than you, what else is there to say"

"The gap in data between the two teams is so obvious now, everyone outside already recognizes that one team has won this time. Why are there still so many brain-dead fans who like to be stubborn It's embarrassing to insist on something false like a clown. Did you follow your idol blindly and get sucked in too"

"XO's single album has sold over a million copies, but what about Big Bang's latest single album "D" Let me check for you... Over 80,000, almost reaching 90,000. I didn't expect it to sell so well; it's almost catching up to one-tenth of ours."

"Where is V.I.P. Where did he go"

Because her master's achievements were so impressive, Ai Li also achieved a complete victory in the battle against V.I.P fans. Two months ago, when the two fan groups were fiercely fighting online, that scene has now disappeared. Now, all the V.I.P fans have tacitly gone silent, pretending to be dead, ignoring the other side's arrogance and mockery. Because they know, keeping quiet is the best way to respond. If they really get angry and argue, they will only lose face even more.

Who would let their idol lose to someone else

Moreover, after Bigbang lost in the direct competition, they also started to experience a severe fan exodus phenomenon. The fans who had previously gathered because of their fame and popularity have been leaving very quickly recently, and a considerable number directly switched sides to EXO.

Even though BIGBANG's achievements are not bad, they could even be said to be very good, but the competition in the Korean music industry is so intense, and the market is so small, small enough that only one TOP group can stand at the top.

They were once them, but now it's been replaced.

Setting aside the drama in fan circles, to be honest, this "million-unit sales" news didn't cause as much of a stir this time compared to before.

Although fans and passersby may have gotten used to it, this million (presumably referring to a milestone like followers) was unlike any other. It sent shockwaves throughout the industry.

Because this is not like before, it's the combination of sales from both the original and re-released albums reaching a million copies.

When EXO sold 1 million albums back in the day, breaking records for 13 years, many people both inside and outside the industry didn't acknowledge it. After all, ** Entertainment's handling of this original and re-released album situation was questionable - selling two albums wasn't really a big deal.

This time it's truly achieved a million in sales thanks to just one album. In terms of value, it definitely surpasses many previous ones.

Besides the quality of the album's songs, this time the extremely well-made behind-the-scenes footage collection, similar to a documentary, has also played a significant role in promotion, which many have noticed. Seeing such good results and reactions, it's natural that some people want to imitate it.

"How about filming some behind-the-scenes footage for Twice too Document their journey from the end of 'Sixteen' to their official debut, including their private lives and album preparation..."

In JYP's office, facing the seated Park Jin-young and several company representatives and department heads, one representative attempted to suggest something.

As an insider in the entertainment industry and a middle-level executive at one of the top three agencies, JYP, he could feel more acutely than casual fans or onlookers just how intense EXO's recent surge in popularity was. The noticeable increase in various commercial performances, variety show appearance fees, and advertising endorsement fees had even made JYP, who was currently struggling, envious.

You're right, selling a million is impressive, but EXO's second album was of such high musical quality that we probably can't emulate it. Not many companies in the entire music industry could afford something like that. But filming behind-the-scenes footage isn't that difficult, is it It's just some behind-the-scenes stuff. You act like no one has ever filmed it before. Any debuted idol group definitely has, and I've filmed a lot myself!

It's just that it's not as good or interesting as **'s shooting this time.

The previous ones weren't good, but now that the finished products are here, shouldn't I be able to copy them

For the X.O eyeballed Park Jin-young, who was very excited, he quickly thought of his company's newly formed girl group Twice, whom the entire company had high hopes for and was preparing to debut.

I think I can try it.

"I agree, this time around it's clear that a lot of viewers and fans are becoming more interested in what idols are like in private. There's also increasing interest in the stories behind how albums are made."

This suggestion was met with a lot of agreement right away.

I don't think it's that simple...

Park Jin-young was initially quite excited, but after glancing at the market analysis report he had just received, he furrowed his brow and pondered. "This behind-the-scenes collection that ** is releasing for EXO could be considered more of a documentary than actual behind-the-scenes footage. Although the resources invested might not be significant, it's evident that a lot of effort went into it, treated with the same level of formality as an official project. And this time, ** really seems to have gone all out, even including footage of the high-level meeting where production was discussed. They even blurred faces, but back then, this would have been unheard of. At least I doubt our company would do something like that now…"

"That means last year, with so many things happening, ** put most of their weight on EXO to recover the stock price, that's why they were so serious this time. Don't be fooled by this success, next year they definitely won't put in this much effort for their projects."

"And, rather than these viewers enjoying this behind-the-scenes footage, I think..." Park Jin-young smiled somewhat helplessly, shaking his head and continuing, "I think it's more that the viewers like EXO."

"The biggest reason for such a strong reverse reaction is that they achieved unprecedented success in their music career this year, which attracted the attention of many passersby besides fans. This is the key to the success of **'s behind-the-scenes project."

"TWICE hasn't debuted yet, although they had some popularity before because of "Sixteen," it's completely incomparable to EXO. There isn't anyone like...like Yuan who has innate traffic and is widely loved by the public."

Perhaps because of the missed opportunity with Park Kyung-sun in the past, every time Park Jin-young mentioned EXO or Park Kyung-sun, his heart couldn't help but feel a tinge of longing and regret, along with some unrealistic fantasies.

He occasionally still wondered, if back then when Park Ji-sung had come to JYP and joined GOT7, would the current top group not be EXO, but GOT7

That JYP company could also use the fire of the male group to improve its precarious situation, so they wouldn't have to pin all their hopes on an un-debuted female group.

Alas, the more I think about it, the angrier I get.

Coming back to his senses from his own thoughts, Park Jin-young found that many people in the office had fallen silent after his words. He couldn't help but smile: "But it doesn't mean we won't shoot anymore. We still need to shoot, just don't think about competing with EXO... Assign a dedicated VJ to record some of their daily life and experiences preparing for the album. Then we'll make it public after their debut... Come up with a detailed plan and project proposal. Put your heart into it."

"Okay."

……

The music industry was already abuzz with the return of numerous groups this summer, but EXO has now set a new standard for exciting comebacks. It remains to be seen how many other companies will follow suit and create such meticulously crafted behind-the-scenes footage for their own group's releases after this.

Meanwhile, on the night EXO achieved one million in sales, MBC aired the second episode of "Infinite Challenge Music Festival".

After the guest lineup was announced in the previous episode, audiences were eagerly anticipating the final team divisions, leading to viewership exceeding that of the first episode's peak as soon as this episode began airing. Simultaneously, viewership has continued to rise with each broadcast.

At the end of the second round, the following pairings were decided: Jung Hyung-don, IU, and Ji-sung; HAHA and Zion.T; Yoo Jae-suk and Park Jin-young; Jeong Jun-ha and Yoon Sang; Hwang Kwang-hee and Hyukoh.

This group result also sparked widespread discussion among viewers. Besides Liu Jae-shik and Park Jin-young, the group consisting of Jeong Hyeong-don, Ji Kyoung-won, and IU garnered the most attention. Many viewers expressed immense anticipation for the work they would present at the song festival.

As an IU fan, I've always wanted to see her collaborate with Yuan. I can't believe my wish came true at the music festival!

"The collaboration between the top male idol and the most successful female solo artist is truly exciting. As for Jung Hyeon-don, he should just stay out of it."

"The most popular male idol has no argument, the most successful female solo Can the fans of "letter bitch" just have a little face Forgot how they were scolded two years ago..."

The has only aired for two episodes, but its viewership is already close to surpassing the ratings peak of the "Tutu Song" special at the beginning of the year. The heat and various discussions are also increasing day by day.

It has to be said, the program team's decision to invite IU and Park Ji-hwan, who are both naturally attention-grabbing, as guests was truly a stroke of genius.

Amidst all the commotion, time flew by, and it was morning of the 14th. EXO, who were still the hot topic of discussion outside, were together, frowning as they took a Japanese language class.

"How do you pronounce it Berhyen, tell us."

The company's specially hired Japanese teacher was a middle-aged woman in her forties, slightly plump with small but sharp eyes that were full of spirit. Under the company's requirements, she was relatively strict when giving lectures. Just shortly after class began, she called on Bian Boheng to stand up and answer a question.

The classroom used for lectures wasn't very big; it was just a small office on the fifth floor of the company that had been made available. All nine members of EXO were packed inside.

"Uh, su fu"

Bichen tried to sound it out, his lips moving tentatively as he read the two tones. He wasn't sure at all, and while speaking, he subtly glanced towards Ji Jingyuan beside him, hoping for an answer from him.

It's a pity that Kiyo Ikegami, who came to class today, was watched very closely by the teacher and had no chance to help. He just lowered his head and looked at the book on the desk, silently holding back a laugh with his mouth.

With his strong foundation in Japanese, Chi Jingyuan doesn't actually need to attend classes with others. Since he started learning Japanese last month, he hasn't attended many times. However, if he happens to be free, he sometimes comes along for the fun and reviews what he has learned.

Sit down!

The teacher seemed somewhat helpless. After making Bian Berxian sit down with emphasis, she instructed him in a rather stern tone: “I know you idols are all very busy, but this is a task assigned by the company. If your Japanese level doesn't meet the requirements later on, you'll be the ones who get punished. Just try your best, okay”

"Oh, my." Bian Baekhyun quickly apologized. The other members who were secretly smiling also immediately nodded seriously.

Today we are talking about Japanese voiced sounds and long vowels. Now open your book…

Given EXO's immense popularity, it's impressive that ** Entertainment took the time to arrange Japanese language classes for all members. Their dedication to expanding into new markets is evident in their ambition and commitment.

After the two-hour lesson ended, and after saying goodbye to the teacher, all nine members of EXO let out a long sigh of relief and walked together towards the practice room.

"Japanese is so difficult to learn!"

Bian Bianxian let out a long, mournful howl in the hallway. The way he looked, you could tell he was about to bang his head against the wall any minute.

"Jingyuan, your Japanese is so good. How did you learn it" Jinjunmian and the others looked at him, wanting to ask for advice.

Chi Jingyuan was caught off guard. He pondered for a moment, blinked naturally, and replied, "I didn't study it much, I think it's pretty simple."

"Never mind, then."

Kim Jun Myeon is digging himself deeper. He wishes he could slap himself.

He put me in again.

At this time, Kim Jin-seok looked at him and changed the subject: "By the way, Jingyuan, has our debut album in Japan in the second half of the year been finalized"

The market potential of the peninsula is so huge. This year, the domestic market of the peninsula, especially the wallets of fans, have already been harvested by ** almost to the end. As the top boy group, EXO will open up overseas markets. It is a foregone conclusion that they will debut in Japan in the second half of the year. The venue for the debut concert, Tokyo Dome, has already been booked in advance. Of course, all the members are also aware of this. Now they are taking advantage of their free time to learn Japanese for this purpose.

"Well, I guess it's not completely certain yet."

On hearing this question, Chi Jingyuan hesitated for a moment before giving a simple reply.

As far as he knows, there are significant internal divisions within ** Entertainment regarding EXO's future development. While most agree on maintaining their current market position in Korea and the peninsula, there is no consensus on which new markets to focus on. Even high-ranking executives, including Lee Soo Man, have differing opinions on this major strategic direction.

Some want to follow the path of TVXQ, focusing all their energy on the Japanese market. They are taking EXO's Japanese debut more seriously and putting in more resources this time around.

Some saw the unexpected success of 《boywithv》 in America and wanted to directly adjust their direction, trying to break into the US market with the group.

Although M-team is almost disbanded, there are still many people who hope to continue EXO's status as a Sino-Korean male group since their debut. Judging from the astonishing sales of their second regular album in China and the business communication within the country, EXO's market and audience base there are still very large. It would be a pity to give up like this.

The opinions of several waves of people have not yet been unified, which has affected the original strategy for their debut in Japan. At least Ji Jingyuan feels that this time EXO's Japan debut special, the company's preparation doesn't seem to be that thoughtful.

Far inferior to this official second edition.

"Will there be any new songs at NIX's debut showcase" Kim Jongdae, beside him, was more curious about this.

"As far as I know, there isn't any."

"Chi Jingyuan shook his head: "I didn't participate much in the Neon album, but it was said before that this debut album would select several songs from our songs released this year, reset them, and rewrite the lyrics in Japanese. That's about it."

"So, which song will be the lead single"

"Need to ask It's gotta be 《boywithv》."

"Oh..."

Upon hearing the news, members reacted in diverse ways. Some were delighted, while others expressed a tinge of disappointment.

"By the way, I should be off work earlier today. After work tonight, would you like to go out for dinner together"

Remembering today's schedule, guest master Kim Jun-myeon's eyes lit up and he proactively suggested something.

Just anything.

"Where to eat"

"No way, I told my girlfriend I'd meet up tonight..."

After soliciting opinions from everyone, Kim Jun-myeon looked at Ji Kyeong-won again: "What do you think, Kyeong-won"

"Oh, brother, I guess I can't go today."

Chi Jingyuan spread his hands: "I made plans with friends yesterday...

……

>After work a little before 7 pm, Ji Jingyuan sat in the nanny's car, heading towards the dormitory to change his clothes while he took out his phone and sent a message to Zheng Eundi: "Off work, where are you"

First published on the Traditional Chinese Novel Website let them date.""Oh my goodness, you're new here You still believe this"While EXO was recording their stage, female idols watching from the side were whispering to each other and occasionally pointing...