[MALAYSIA] EXO conclude their EXplOration in Kuala Lumpur

Following the last EXO PLANET #4 The ElyXiOn in Kuala Lumpur which happened over a year ago, the ‘Ultimate Kings of K-pop’ EXO made their way to Malaysia once again for their subsequent tour EXO PLANET #5 EXplOration which took place Dec 14 in Axiata Arena, Bukit Jalil. Despite being short of a few members, EXO – which currently consists of Suho, Chanyeol, Baekhyun, Chen, Sehun and Kai – successfully fulfilled the two-hour long concert with remarkable performances and high energy.

An International Worthy Stage

With a dramatic entrance using LED screens and amazing lighting work, EXO handsomely entered the stage on a rising platform – making them looking like a group of mannequins that were set to be released out of a box. The boys then started the show with their hits “Tempo”, “Transformer” and “Gravity”, the songs that generally showcased their fierce and unique color as a group.

Next, their main vocalist Baekhyun, who recently promoted as a soloist, took over the stage and shifted the mood in the venue to a groovy R&B with his solo song, “UN Village”. EXO then took this opportunity to continue their stage with their sexy slow jams “24/7”, “Love Shot” and “Ooh La La La”, fitting the mood that was set earlier. For their “24/7” stage, EXO-Ls were greeted with a pleasant surprise as the performance was equipped with an amazing floating lighting display, which magnificently made the whole performance look dreamy. That EXO can bring this much to their international audience too, is a testament to the power and popularity they possess.

In their first talk segment, the boys warmly introduced themselves and even started their greeting with “Apa Khabar” (“How are you?”) to Malaysian EXO-Ls. One of the highlights of this ment was when their maknae Sehun mentioned that he was happy with the fact that Malaysian EXO-Ls had successfully followed the dress code “Cosmic Latte” for this concert. This appreciation speech prompted EXO-Ls in the venue to answer him with a lovely cheer, making the boys be immersed in a joyful mood due to the reactions received.

Ending the ment, EXO then continued the show with their addictive jams “Monster” and “Oasis”, which showcased EXO’s synchronized choreography. Soon after, EXO’s leader Suho greeted EXO-Ls with his solo stage. He chose to showcase his unique vocal color and choreography skills with “Been Through”. Following Suho was Chen, who decided to go closer to their EXO-Ls’ hearts by singing the comforting “Lights Out”. The sweetness did not stop there as Sehun and Chanyeol both teamed up as EXO-SC, to deliver their unit songs, “What A Life” and “Closer To You”. Taking advantage of the endless series of sweet and sugary performances, EXO continued to swoon EXO-Ls with the sweetest “Falling For You” and acoustical “Wait”.

EXO-Ls’ Extraordinary Energy

Even after being fed with mostly slow jams, the energy from EXO-Ls did not falter even once. EXO-Ls proved just how much of an incredible crowd they were when EXO started to perform “Power”, a song that undoubtedly had Malaysian EXO-Ls unite as they sang along with high energy. This phenomenon has certainly proved that music – despite language barriers – has the ability to unite everyone, and this coincidentally fits EXO’s motto, “We Are One”. After “Power”, the stage was then continued with a graceful solo performance by Kai with “Confession”, and later by EXO again with “Bad Dream” and “Damage”.

With seven long years of experience being in the industry, EXO still didn’t forget the roots of their success. They continued performing a few of their old hits such as “Growl”, “Overdose” and “Call Me Baby”. The nostalgia really hit differently as they performed exactly like how they did in the past, except this time the boys were better and more evolved as professional entertainers. EXO-Ls also did a wonderful job when they tirelessly sang along to these older songs, to the point the boys’ voice were drowned by the united chants that filled the arena.

Kings of Surprises

The encore stage kicked off with “Unfair” and “On The Snow”, two Christmas songs that are fitting since it is December. The members started saying their ending speech one by one. Leader Suho expressed that he was thankful to EXO-Ls who came to their show, and that he was really impressed with Malaysian EXO-Ls who never stopped cheering for the rest of them in that 2 hour-long show.  Baekhyun and Chen both reassured EXO-Ls that the group will definitely return to Malaysia again for their next concert, and even promised that they will bring out new songs for the fans to enjoy on their next tour in Kuala Lumpur. Chanyeol then added that he was genuinely impressed with Malaysian EXO-Ls who knew how to have fun and that he enjoyed the night due to EXO-ls’ wholehearted cheers for them.

However, the surprise of the night was still to come. The highlight of this closing speech was when Kai teasingly asked EXO-Ls on whether they wanted to see them performing their latest song “Obsession”, to which he was answered with a resounding ‘yes’ by the fans. As a result, EXO ended up performing “Obsession” live on stage without any background music – the song was not originally included in the set list. EXO concluded the show with the final song “A Smile on my Face”, before they proceeded to exit the stage and bid heartfelt goodbyes to Malaysian EXO-Ls for the last time.

The Seoul Story would like to thank Star Planet Malaysia for the invitation to experience EXO PLANET #5 – EXplOration in Kuala Lumpur.

Written by: Nur Dalia
Photos by: Star Planet Malaysia

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