EXO is officially ready to reclaim the throne. SM Entertainment has confirmed that the group’s 8th full-length album, “REVERXE,” is set for a global release on January 19, 2026. This is a massive moment for the fandom. It marks the group’s first major studio effort in over two years, following the 2023 release of EXIST.
The hype for the EXO REVERXE Comeback 2026 reached a fever pitch this week. SM surprised everyone with a cinematic teaser for the pre-release track “Crown.” The snippet has already dominated trends on X (formerly Twitter) and Weibo. Now, fans are busy dissecting every frame for “EXO’Verse” lore clues.
The 6-Member Roster: Lay Makes His Return
The lineup for this era is officially a six-member team. The roster includes Suho, Lay, Chanyeol, D.O., Kai, and Sehun. Most notably, this marks Lay’s (Zhang Yixing) first full participation in an EXO group album since 2021’s Don’t Fight the Feeling. For international fans, this is the reunion they’ve been dreaming of for years.
The excitement doesn’t stop there. This album also marks the grand return of Kai and Sehun. Both members are back in the fold after successfully completing their mandatory military services. This 8th album serves as their first official group activity since their discharge, signaling a powerful new chapter for the veteran idols.
The CBX Exclusion: A Bittersweet Reality
Still, the comeback feels bittersweet for many. Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin (EXO-CBX) are noticeably absent from the REVERXE tracklist and jacket photos. This stems from the messy legal friction between the trio’s agency, INB100, and SM Entertainment. The dispute focuses on revenue sharing and contract transparency.
SM Entertainment addressed the situation directly. They stated that resolving the legal dispute and group activities were “two separate matters.” They cited a “breakdown of trust” as the reason for moving forward with a 6-member lineup. This decision stands even though the trio expressed a strong desire to participate.
Deconstructing the “EX-VISION” Aesthetics
Visually, EXO is pivoting away from the breezy “Cream Soda” vibes of their previous work. The “EX-VISION” version teaser images showcase a high-concept, futuristic aesthetic. Think distorted reality themes and dark-tech optics. Fans have also pointed out recurring “Crown” motifs in the individual member teasers. To many, this clearly signals a “Return of the King” narrative.
REVERXE Fast Facts
- Release Date: January 19, 2026, at 6 PM KST.
- Album Format: 8th Full-Length Studio Album.
- Confirmed Tracks: “I’m Home” (Pre-release) and “REVERXE” (Title).
- Participating Members: Suho, Lay, Chanyeol, D.O., Kai, Sehun.
Showcase at the Grand Peace Palace
The “REVERXE” era officially kicks off with a grand comeback showcase. The event will be held at Kyung Hee University’s Grand Peace Palace on the day of release. It will be the first time fans see the new 6-member choreography for the title track. Luckily, international fans can stream the event live via global platforms.
The “OT9” vs. “OT6” debate is still trending online. But the prevailing sentiment is one of pure anticipation. Whether you’re celebrating Lay’s return or Kai and Sehun’s homecoming, the K-pop world will be watching on January 19.
