Exo proves experience counts in hit-packed tour finale

Fourteen years into its career, Exo demonstrated the strength that comes with experience as it closed out its sixth tour on Sunday in Seoul.

Performing at Kspo Dome in southern Seoul, members Suho, Chanyeol, D.O., Kai and Sehun exhibited the confidence and precision they've built through years onstage during three hours of powerful vocals, tightly synchronized choreography and hits spanning the group's career.

The concert, “Exo Planet #6 - EXhOrizon [dot],” marked the finale of a tour that began in April and covered 14 cities across 27 shows. The encore run drew some 33,000 fans, with all three shows sold out, including restricted-view seats.

Exo opened with an explosive sequence featuring “Crown” and “Suffocate” from its latest eighth LP, “Reverxe,” alongside its 2016 hit “Monster,” immediately drawing thunderous cheers from the audience.

The opening established what would become the concert's greatest strength: the members' ability to deliver demanding choreography without compromising their live vocals.

“It's the last day already. Aren't you sad?” Kai asked the crowd. “Are you ready to have fun today? Are you ready to go all out? Let's go!”

Although only five of the six members who participated in the group's recent activities took the stage, the performance never felt diminished. The members made full use of the expansive stage, with synchronized movements, commanding presence and elaborate stage effects filling spaces that might otherwise have felt empty.

The concert moved between contrasting moods, transitioning from the softer melodies of “Moonlight Shadows” and “24/7” to the sultry “Sweet Lies” and faster-paced “Crazy.”

Some of the loudest screams came during performances of longtime fan favorites, including “The Eve,” “Love Shot,” “Tempo,” “Lotto,” “Ko Ko Bop” and “Call Me Baby.”

Exo seamlessly blended several hits into medleys, maintaining the crowd's energy while showcasing the depth of its discography.

The energy reached another peak during the group's signature EDM medley, featuring “Lucky One,” “Power,” “Don't Fight the Feeling” and “Run.” A staple of Exo concerts and a segment eagerly anticipated by fans, the medley traditionally sees the members invite the audience to rise from their seats and dance along.

Sunday was no exception. As the members called on fans to stand, the seated sections jumped along to the music, waving their light sticks in the air. The shared excitement reflected the easy familiarity Exo has built with Exo-L, its fandom, over more than a decade together.

The mood softened again with a winter medley featuring “Sing for You,” “For Life,” “Universe” and “The First Snow.” The sentimental atmosphere continued through fan songs “I'm Home” and “Flatline,” before the group returned to its earlier hits, including “History,” “Love Me Right” and the career-defining “Growl.”

By the concert's closing remarks, the members appeared reluctant to bring the evening to an end. Recalling the happiness he felt performing alongside his members and fans, Suho added that there was a moment when he “wished time would stop.” Chanyeol added that the tour reminded him how much happiness he drew from hearing his fellow members perform before their fans.

As Exo’s tour reached its conclusion, the members dropped hints about more to come.

Sehun teased upcoming activities with Kai, hinting at the pair's new unit project and its choreography, which he mentioned would be “particularly impressive.”

Suho also promised that Exo would return with new music and performances as soon as possible. D.O. is also set to release his new digital single, “Darling,” on Wednesday, marking his first solo music release in two months since his fourth EP, “Dopamine,” in September.