Exo dropped their "Lotto" repackaged album on August 17th (18th in Korea). Even though the "Lotto" music video is yet to come, we can stay rest assured with the album release. To reach the music video release date, Exo-Ls take necessary steps to prove their high anticipation for the comeback. Here are some things that Exo-Ls find themselves doing each time comeback era arrives.
1. The Rumors
We hear some media circulating rumors about a potential Exo comeback. Even though it may not be true, Exo-Ls are already getting ready for the fourth step (see below). Remember back when we were sure “Call Me Baby” was called “Call me Daddy.” Oh were we wrong, but at least it was pretty close.
2. The Official Announcement
When SM announces Exo’s comeback, we know it’s going to be lit! Even though we know the boys have worked so hard with sleepless nights, we can’t help but be overly excited to see them again! This is when things start to get crazy.
3. The Teasers. Who will be next?
Shortly after the official announcement, comeback teasers are released. Typically we are first given a new Exo comeback logo that gives us a good hint of what’s to be expected. This time around, for Exo’s “Lotto” comeback, they released teasers with Exo’s numbers on poker chips indicating which three members' pictures would be released next. Whether it’s the next album name or photo/video teasers, SM continues to give us clues about the concept of the next comeback.
4. The fan theories. What message are they trying to tell us?
Any Exo-L knows that their teasers always contain hidden messages. This is when the craziest or saesang fans go all out and try to figure out any clues for the comeback. Exo’s previous full studio album, Exodus, comeback teasers required fans to figure out a confusing pathcode which left Exo-Ls writing out equations to understand the concept and its meaning. "Lotto" comeback teasers also contain hidden messages. Many fans then post their theories on social media while SM's hints leave fans making educated guesses till the comeback.
5. Leaked Videos and Legal Action
Recently, Exo’s dance practice for the music video was leaked on twitter. In the past, SM Entertainment has taken legal action against those who leak and post the video. A real fan wouldn’t spread or watch the leaked videos. It takes real self control to stop oneself from taking a peep at the video.
6. Devastating news of certain members not being able to promote
Due to injuries or other schedules, Exo is not always able to perform with all of its nine members. It has been reported that Kai will not be participating on stage promotions to recover from injury.Just when we thought it was all going good.
7. The Anxious Wait
After giving us photo teasers, hints and music video teasers, it finally comes down to the music video/album release day. We wait anxiously, staying up all night, refreshing SMTOWN’s YouTube channel to be able to catch the EX’ACT moment their video is released (see what I did there).
8. The Desperate Search
Despite being promised a music video release at 12 am KST and after having high hopes for a definite music video release, we find ourselves waiting for 30 minutes, an hour, two hours, only to find that the release has been delayed. We then instantly become annoyed with SM. Shortly after we realized SM won’t be releasing it anytime soon, we search the internet and Spotify to listen to their album and applaud prior to the record breaking news to come.
9. Exo’s Instagram Updates
This step could happen to hint a new comeback era or some random picture Exo would update in order to promote. Remember when Kai made an Instagram because his manager told him it would be good for promotion. Then shortly after, he deleted it all. Exo’s Chanyeol told us through Instagram that listening to "Lotto" would make us rich. Exo-Ls then joked that we would actually go broke because of the amount we would need to spend on the album, merchandise and Exo activities.
10. Finally, the release!
We all know the music video was supposed to be released at 12 am KST, but was delayed until 10 am KST. Now that it's been released, the wait is finally over! After one second into the video, we all pause and take in the moment to let out our emotions, before our eyes and ears are blessed with the rest of the video. I have to say, this comeback exceeded my expectations. The music, visuals, music video directing and choreography was so well done and it wasn't like anything Exo has done before. We now anticipate their endless stage performances, interviews and concerts. Each time, Exo seems to surprise and amaze us with their quality performances, songs, stages and concerts. Knowing that they've given us their 120 percent in the past, we know they won’t be letting us down anytime soon as they continue to give us refreshing and unexpected comebacks.
