Exo Planet #2 – The EXO'luXion: A Comprehensive Tour Retrospective
The Exo Planet #2 – The EXO'luXion tour stands as a monumental chapter in the history of the South Korean-Chinese boy band, Exo. Spanning from March 7, 2015, to March 20, 2016, this ambitious world tour showcased the group's massive global influence, covering 44 shows across Asia and North America. From sold-out arenas to complex logistical challenges, the tour was a defining period for the group and their fans.
Key Facts
- Tour Duration: March 7, 2015 – March 20, 2016
- Total Shows: 44
- Total Attendance: Approximately 700,000
- Primary Regions: Asia and North America
- Major Venues: Olympic Gymnastics Arena (Seoul), Tokyo Dome, and various North American arenas.
Tour Overview and Chronology
Officially announced in January 2015, the tour kicked off at the Olympic Gymnastics Arena in Seoul. The tour was designed to follow the success of their first tour, Exo from Exoplanet #1 – The Lost Planet, and paved the way for their subsequent Exo Planet #3 – The EXO'rDIUM.
The tour's itinerary was vast, including 39 dates throughout Asia and 5 strategic dates in North America. While the tour was a massive commercial success, it was also marked by significant changes in the group's lineup. On August 24, 2015, member Tao filed a lawsuit against SM Entertainment, leading to his departure from the tour while the remaining nine members continued the promotions.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Regional Highlights and Challenges
South Korea and Taiwan
The tour began with high demand in Seoul, necessitating the addition of a fifth show due to popular demand. However, early performances were met with concerns regarding the health of members Kai and Tao, who reportedly sustained injuries during the opening stages.
In Taiwan, the group took significant health precautions during their June 2015 visit to mitigate MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome) concerns, including wearing face masks and utilizing alternative airport exits. Following the event, the tour faced scrutiny in Taiwan when fans raised allegations of inappropriate behavior by security personnel during bag checks and venue removals; however, the organizer, SuperDome, denied these claims.
China and the Philippines
During stops in Beijing, fans expressed concern after laser pointers were directed at the members' faces, a practice known to cause visual distraction and potential temporary vision issues. In Nanjing, member D.O. earned praise for his professionalism after navigating a slippery stage by performing in his socks to maintain stability.
The Philippines saw unprecedented demand, with all tickets selling out within just three hours of release. This success allowed Exo to become the first K-pop group to hold two consecutive concerts in the country.
North American Expansion
The North American leg was organized through a unique voting system by My Music Taste, where fans voted on five cities to visit. The winning cities were New York City, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, and Vancouver. This process was met with controversy, as fans in Atlanta and Toronto accused the platform of using "fake accounts" to manipulate results. In response to the backlash, My Music Taste issued refunds for all "Taste" purchases.
Logistical hurdles also affected the lineup in North America: member Lay was unable to attend due to his activities in China, and member Kai missed the Dallas performance due to visa delays.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Tour Statistics Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Shows | 44 |
| Total Attendance | 700,000 |
| North American Cities | New York City, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, Vancouver |
| Highest Reported Attendance (Single Venue) | 70,000 (Seoul) |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many shows were included in the Exo Planet #2 tour?
The tour consisted of a total of 44 shows held between March 2015 and March 2016.
Why did Tao stop participating in the tour?
Tao discontinued his participation in the tour following a lawsuit filed against SM Entertainment on August 24, 2015.
Which North American cities were selected for the tour?
The five selected cities were New York City, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, and Vancouver.
What happened during the Philippines concert ticket sales?
After an initial delay to finalize pricing and seating, the tickets were released and sold out completely within three hours.
Did all members participate in the North American leg?
No. Lay was unable to attend due to his commitments in China, and Kai missed the Dallas show due to a visa delay.