EXO's popularity and success isn't just because of their enormous fandom.

In 2013's music industry, the popular pop idol groups lost to the veteran singers who came back after a long rest. They just couldn't compare to Psy, Jo Yong Pil, and Lee Hyori, and soon lost their places to these more experienced singers.

But even amidst this type of flow, there is an idol group that shined a little more brightly than the others, and that group is none other than EXO. Although they debuted 1 year ago with their title song "Mama," they didn't receive much attention until this year's "Wolf" and "Growl." With these new songs they dominated the Korean music industry. That makes us wonder, How did EXO suddenly go from being "small fish" to becoming "big shot?"

Album Sales Exceed 700,000. How Did They Get So Big?

When EXO first debuted, they were separated into EXO-K and EXO-M, but they weren't very popular with the public. Their title song "Mama's" success can be more widely attributed to the large fandom rather than the public's interest in the group.

But in 2013 EXO emerged as one of the big male idol groups, all thanks to their consecutive hit songs "Wolf" and "Growl." These songs put EXO on the map. "Wolf" was especially popular because of the 12 member group's unique choreography, unusual "wolf" lyrics, and the various changing melodies.

On June 14, EXO appeared on KBS 2TV's "Music Bank" and won against Jo Yong Pil's "Bounce" with their song "Wolf" and took the number 1 spot. Following their victory on "Music Bank," EXO stamped their mark in the music world with their next song "Growl" and became the best idol group of 2013.

EXO stirred up the pot of less popular boy groups and disturbed the peace with their sudden popularity. That's because among the fierce competition for male idol groups, EXO emerged as a leader. This is made evident by their 3rd consecutive win on SBS's "Inkigayo" and Mnet's "M Countdown," and it doesn't look like it will end there.

Another noteworthy contribution to EXO's popularity is their short but impactful appearance on television, namely on KBS 2TV's "Immortal Song" and MBC's "Infinite Challenge." On the August 31st Jun Young Rok special of "Immortal Song," EXO adapted the song "Still a Dark Night" and made it into an urban R&B song similar to "Growl." Although some liked it and some didn't, EXO's rendition of the song was something that left the listeners talking.

EXO Is the King of Idol Boy Groups

In accord with their immense popularity, EXO's 1st album sold a record of 727,159 copies (1st album 424,260 copies, 1st repackaged album 312,899 copies). EXO's 700,000+ album sales is proof of EXO's leading position in the music world, and also the greatest record set in 12 years.

EXO syndrome, and their boast-worthy record-setting album sales, is on par with world star Psy and Jo Yong Pil syndrome. The revival of the pop music market and popularity of idol groups is thanks in big part to EXO. That's why EXO is worthy of 2013's "leading Hallyu idol," and the "King of Idol Boy Groups." Everyone can look forward to their continued success and role in the music industry.