With law suit allegations and a scandalous idol relationship, EXO has not had the most stellar year. The group concluded 2013 on a high note, with critics placing great expectations on the relatively new K-Pop group.

EXO debuted in 2012 and demonstrated their capability to surpass the popularity of their contemporaries. In recent months, the group has emerged from the blush of meteoric success to face a tumultous future.

"Overdose" was released with the expectations that EXO would be able to top the tremendous performance of "XOXO." The album performed exceedingly well upon its release, but this accomplishment became overshadowed by rumors surrounding an alleged lawsuit from former EXO-M member Kris (Wu Yi Fan).

Fans of EXO were recovering from the controversy sparked by the alleged lawsuit, when SM Entertainment confirmed that Baekhyun was involved in a relationship with Girls' Generation member Taeyeon.

Media attention completely shifted from the artistic merits of EXO, to the salacious details surrounding both stories.

 EXO maintained its aura of success, with the help of Chanyeol. Chanyeol has consistently maintained a positive public image, capturing the attention of audiences on the reality show "Roommate."

He has been tasked with the difficult job of maintaining the carefree, schoolboy concept of EXO. With an endearing yet dorky image, Chanyeol has almost singlehandedly kept fandom burning for EXO.

Chanyeol posseses what is frequently referred to as a "4-D" personality in K-Pop. As the dynamics of EXO continue to shift, he has continued to demonstrate versatlity. His pontential as a sub-group member is highlighed on the recently released Henry track "Bad Girl."

On variety programs such as "Law of the Jungle" and "Roomates," Chanyeol has repeatedly demonstrated his potential for acting in K-Drama or film.

Chanyeol defies the conventions of typical boy band marketing. He is a rapper but does not try to convince audiences that he is best suited to wear street fashion. He does not try to be a thug, nor does he pretend to be hood.

Chanyeol regularly sites rappers such as Beenzino for their talent and influence. But Chanyeol has distinguished himself from many other Korean rappers. In this sense, Chanyeol is a suburb-friendly hip hop artist, whose personality is worthy of a Disney star. He is a talented rapper, who is convincingly wholesome.

This does not mean that the other members of EXO are without value or are less marketable. However, the overall group was initially marketed to fans as almost otherworldly beings who were perhaps too cool for mere mortals. By contrast, Chanyeol demonstrated a quirky and slightly awkward personality which had mass appeal without alienating fans.

Do you think Chanyeol has become the most important member of EXO?

What are your thoughts on the increased exposure surrounding Chanyeol? Do you think he has become one of the most important members of EXO?