EXO, the newest 12-member boy group from SM Entertainment, has just released their latest title song, “Wolf.” EXO has often been claimed as the next Super Junior, which debuted 8 years ago with the same entertainment company, due to many similarities between the two groups.

Both EXO and Super Junior are known for their large number of members, which can both be an advantage and a disadvantage. With so many members, a group can easily garner much more popularity, since each member is able to show off their individual charm to fans. However, it may also be difficult for fans to remember each member and to learn who everyone is when the group is first introduced.

When putting EXO and Super Junior side by side, how do they compare in terms of members, music, and performance?

In terms of members, Super Junior is a group of variety. With Kyuhyun, Ryeowook, and Yesung holding up the vocals and dance machines like Eunhyuk and Donghae, each Super Junior contributes to the group with their unique talents. The members have also expanded their careers into different areas as actors, radio DJs, variety show MCs, and performers in musicals.

While each Super Junior member is more focused in their own unique area of expertise, EXO members seem to be much more well-rounded. Every EXO member has been trained to be crazy good in singing and dancing, and while some are better than others in specific aspects, they are all talented individuals in all areas. Not to mention they are also much, much younger! With the addition of four Chinese members, EXO has potential to be more globally oriented.

Comparatively, Super Junior members have more individual characteristics that help distinguish each member, and there are more “variety show” funny type of idols within the group, such as Shindong and Leeteuk. EXO members have yet to show more of their potential in acting, hosting, and comedic presence.

Whether it is better to have a group that has more individual differences or a group with more well-rounded talent is in the eye of the beholder. Both groups seem to be achieving success in their own way and are well-loved by fans.

In terms of music, Super Junior has been evolving with their musical genre. “Sorry, Sorry” marked a big shift in the tone of their music, and because Super Junior has been around longer, they have been able perform various types of songs.

EXO on the other hand, has released upbeat dance tracks with hip hop and dubstep elements as their title songs for “MAMA” and “Wolf.” Since the songs released by EXO are quite unique, it can be a bit “too different” and strange for first-time K-pop listeners. With promotions in both China and Korea, EXO records both a Chinese version and a Korean version for their songs, and the two versions are often compared.

However, it seems that SM has been spending much more of their budget on EXO’s music videos than Super Junior’s music videos. The visuals in “MAMA” and “Wolf” were much more appealing than Super Junior’s songs.

As for both groups’ performances, neither group disappoints. EXO has always been able to show strong and intriguing dance choreography that is perfectly synchronized, and Super Junior has varied their performances with slightly different choreography, such as randomly playing “rock, paper, scissors” in the middle of their performance.

While both EXO and Super Junior are popular, talented, and successful groups, they are successful in different ways. Since EXO is still relatively new, there is much to look forward to. On the other hand, Super Junior will always be the “Kings of the Korean Wave” in the minds of fans.