Sophomore jinx is a term used to describe a hot rookie cooling down for their sophomore year. This has not been the case for sophomore idol groups B.A.P, VIXX, and EXO. In fact, their sophomore years have been even better than their rookie year. EXO has been the dominant idol force this year, while B.A.P has heated up both the Korean and Japanese charts this year. VIXX also made a significant stride since their debut last year, holding their own in a sea of idol groups that debut and flood the market. Sure, their debut was in 2012, but these three idol groups' year was 2013.

The Million Seller EXO

EXO debuted among a much hoopla. They were the next-in-line superstar idol group groomed and prepped by SM Entertainment, who always hit big with their idol groups, dating all the way back to HOT. Their debut concept was different in that they debuted simultaneously as two groups, EXO-K and EXO-M, in Korea and China. Their looks and style was second to none. D.O and Baekhyun's duet "What is Love" was released prior their debut in January 2012. In the April of that year, EXO-K and EXO-M released their mini-album "MAMA" in Korea and China to officially begin their activities.

They were hailed as the 'aliens from Planet EXO'. They were in the line of H.O.T, TVXQ, Super Junior, and SHINee. They sold more than 100,000 albums as a rookie. However, they failed to get much exposure on the online charts and fell to number 76 with "MAMA". Their singing and rapping style was not well received at all.

In 2013, EXO came together as one unit and released their 1st full album, XOXO (Kiss & Hug). The title song was "Wolf". Their concept was that from a fairy tale with caves and trees - it was almost like a musical. Their performance and the catchy hook immediately caught fire and catapulted them into relevancy once more. It was a much more well received effort on EXO's and SM's part.

Their next title song became the hit song of the year. "Growl" was released as their next title song, and it immediately became a sensation. Their improved visuals (through dieting) and refined R&B vocal techniques allowed EXO to become a force in the music industry.

EXO hit the top spot 4 times with "Wolf" and 14 times with "Growl". They regained glory on the online charts as well, taking the top spots for months on various music charts. Their album sales went through the roof - they have sold 950,000 albums to date and are on the verge of becoming a "million-seller", title earned only by Korea's top artists.

They received the "Album of the Year" award at 2013 Mnet Asia Music Awards, as well as sweeping the "2013 MelOn Award" at the 2013 MelOn Music Awards. Their December special album has hit a pre-order number of 400,000 albums, and the title song "Miracles in December" is on the top spot of almost all Korean online charts.

They will seek a repeat performance in 2014.