When "Older Brother" idol groups become "Uncles", there is a cycling of generations in the idol world. It might be a harsh truth, but fans constantly demand a newer, younger group to turn their interest towards. Cycling of the new guard and the old guard has become something of a normal process for idol groups. We are now in the 3rd generations of idol groups, and there is a war brewing here like the old times.

When Korean music became K-Pop and Hallyu, idol groups began to spring out left and right. There is a deluge of idol groups in Korea right now, with many groups falling off the way side while a select few gain enough attention and popularity to be noticed by the fans. When they do, and they have the talent to grow, they have the chance to be superstars.

Right now, there are three major entertainment companies churning out mega-star idol groups every time they release a new artist. They are SM Entertainment, JYP Entertainment, and YG Entertainment. Groups such as TVXQ, Girls' Generation, Big Bang, 2PM, 2NE1, Wonder Girls were all projected and produced by these companies. These three companies are once again getting ready to battle, and it is clear: SM's EXO, JYP's GOT7, and YG's WINNER are the three groups of the future.

This week, we will focus on EXO.

In 1996, SM Entertainment released H.O.T. Korean music was never the same again. On the days that H.O.T had a concert, subways would run extra routes and fans would pass out from being too emotionally high. Hits such as "Candy", "Iyah", "Light", "Outside Castle", and others remain a staple in many of today's idol group members' playlists. SM Entertainment and H.O.T opened the gate to China and Taiwan, making way for Hallyu to take place. With BoA taking over Japan as a sensation and H.O.T and girl group S.E.S taking over Taiwan and China, SM Entertainment gained groups to set up such star groups as Super Junior, Girls' Generation, SHINee, and f(x) to continue the domination throughout Asia.

EXO is a continuation of that trend, for sure, but they are more the trendsetters than the trend. Although they are one group, they debuted simultaneously in China and Korea with the unit groups EXO-M and EXO-K. EXO-M consisted of Chinese members Xiumin, Lu Han, Kris, Tao, Lay, and Chen while EXO-K consisted of Suho, Baekhyhun, Chanyeol, D.O., Kai, and Sehun. Their ambitious strategy to take over two markets was a unique but commendable plan.

Although their 2012 debut was not entirely successful, they regrouped in 2013 and came back as one group, EXO. When they flexed their power through all twelve members, the game ended before it even began. Taking multiple top spots with the song "Wolf", EXO cemented their place among the idol powerhouses. Their second single, "Growl", played all over Korea throughout the summer and became the impetus for their million-selling record. Their Christmas album's title song, "Miracles in December", also took the top spot. They are currently the most popular idol group in K-Pop.

Celebrities all over Korea tried to learn their dance moves. Clips of fans remaking the music video or doing parodies of "Growl" went viral. Their exponentially growing fanbase boggles the mind. They swept the award shows as well with MelOn Music Awards' "Best Song of the Year", MAMA's "Album of the Year", Golden Disc Album Award, and Seoul Gayo Grand Award. They are undoubtedly number 1 in K-Pop right now.