For diehard EXO fan Charmaine, her love for the nine-member K-pop sensation has gone beyond just pulsating, catchy tracks but also taken her on unforgettable journeys overseas and helped her forge lifelong friendships.
From streaming music videos and studying at birthday cafe events to attending concerts, the management associate has ticked off all the boxes of a true K-pop “stan”.
And her journey as an EXO-L began more than a decade ago when the boy group released one of their biggest breakout hits, ‘Growl’.
“That's where most of my friends started liking EXO. And I think what really sealed the deal for me was when I attended the 2014 Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA). It was a really memorable experience. There were different sets of fans cheering for their respective idols, and EXO’s performance was also really good,” she said.
Having flown to Hong Kong to catch the award show, Charmaine was hooked by their “powerful and life-changing” performances and went on to attend their next four concerts in Singapore from 2016 to 2019.
As the group continued to evolve since their 2012 debut, with members embarking on successful solo tours, Charmaine has remained a fervent fan through every new chapter.
“I always find myself drawn back to EXO because of their music, the members’ personalities, and the chemistry they share. Also, the moments I’ve experienced and the fellow fans I’ve met along the way,” she said.
The 24-year-old was in the crowd for main vocalist Doh Kyungsoo (D.O.)’s first fan concert, “BLOOM”, at the Singapore Indoor Stadium last August, and for Kai and Baekhyun’s recent solo tours, never passing up a chance to support her favourite idols.
But over the years, she found D.O.’s rich and soulful vocals growing on her.
“There was one year when D.O. was not participating in the concert. I realised that without him, the songs just didn’t hit as hard, which was surprising to me because he wasn’t my favourite member at that point,” she explained.
An impressive acting career also furthered the appeal for the theatre student who “found his versatility and the way he brought his characters to life inspiring”.
“I’ve watched most of his works, and a few that especially stood out to me were ‘My Annoying Brother’, ‘Swing Kids’ and ‘The Moon’. His shows have given me the chance to explore genres I wouldn’t normally watch.”
Charmaine was even brought to tears when she listened to the vocalist perform the emotive ballad “About Time” live.
“During EXO concerts, they dance and sing, but they don't really shine individually. When he's there alone, you only focus on him. I was tearing up nonstop because of his voice. The way he sings and delivers the song is incredibly emotional and captivating,” she said.
Her love for D.O. also led her to South Korea when she attended a pop-up event at the Hyundai Seoul department store to celebrate the release of his album last May.
Besides leaving heartfelt notes for the singer and admiring the props and outfits from the music video shoot that were on display at the event, she also bought two of his physical albums.
“It’s quite memorable for me because I usually buy albums from pre-orders and shops in Singapore.”
Among her prized possessions is also a ‘Kkuru Jam’ keychain, merchandise from EXO member Baekhyun’s fifth mini album, ‘Essence of Reverie’.
But what makes it especially meaningful to Charmaine is that it was a birthday gift from a friend and fellow EXO fan, whom she met by chance while waiting for the G-Kpop concert in Seoul during her summer school in 2022.
The two met in a large group of international students and discovered they were both from the National University of Singapore. However, it was their shared love for EXO that truly sparked their bond.
“A lot of the students were fans of newer groups like ATEEZ and Stray Kids, so hearing someone say they liked EXO was like hearing someone say they were Singaporean in a foreign land, a really comforting feeling. That’s how we became really close friends.”
The pair have since become concert buddies and will be attending D.O.’s ‘DO it! in Singapore’ full-length solo concert on 23 August, armed with VIP tickets to secure a good view of their favourite idol.
But the avid concertgoer is no stranger to the 12,000-seat venue, having attended numerous K-pop concerts there, including shows by Taeyeon, Aespa, and NCT Dream.
“One of the things my friend and I enjoy doing before a concert is people-watching and looking at their fashionable outfits. There are also people coming down to do street interviews before the concert,” she said, adding that she was featured in a clip by street style videographer Orchard Road Fashion when she came to watch the Taeyeon concert.
“It’s a really good venue. When we queue, there are a lot of spots that are indoors, so we don’t have to wait in the sun. I’ve been to concerts overseas, and it’s not as conducive,” she added.
Indulging in pre-concert festivities has always been a staple for the K-pop enthusiast, who still keeps some fan-made placards from concerts many years ago.
However, she notes that the fan support scene has dwindled over time. But that won’t stop her from arriving early on show day to soak in the atmosphere.
“There are still people who hand out photocards and stickers. Most of this merchandise is designed by the fans themselves. It’s not something you can just buy online. So I’ll definitely be coming a few hours earlier. And also, to take photos,” she quipped.
Don’t miss your chance to experience D.O.’s captivating solo concert, ‘DO it! in Singapore’, with other passionate EXO-Ls. Grab your tickets here now and get ready for an unforgettable night!
