EXO recently kicked off their comeback after more than a week of promoting releasing several teaser clips and images. While promoting their new album "The War," the boys revealed that there is one group that has been keeping them on their toes, and also divulged the inspiration behind their new title track, "Ko Ko Bop."
EXO acknowledges NCT as their rival
They are one of the biggest South Korean pop acts in the world and their popularity is almost on par with other groups such as BTS (Bangtan Boys), Seventeen, TWICE, and Black Pink. Shortly after EXO made their debut in 2011, the group amassed a huge fan base that continues to support them and their various projects.
Recently, fans and media have pitted the idol group against BTS, another idol group that gained worldwide recognition after being receiving the Top Social Artist award at the recent Billboard Music Awards. However, the boys revealed that they have been keeping their eyes on a different group.
The group revealed that they have been looking out for NCT, a junior idol group that is also signed to SM Entertainment. NCT is a rookie idol group that made its debut last year.
EXO's leader Suho explained that even though they're in the same company, NCT still managed to catch their attention. The members pointed out that the said junior group is doing really well nowadays and watching them on stage constantly reminds the veterans to give their best in their performances.
They also admitted that they have noticed the upcoming idol group, WANNA ONE. The said group was composed of the winners from Mnet's recent idol survival show, "Produce 101" Season 2 and they are scheduled to make their official debut next month.
'Ko Ko Bop' was inspired by a classic band's song
SM Entertainment announced EXO's return to the music scene with their fourth album, "The War." The boys explained the message behind their new title track, "Ko Ko Bop" and where it was taken from.
The group's main song was inspired by the song "Shimmy Shimmy Kokobop", which the doo-wop group called Little Anthony and The Imperials released in 1960. EXO included the title of the classic song in the lyrics of "Ko Ko Bop."
The members also revealed that when they first heard the demo of their title track, they already knew it would be another great song, Soompli reported. They said they were able to show fans new sides to them through the song. They also said that they're aiming to send a message of hope through their new album.
