Being an EXO fan is not a pleasant experience sometimes. This has nothing to with the boys themselves, they’re all lovely and I won’t ever regret loving them or being caught up in this madness. But circumstances —hell the universe itself—are usually against them.

Their 11th anniversary fanmeeting was held back in April, and despite the terrible treatment Chen & Chanyeol received from delusional fans who want them out of the group, a happy time was had by all. They enjoyed a much better time in Japan, all of them did. But the happiness is always short lived on EXOPLANET.

Kai received his military notice only a week before he had to enlist. It totally shocked him as it would anyone who suddenly had to leave their life and career for two years of enlistment without sufficient warning. But he’s an angel and managed to take it in stride, and even gave us an ultimatum: make a dream come true by the time he returns. Waiting for you Kai!

And then everyone was thrown off balance at the news that the three members of subunit CBX were filing a lawsuit against SM Entertainment. There’s never a dull moment on EXOPLANET either. SME like all corporations is a soulless entity that manipulates its artists, just like every other k-pop agency. Chen, Baekyun and Xiumin are doing something incredibly courageous and I stand with them all the way. They’re going to change things in the industry, I firmly believe that. And hopefully they’ll lead the others out of SM too.

All of that leads me to their pre-release ballad Let Me In from their upcoming album. Despite sabotage by their agency, the demand is high. This will be their first comeback as an 8 member group since 2019. (Lay is so sorely missed).

Let Me In is poignant, their unsurpassed vocals gliding over a low and simple beat. The music video is rich with symbolism, the longing so palpable. They are the sirens leading me to the sea. Not to death but the warmest embrace.

Gotta let me in, you’re the ocean

What a perfect ache.