HONEST REACTION to EXO 엑소 'Universe' MV

[@aaron.freeman]

Find my LIVE STAGE, REALITY and VARIETY SHOW Reactions here www.patreon.com/aaronfreeman

[@icybird9999]

This is probably the first EXO song that I fully listened to and loved. I was a very wary ARMY at the time, in the sense that it was really hard for me to get into other groups, especially EXO (as I joined the community in early 2017, when tensions between the two were high). But one day, I heard a snippet of the chorus on Twitter, and I was instantly hooked. I still feel bad for avoiding them for so long, but the wait makes this song even more special for me.

[@thea.25]

EXO found you 🤍

[@subilynnoweight2090]

As an ExoL I thank you for giving our boys a chance to listen to their music as well :) my roommates are armies and we share Exo and bts music and updates ❤️

[@kaibolee9582]

This was me for bts… I totally understand you. Like I liked their songs but I felt like I was in the closet about liking them. But since dropping the feuds between exoLs and army’s I’ve been loving bts and avoiding the fanwars bc I realized. I loved bts and their songs so much…

[@beyondimagination832]

Good to hear you loved this song. I am wondering why did you avoid listening to EXO songs? Listening to any group's song does not mean you are are going to stan that group (I mean str34ming, voting, buying albums, etc those stuff). We should not miss the chance of enjoying K-pop music in general. I myself consider an EXO-L. But I never miss the chance of listening to BTS song whenever they release any new song / mv. :)

[@mginger3803]

Thank you. Fandoms oftenly divide fans... While we always forget that its the Music that matters.. Music unites people ❤

[@nazliojeda3131]

listening to "been through" and "fall" from this album is a MUST! you should react to them, they are just so beautiful

[@tzof000]

Up

[@dksjiwon]

Agree

[@M.Aggron_23]

And "Stay" and "Lights Out" too

[@christalenz1919]

I'm surprised not many people have recommended lights out... that's simply the best song on the album and one of the best by exo if not the best

[@exo_ateez1020]

Absolutely

[@kwang-ya]

Chen's high note is just to die for.. He has his own KZbin channel and he covered iu's through the night there

[@aaron.freeman]

Wow, through the night? I def gotta listen to it

[@anifaexo-lbd2737]

This song made me an EXO-L in late 2020. This song is so special.

[@Barbghos]

Exo is a group with so much vocal diversities that it blew my mind when I first heard them in obsession. All of them are immensely talented. I love when anyone praises Chen's voice. The man is so so talented but sadly most kpop listeners are not mature enough to appreciate him for the singer he is.

[@snowballjaemin5426]

If you like Chen's vocals then his solo albums are a must! His debut album is April and a Flower with Beautiful Goodbye as it's title track. The next album is called Dear My Dear with Shall We as it's title track. Both songs are good, and the b-sides too!

[@nazliojeda3131]

upp

[@anifaexo-lbd2737]

Up

[@leaderbunnymyeon4188]

UP UP UP UP UP

[@dhinninta5283]

Up

[@silfiapia8826]

Up

[@Lillianeee]

Song suggestions: -Smile on my face -Been through -Cosmic Railway -Paper Cuts -Don't go -Acoustic medley in Japan

[@VM-ml3tn]

EXO Wolf live in Japan. Chen really killed it vocally there.

[@milindawilson9175]

Let me explain one of the theories behind the story in EXO's "Universe" MV. First off, as you probably know, "Universe", as with everything to do with EXO, is connected to EXO's concept and storyline. So some of the scenes are designed to make connections to EXO's story. The most obvious point is that in the lyrics they are talking about "Searching the Universe" for that lost or missing love. So you can see how that parallels how EXO are searching the universe for the Tree of Life and for a way to fix everything that is going wrong, etc. "Universe" is the title track on EXO's Universe album and it's one of EXO's winter albums, so that is why it's a ballad. The theme of the MV is “cafe universe" and one theory is that the story is being told through coffee metaphors. Fun fact: As you may know, EXO's official fan color is Cosmic Latte -- the color that is said to be created when you combine all the colors of the stars in the universe -- which is thought to be why this whole MV uses the creamy tan and brown tones and why it is centred around coffee. First off, in order to understand what is happening in the MV, you should be aware that the story is not unfolding in chronological order. The plot is more like an explanation of feelings than a straight storyline. One theory is that the coffee is a metaphor for the feelings of bitterness. Two guys share a coffee, but they both hate its bitter taste. They think that if they add something to it, it will be less bitter. One person (Chanyeol) wanted to fix things by making it sweet, so he decided to add sugar. The other guy (Suho) tries to fix things with a more mellow, smooth approach, so he adds milk or cream to the coffee. However, there are limits to everything and even when you have the best of intentions, you can take things too far. As the leader of the group, Suho wants to smooth things over, so he keeps adding milk as he tries to cover the bitterness, but in doing so it also masks the sweetness of the sugar and the pure taste of the coffee. So this is where you see the cup overflow as it is overpowered by everything being added to it. By covering the bitterness with an overwhelming amount of cream and sugar it has now made the coffee something neither one wants to drink. So in other words, making hasty decisions without considering others feelings, viewpoints and opinions will ruin relationships in the process. The story seems to primarily focus on Suho, Chanyeol, and Sehun. Some theories say that it looks as though Suho and Chanyeol are not on good terms. Which is thought to be a continuation of how we saw Chanyeol and Suho fighting in "Sing For You," but instead of solving the conflict by talking it out, they turn their backs and build a wall around the problem. At one point you see Chanyeol with his back turned and his cup sitting upside down, and he is staring blankly at an empty spot, which is thought to be Suho's place. The conflict is affecting their friendship as a group and Sehun wants to help his friends. But it is unclear what Suho and Chanyeol are really fighting about because they are hiding their true feelings and are passivagressivly pretending like everything is OK. This is where Kai, Baekhyun, Chen, and Xiumin enter the plot. Some theories have interpreted the teaser images from "Universe" as showing the members split into two groups. It is thought that Chen, Baekhyun, Xiumin and Kai represent the internal struggles of the group because we see them in the MV and in the teaser images for "Universe" sitting at the table almost as if they are restless and struggling to come up with an answer for how to fix things or to smooth things over, etc. And the other members -- Suho, Chanyeol, D.O. and Sehun -- represent the physical manifestation of that conflict. Sehun figures that if he understands his friends' (Suho and Chanyeol) internal struggles he can figure out how to fix things. Sehun's internal struggle is depicted by Xiumin who contemplates how he can fix his friends’ mistakes (Kai and Baekhyun). You see Xiumin sitting at the table with a glass of water and tissue paper. Mirroring the problems caused by Chanyeol and Suho, we see Baekhyun add too much sugar to the coffee and Kai adds too much milk to the cup and spills the coffee. However, Xiumin seems to have come up with a solution: water can dilute the sugar and make it less sweet and the tissue can clean up the spilled coffee. D.O. and Chen are the two that are thought to represent the bitterness of the coffee in their parallel groups. Chen scribbles on the paper almost as if this represents the internal struggle that the group is going through, as if the pain, emotion and conflict is just a big mess that they are struggling to work out. Kai (who is representing Suho's internal struggles) blames himself as the reason for Chen's scribbles (Chen represents the coffee's bitterness, which is the problems within the group). Kai's (Suho's internal struggle) guilt becomes so encompassing that it turned those scribbles into physical ropes that tied him up and traped him. At one point you see Kai sitting at the table covered with cups of coffee. Each cup is different and that is thought to represent a different memory of moments in their friendship. Each memory is unique and special, but Kai seems to be overwhelmed by it all. He sits with his head on the table trying to sort out all his feelings and emotions, etc. But if you notice, what he is focused on the entire time is the plate of sugar cubes. But before Kai's guilt (Suho's internal struggle) can really consume him, Sehun steps in and gives him a new cup of coffee. Allowing Kai to have the chance to start over. Sehun also handed Kai a saucer with sugar cubes. He knows that Kai's (Suho's) regret is rooted in the fact that he was not able to give his friend Baekhyun (Chanyeol) the simple taste of sweet coffee. Which is a metaphor for not being able to provide a simple fix to their problems. If Kai (Suho) can make the coffee the perfect amount of sweet for Baekhyun (Chanyeol) this time he may be able to move on and stop holding on to the guilt, regret and anger, etc. which will help to resolve the conflict within the group. Also, it seems as though parts of the story are being told from Kai's point of view. Some theories think that this connects to the story in their "Sing For You" MV as well. If you remember in "Sing For You," Kai was the one that seemed to be interpreting the emotions in that MV through his dance, so some say he is also the interpreter of what is happening in "Universe." Next you see that the table becomes empty and the only things remaining are the sugar cubes, the cup of coffee and the glass of water. Some say the sugar represents their ability to carefully create a sweeter future, while the water is a reminder not to repeat past mistakes. In the end, Kai decides not to add anything to the coffee, and instead, he gives Baekhyun the coffee in its pure black bitter form. Because he has now learned that there is no reason for them to keep trying to change each other. As bitter as life can be, they come to the conclusion that they should accept its imperfections -- that in friendships, there will be struggles and misunderstandings, but sugarcoating it or pretending that everything is watered down or milky good, isn't being honest with themselves. Which is what is really happening within Suho and Chanyeol -- they may be sitting next to each other but deep inside, they're opposing one another as shown through Kai and Baekhyun's actions. On the surface it seems as though the members are all talking about their friendships and the struggles they had over the past few years. But, as we have discovered with many of EXO's songs, SM has actually been planning their song releases and MV storylines since their pre-debut days, way back in 2012, as we hear in EXO's pre-debut teasers. So, if that is the case, then that was before EXO had even gone through any of their major struggles as a group, so I think the meaning of "Universe" may have evolved only because we as listeners have reinterpreted it to fit a new narrative. That's the beauty of songs like this, you can interpret it however you want and make it fit whatever story you want or need it to.

[@erlinatyas6831]

Wow

[@beautifulme5845]

Thank u so much

[@exolove8566]

Thnk u so much dear

[@uwierespito]

Wow

[@mondaysandra5514]

Exo Universe is a gem

[@anavaldez2974]

oh my god, if you like sad-beautiful songs you'll absolutely love Lights Out by EXO, it is actually a B-side from the Universe album. It was written by Chen.

[@dunyaabuomar7834]

“Been through “and the Queen “FALL” from this album is a must you have to listen to them

[@kwang-ya]

I really wanted to show you this side of EXO. so happy that you liked this song! Thank you for the reaction :)

[@panharoha_welo3730]

Please request “the first know”, “just as usual” and “paradise”

[@ELENA-ou6ls]

Miracle in december too

[@gail1015]

Thank you! Starting the day with EXO flexing their vocal muscles. It’s going to be a good day!

[@cydielovits0826]

Exo ballad songs are master pieces

[@sharolAguilar]

You Really HAVE to react to the EXO's WINTER ALBUMS all of them are a MASTER PIECE ✨👌 Miracles in December (2013)✨💙 Sing for You (2015)✨💙 For Life (2016)✨💙 Universe (2017)✨💙

[@anifaexo-lbd2737]

Up

[@daynalynjumala1922]

Yes pls

[@songsong6983]

Yes please

[@raiyn9733]

oh yes

[@lxo2670]

Yup

[@kimwoojin2800]

All exo songs are something for me, they come with different types of music and I love them all

[@ohoratkkaebsong]

2:44 that "OH CHEN!" was such a mood!

[@ZS-dr7bi]

Exo and btob are kings of ballads. Chen has ballad albums. D.O has acoustic R&B album. They have so much content according to your taste. I'm looking forward 😍 Edit: also I suggest ceaser oh's individual guides. They are the most interesting and informative out there.

[@byunciaga2630]

kyungsoo’s album is not r&b lmao

[@cykoalfa3238]

who btob. dont make they same lol different level

[@33.syahwaayufairussalma50]

even though the mv is just making coffee and so on but this is so beautiful, apart from all this mv is an elegant mv i see for a song like this😭

[@lucianaa.7726]

This is my favorite winter song of Exo!!

[@jo6348]

I still cry from listening to this song, I always think this song is for EXO-Ls. The lines like "you are my small universe, the moment it vanishes, i will disappear too." cuts really deeply and their voices mixing with that 😭

[@Lillianeee]

The universe video is a work of art in my opinion. They used a simple yet interesting way of conveying the message. The symbolism is beautiful.

[@dindarutrimp9201]

EXO'S Main Vocal is really anither level EXO'S Lead Vocals is sooo easy to be the main vocalist in other group 🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩 EXO'S Rap & Dancer line so really have a good voice too, they can sing very well 🤩🤩🤩🤩

[@ninibear3433]

*Exo songs hit different when you know their story♡*

[@subilynnoweight2090]

I was never a ballad or kpop fan until I heard EXO and this song Universe its just soo surreal and strangely comforting to watch and listen.

[@theluxuryoflife5076]

This is one of EXO song that always make me cry.

[@ohsehunmysonbaby9546]

It's still gave me goosebumps, exo flex the vocals, kings

[@lvehaerin]

Universe is literally one of my most fav songs ever

[@talialeon9]

EXO is just love. Thank you so much for reacting to this lovely masterpiece! I miss their winter albums so much T.T

[@subilynnoweight2090]

Thank you Aaron, Exo's winter albums are always sad yet comforting that's just perfect for the cold winter ❄️❤️

[@alexaplaymusic6611]

This song made me an exol. I personally like ballads and slow song more. And I used to think kpop doesn't sing ballads. At that time I casually listened to random kpop songs including exo. But after it was released, I was like yes! these men can SING sing! And I listened to it 100 times to recognize their voices

[@nahl.4567]

all exo members are excellent singers, even the rap line. they have a discography that is a true masterpiece, you won't regret getting to know them better. and I would love for you to watch their guides or any of their content. every week I come back looking for a new exo reaction video. I mean exo is my favorite group and their reactions are the best so don't judge me haha

[@renmcm]

Oh how I wish they'd release another winter album... Absolute perfection! Thank you for the reaction. This song is incredible.

[@Deux04]

Been Through will suits your taste a lot! its trending for months in china and that song has the vibes that you like, even in the fandom that song is very famous for its vocal-wise and music-wise

[@zeisproutoh9596]

When this went out, SM got us to buy some exo shaped ice tray for our iced coffee 🥲

[@kwang-ya]

That's so SM...

[@atikaahan]

I think exo's song that you like is 'el dorado'. Their performance and music is really great.

[@rayanhomsi7389]

I agree with you

[@lala-0945]

EXO has another winter song that I really like. The title is Wait. The vocals and harmonies on that song are chef kiss. And the song itself is beautiful. An acoustic song that makes your winter more nostalgic

[@jenr5592]

Have you hear the cover that Chen made of an IU´s song? It´s amazing! It was "through the night"

[@eris8994]

the whole universe album is a masterpiece 💯

[@monaleesa3397]

Omg EXO .. WE LITERALLY WAIT EVERYDAY FOR ANY EXO UPDATE & THIS REACTIONS DURING THIS TIME IS LIKE GOD'S GIFT.. THANKS TO THE REQUESTER ALSO❤️

[@33.syahwaayufairussalma50]

universe is very beautiful when sung live, if you want to see the other side of exo's song I would recommend the album don't mess up my tempo and obsession

[@tzof000]

"i still want coffee" haha that line is a good one line, i always calling this song the coffee song because it have a lot of coffee cups in the MV. This song is from the winter album so if you liked that i think you should check out more of their winter album especially when it's almost winter☺️

[@streamsticker5063]

I'm so glad u checked EXO's vocal specialized songs. Please do a lot more

[@ctasiavoshi8686]

One of my favorites…vocal kings

[@hajerjouini109]

YES PLEASE REACT TO INDIVIDUAL GUIDES OF CAESAR OH♥️ These guides are perfect to get to know the members. For the songs I suggest you: - Been through - 24/7 - ooh la la - promise 2014 And I truly recommend live stages in general with exo.

[@76ren]

Up

[@pinkprincessjaemin]

Just reminded me on how much I love EXO winter albums😭

[@nymmechannel3446]

Thanks for the Universe video. This is one of my favorite exo winter ❄️🥶 song and I love all the tracks in this album. I suggest you watch exo and individual member guide to get to know them and distinguish their faces and voices. The guide of Cesar Oh channel is very informative and detailed.

[@intaanwp]

For EXO slow songs: -Cosmic Railway -Promise For best guide member, cesar oh

[@estermiranda5720]

these songs are so special to me...

[@shalimarborres5533]

Sheyt, my tears 😭😭😭😭😭 my ult group

[@sunshine_sofia]

This album is amazing! Perfect for winter season 💕 If you like nostalgic songs, maybe "Lights Out" from this same album, was written by Chen, "Been through" is also a good option.

[@damayraa]

i wish you would react more to EXO, i feel like you would really resonate with their musicality. Its impressive

[@Sarah-wf3xv]

omg a guide soon!!?? so excited

[@marcerieti_exo-l]

Oh babyyyy... You should listen to Been Through and Lights Out, those are b-sides of this winter album, sad and slow songs with beautiful lyrics.

[@sindyfatikasari4082]

UNIVERSE ALBUM IS MASTERPIECE!!! U should react all song in this album👍

[@nargisjahan3302]

This made me miss exo and their winter albums. Again :')

[@lupa07L]

Thank you for reaction and liking their songs ☺️☺️

[@baekhyunee04]

I am excited to EXO reactions in the future 🥺✨

[@Pitapat819]

oh and please react to D.O.'s solo album! it's awesome.

[@cydilynlovitos979]

YESSSSS!!!! LOOKING FORWARD TO THE GUIDEEEEEE!!

[@Dani-ji2te]

REACT TO BEEN THROUGH PLEASE !!

[@nahidaamalia7494]

Up!

[@carolinaelizabethponce780]

Up

[@CheG1224]

Oh yes please, more EXO songs. And guides of Cesar Oh please if you decide to react to their individual guides. Chen's voice is more powerful live. I think so witnessed that too in Forever. I recommend Beautiful Goodbye. The video is also interesting too.

[@universe3021]

In my opinion everysong of exo is masterpiece .

[@epicjane]

The first piano notes drop right into my heart! Can’t describe it otherwise! And I haven’t even started to talk about their voices!

[@nataliah3243]

I think you'd probably enjoy Chill. I'd be really curious about your reaction to Can't bring me down (their most NCT-ish sound in my opinion) and Cloud 9. For vocal appreciation of Chen, the live version of Lights Out is chef's kiss.

[@ellysamysara9841]

Exo 'been through' is my all-time favourite song of exo. The lyrics too are so 😩

[@arcccis]

"Visuals, vocals, rappers, high note and dancing" Oh my God, EXO owns all of these.

[@paulilano9834]

React to this Aaron, EXO - "Intro + The Eve" In Japan. (this is not a song, it's a heaven)

[@Bailumylove]

BEEN THROUGH best song from this album

[@hoppelrap]

This song is pure perfection!

[@lvehaerin]

Listening to this again made me miss them even more🥺

[@Italian67foreverexofan]

EXO BEST VOCALIST IN THE K-POP INDUSTRY!

[@squishypenguin9291]

I highly recommend to listen to their winter musics or albums. It's a masterpiece for sure. Especially in this season.

[@sol-lw8dt]

marathoning all ur exo rections and looking forward for more!!!

[@lily1765]

yes to reaction guide Aaron!!! and please react to D.O. solo too:)))

[@kirti8251]

This song introduced me to EXO 🌸❤️ I really want people to listen this song ✌️

[@theexopolice3739]

I somehow knew that you were going to love this song after you watched and loved Mamamoo’s where are we now because in a way, they have similar vibes, musically. Thank you to the person who requested this

[@jiah2796]

You should check more EXO titles you haven't react & some b-sides which are really good.

[@kiemmy_eri]

wow. you reacting to this is giving me back the feels 😭 thank you Aaron! also this MV has really deep meaning if you actually dive into it. there's a lot of theories about it and its so good so if you're curious, you can check them out :)

[@a_maze_in_kwangya]

If Taeyeon is my favorite female vocalist on this planet, Chen is the male one. I just resonate with them!

[@tatyanicktheone7387]

When at the end of the mv they all turn their faces to the camera, I always get teary eyes because at this moment I feel how much I miss them... 😢

[@sheiladelarosa_]

Universe is, to this day, one of the top 3 best albums in EXO's discography, and that's saying a lot.

[@subilynnoweight2090]

You can't appreciate Exo without appreciating their vocals 😌🤧

[@bbh_mochimochi]

Can't wait for the live performances reaction.

[@madewesdiat5744]

Baekhyun's last high note adlibs always gets me emotional 😭😢

[@nshaa_cactus]

My favourite song! Their vocal are so 🔥

[@najlaismail7119]

YOU MUST REACT TO THE LIVE PERFORMACE TOO

[@Ray_Byun]

I enjoy your reaction! I'm looking forward for your future exo reactions, especially album reactions or any of their B-tracks. Owenjiii pls mv+dance practice+live performance

[@bryarmaputi5856]

This song still makes me cry Reminds me of someone Glad you enjoy it ♡♡♡

[@fatimaezzahraaelyoubi3912]

it's been 6 months since you reacted to this and I'm still coming here to watch it over and over again whenever I feel lost so I just want to say tysm for reacting I became an exol a month ago and I've been enjoying their performances, crying while listening to their songs, wishing for a soon cb and seeing the 9 of them together again, waiting for baekhyun and chanyeol... so yeah ty one more time 🤍

[@dandanie5821]

Thanks for this reaction Aaron. You can start with their pre debut mv What is Love. It's an R&B song. You will definitely like.

[@EXO-L-ls8qj]

This is actually one of my favorite MV's of theirs. I love the cozy, coffee-toned aesthetic, and the subtle different interpretations one can make regarding what the meaning of the MV can be. Most of their winter album title tracks, don't totally tie into the EXO universe, but they do all have very meaningful stories within the MV's themselves. There are some amazing theories out there about this video and definitely think they have some validity to them, although, I take away the message of when you are struggling with something and are all twisted up inside, that is when you need to reach out to those around you, and seek out their help to share the burden, and help you unknot everything. Chen's clear, piercing voice could cut through the thickest walls....it's a force to be reckoned with.

[@claudiaolaalbi2548]

Hermosa canción! impecables interpretes!!!

[@exo-lforever537]

Exo is king of vocals 👑👑

[@halehnorouzi]

im really happy right now. thank you Aaron.

[@jhannah7975]

Okayyy,, badly excited for the reaction to EXO's guide.

[@Pitapat819]

I love this song, but now I feel sad hahaha. Yasss please do the guidessssss. I hope you can react to Chen's studio and concert solos and OSTs too :) for the EXO songs, lol I guess we need to request winter album songs then haha... or maybe EXO - Promise is a good one.

[@zhraxo5933]

It makes me feel relax and free

[@jenera3789]

EXO the best Choreo,vocals,dance,rap and Visual on another level

[@simageneration4030]

THE KINGS OF KPOP AND THE KINGS OF VOCALS SLEEPING ON THEM DOSENT CHANGE THIS FACT