K-Pop Noobs React - EXO 'WHAT IS LOVE' MV (Korean Ver.) | StayingOffTopic

[@LesEXO2012]

The kicker is that both Baekhyun and D.O. were just 19 yrs old when this came out. D.O. had just turned 19 and Baekhyun was 4 months shy of turning 20. They were babies singing like that lol Insane. I love when people discover EXO's music so thank you for doing another reaction to them. They really are an incredible group

[@jomills4103]

They're both 19 yrs old here?! WHAT?!?! 🤯🤯🤯 That's literally insane....

[@LesEXO2012]

@@jomills4103 right??? Baekhyun turned 20 in May of that year (2012) but yeah they were both just 19 when this mv came out

[@samcollier3210]

The word “transcendent” comes to mind whenever I hear EXO. There just aren’t any skips - their works are all on a higher level.

[@mesozn6283]

It's a pre-debut song, it wasn't even their first day at job yet and they were already slaying their vocals ❤

[@tatyanicktheone7387]

"I feel robbed". That's exactly how I felt when I discovered them a few years ago. And I can say that every minute of stanning them was worth it, even with all the bs their company's put them through... EXO love their audience so much they'll make sure every second of listening to their songs is worth it. They're professionals to the core and gifted from above. Their first priority is quality in everything they do. That's why there has never been any other artist I was a fan of before meeting them, nobody would match their level. And when you, guys, get to know their personalities and achievements, you'll be blown away by their humility and total respect for the world. They're living legends, the best (I said it, yes) group in the industry, trendsetters for all other idols, incomparable artistry and talent, solo and as a group.

[@rifkymuslim-m7r]

Very well said😍

[@lost-soul7years]

Among all the languages in the world you choose to speak facts❤

[@tweeny_88]

I can relate to this. I’ve only became a fan during pandemic(2020). So seeing all of this now, I can’t believe I didn’t appreciate kpop before 😅

[@annyeongjuliegreen1415]

I became an EXO-L just 3 years ago.... and all I can say is BETTER LATE THAN NEVER!!! EXO is just the GREATEST OF ALL! EXO is MAGICAL!

[@blooluvs]

EXO were special since their debut 🥺❤ They let their talents speak for themselves!

[@tatyanicktheone7387]

The best words! ❤

[@cuttingonions_lifeisdrama]

How many years later and I still get goosebumps from this song. And seeing how young they were here, with their vocals and harmony, actually made me tear up because this is OT12. It made me miss their debut days. So glad you guys are discovering their different genres. EXO is legit everything to us.

[@beamiras7690]

EXO!❤ Thank you for the reaction. There is so much more to hear from them and you'll be amazed every time. Vocal kings👑❤️

[@sodabella]

Already with amazing vocals in pre-debut! No other group debut like EXO!

[@remixedv]

EXO is R&B Soul. Vocally they've been serving the community. EXO CAN SAAAANG. This is Pre-Debut to showcase their talents. They are my New Edition and Boyz II Men, if you appreciate music you know what EXO has gifted you. The track 'EXO - Call Me Baby' is produced by Teddy Riley, Mr. New Jack Swing. Some of their producers are from the West so you'll hear familiar melodies. EXO are brothas from another motha. LIVE Concerts, they stay vocally flexin' while dancing with stamina, truly Aliens. Enjoy their discography, every track is a must listen. B-SIDES is where the true gems are.

[@DerryK67]

This is 2012 EXO, there is also a live version of this which is amazing of course!!!

[@sistajacquiB]

9:30 EXO 2011 pre debut. #1 Tell me What is love pre debut song #2 History 2011, Official debut song MaMa 2012.

[@Karinaiswatching]

And AND U shoul watch their (EXO’s) acoustic session It’s awesome

[@tatyanicktheone7387]

Up!

[@L_Harhar]

Back in that day EXO-M was crazy famous while promoting in China. Once they released pre-debut “What is love”, gosh I love CHEN’s vocal right away 🙌🏻 EXO-M versions are awesome too 🩵 next pre-debut is “History” with both versions. And debut “MAMA” also is a must watch Mv of EXO with 2 versions. I love the mandarin more back then 🥹

[@marmar8604]

In this only 2 members are singing Baekhyun and D.O (2 of EXO’s main vocals)

[@alexlipa3206]

Wow did not expect this reaction, but it is so cool you have discovered it ☺ If you still continue learning the members, even though all 12 original EXO members are here, it is two who mainly sing this song - Baekhyun and D.O. who are still active and were on Killing voice 😉

[@Ming3484]

Pre debut Exo was already slaying vocals. They have only gotten better as time goes by.

[@D.OKyung-t7n]

Their live concert performances take you to another level. Exoplanet concert series. 0.2 sec tour sell out of tickets (Guinness Record). We won't see it until 2025 (at the earliest) so EXO-Ls will have waited 6 years (min) NME ranked "Gravity" their best song. The live version But at this moment in time, I fell back in love with "Baby Don't Cry" the live concert version, not the studio. The mix of the vocals with rap. But then again - "Drop that" sequence with Chanyeol opening with a solo guitar segment and Chen the rock star belting it Wonder if they do "hinge" for EXO songs 😇

[@ZS-dr7bi]

Baekhyun and D.O are too powerful together. If they made a subunit, its over for everyone. BTW its pre-debut, they are literal babies and so talented and they've aged like finest wine.

[@t.thor45]

Yeah... a subunit with baekhyun and D.O will be absolutely great ❤. Hope it !

[@vi3l3s]

The "Emperor of Kpop" is way too good since debut❤️ Their vocals are just insane. Thanks for your reaction. EXO's works are always on top. Name the genre and they serve you well😍❤️

[@BunBunRiri]

The fact that this was dropped pre-debuted has always been astounding. Their vocals were amazing from the beginning and continue to only get better, I think. Baekhyun and D.O (Kyungsoo) vocals always leave me in awe. Pretty much every single member is talented. Can't wait to see what other songs and mvs you explore! :D Have been a fan of your reactions and am estatic to see you all further fall into the hole that is Exo's discography and talent! Much love and keep up the amazing work!

[@dandanie4409]

I don’t often highlight vocal phrasing as a song’s greatest strength, but What Is Love is all about how EXO wraps their voices around the instrumental’s icy, alien-like beat. This is without a doubt my favorite vocal performance on any EXO song, and on my short list for favorite vocal performance of any K-pop song. Seriously, what EXO are able to do here - especially D.O and Baekhyun - is nothing short of goosebump-inducing. They’re not only interpreting the melody… they’re chewing on it and elevating every line with a sense of emotional urgency. What Is Love lacks any dull moments. The verses are taken as seriously as the chorus, tugging at the melody with a palpable tension. The layering on the chorus is divine - at once polished and gritty. I wouldn’t ever consider this a dance track, but the entire song is driven by an off-kilter, halting rhythm that blends perfectly with the dramatic waves of synth that support it. Given the mission What Is Love sets out for itself, I honestly can’t find a single flaw.❤❤❤ Thank you so much guys i can't move on ,to much goosebumps bro 😂😂😂😂😂 Btw D.O is my ultimate bias in EXO❤❤

[@agja0206]

This is why a BaekSoo sub-unit is a must.

[@Karinaiswatching]

And OH YES U SO SHOULD WATCH “Tell me what is love” by D.O (with darker hair and deeper voice 😂 in this mv)

[@mochimochi82]

I think of EXO as the group for people who truly appreciate music.

[@R0VERKAI]

It was their first music video. They released this when they were rookies.

[@Italian67foreverexofan]

EXO the best in K-POP ❤

[@diannagallovitch9810]

alot of the exo members know martial arts, the one who did the kick was one of the chinese members who left, his name was Tao..

[@leslie1678]

There is a Mandarin version by Chen and Luhan and also definitely worth a check-out!

[@ranonampangom2185]

Please be sure to watch the live stage of this song! Baekhyun and D.O. totally kill it! 😍

[@silviaexo-l9559]

Thanks for the reaction!!!!Chinese version is with Chen and Luhan, amAzing as well.

[@havok97818]

Fun fact: D.O was asked recently about forming a sub-unit with Baekhyun, and I think he said he'd talk with Baekhyun about it, because a lot of people have asked and I think he said Baekhyun has talked about it before. Could you imagine a whole album of this? I don't know if I'm ready lol

[@markjuliusapdian1666]

Imagine doing this song during their rookie days. Amazing, right? They have been excelling vocally since they debuted.

[@marmar8604]

This is pre debut song and they still killed it

[@gabsameann]

This was their pre debut song and EXO-L's correct me if I'm wrong but this was produced by Teddy Riley (MJ's producer before) right? A newer ballad song that has a MV is LET ME IN. This is from their 2023 EXIST Album. Thank you for the lovely reaction guys!

[@sistajacquiB]

Yes you are correct regarding Teddy Riley he wrote for other SM Artist also. People can say they dislike Lee Soo Mann ( EXO members call him the Teacher) but he hired seccessful Black producers to get the right music for the amazing artist EXO would become. The man knows good music and who and what it takes to make Soul RnB hits.

[@fanytt2074]

EXO 👑 ❤️

[@eleonorestuart4089]

Hard to better vocalists than in EXO…Baekhyun being my #1 in all of kpop ❤

[@BaekHyuneewife]

And the fact that this was just a pre-debut!! They hadn't even debuted yet, just released this one to let the public get a taste of what to expect from the upcoming new boy group~ Gosh they weren't even 20 at that time!! Heavenly vocals since the beginning✨

[@kpopajumma2449]

EXO as rookies was mind blowing. You guys should react to the Mandarin version. I like it more than the Korean. Chen and Luhan sings in the mandarin version. They are now called Emperors of KPOP, dubbed by korean entertainment company.

[@TeddyGom91]

You have to react to EXO's Acoustic Medley, I'm 100% sure you will love that performance.

[@TheVinccichung]

Even pre-debut, EXO already are shining stars. Their vocals and harmony are speechless

[@yulinakriswandari9422]

This song is their PRE-DEBUT 😭 they already snapped so hard

[@baekhyunista]

PURE TALENT!

[@phinuknyn796]

The live version is 🔥 🔥 EXO was ahead and still ahead of others in KPOP when it comes to vocals. Imagine this is them pre-debut !! Like whaaatttt 🤯🤯

[@woodstock8d]

Welcome to EXO planet! It's better late than never 😅 EXO has the best discography 👍🏻 being an EXO-L for 11 years, I love their every album. Even their debut album MAMA, I'm still listening to them till this day ❤

[@christinenavarro7641]

This was the first pre-debut song, then History.... Check it out! Then MAMA. It's self evident why they changed the fabric of K pop.

[@dd-mc5yg]

UP!

[@YAYA-s8i]

EХO is talent-talent-talent - the only combination in k-pop. ❤❤❤Тhank you💙

[@manishasamant7584]

Exo all songs they are Kings vocals Kings and koop kings exo live performance are amazing ensane ....Indian eexol 🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳we always proud that we exol ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@byunbaconpuppy4973]

Kings of vocal since pre debut...!! Our EXO❤

[@mira-1485]

Am so happy I was in that area, it was called iconic predebut 👏👏 ,my beautiful EXO a great thing I discovered

[@Lovewithallyourheart21]

Thank you 😊, more EXO please 😂.

[@mad_hatter7956]

I'm an EXO-L since 2013 but this song, from the first note until last gave me goosebumps everytime I hear or play it. And this is my first favorite song of EXO. I'm still thankful that I became their fan when they're still OT12 up until now, my family knows that I'm a fan of them for a long time and even called me a loyal fan.

[@ChannonAE]

EXO had like I think 21 trailers/intro vids. If you go back you'll find more of their awesome pre-debut tracks like HISTORY. Their creation mythos/storyline is still one of the most captivating in Kpop. Fun fact: This is a Teddy Riley jam.😊😊

[@danircr]

Exo is perfect! But I really wanted you to react to their concerts

[@sleep-8]

With early EXO (up until 2015's Exodus album's bsides) it's worth it to watch/listen to the Chinese versions because they distribute lines differently - Chen in particular mostly sang in the Chinese versions.

[@mylovememey4896]

wow..bringing back memories of our boys EXO debut❤❤ 2012th ❤❤

[@aeri_jai1485]

This is actually one of my favorite songs, and I know I'm not the only one. I got goosebumps the first time I heard this too. And the fact that they were still rookies at this time, you can probably say that they are not just any other singer, they and amazing singers! They are born to be! I feel you guys when you said that you should've listened to them a while back. No joke! Not just these two can bring such beautiful performances. ALL OF THEM! I just watched your killing voice reaction and it made me ecstatic. As a fan, I couldn't be more proud of them whenever I hear someone appreciate their vocals. I hope you make more EXO reactions. I also recommend you listen to Walk on Memories, What If, Bird, and Been Through if you like something like RnB-ish. I sweaaaaaar, EXO has so many beautiful songs that you will keep repeating on your playlist. Not to mention their solo songs too. Hopefully, you listen more to them and get to know them better, I promise, you won't regret it! P.S. DFTF and EXIST album's side B's are great too. I don't even know what's my favorite anymore. I love all of their songs. Anyway, thank you for reacting to EXO.

[@sunshinetae1666]

And this was their pre-debut can u imagine they are " Emperor of Kpop" for reason ..u should react to the live version too ❤❤❤❤

[@zeviolett]

STILL one of my favorite exo songs EVER!!! it’s soooo amazing

[@kai-pop57]

The martial artist was Tao. He is no longer a member. But those were really his skills.

[@bethparadela422]

No other kpop group comes close to these guys! They're the "vocal kings" for a reason

[@LorinFransiska]

Thanks for the EXO reaction ❤

[@monicasoria2903]

In the chinese version Chen and Luhan (former member) sing

[@Lalatopaz]

im so happy you guys discovered exo I discovered them 8 years ago and I haven't regretted one moment as a fan I love being an exo-l

[@mairenerampas2241]

Thank you for the reactions EXO are simply amazing that's why I love them so much I am always in awe of how great their talents are

[@rowanthea2673]

This is the one I was waiting for. Still listening to this song today. Knew you guys would love this one.

[@sherianwrzesinski5575]

Aren’t they just perfection!

[@maricarocio1799]

I am glad that you discovered EXO. Thank you for your reaction to them. You will never be disappointed when it comes to EXO!

[@rhfeloh6631]

I love EXO 💘 I love D.O's unique voice and irreplaceable run 👍 ❤

[@sistajacquiB]

If you look at the credits on the video you will see that the very first pre debut song you just listened to was co written pand produced by Teddie Rylie of Blackstreet ( Produced Michael Jackson’s Dangerous Album. He’s been a producing for SM Entertainment

[@xyhdochuck]

EXO TEMPO!!

[@hamdaalhashmi1345]

thanks for the reaction guys i really enjoyed your reactions. check their acoustic session you will like it.

[@Nat-fq8hc]

Thank you! Your reaction brought tears to my eyes. I only discovered EXO 4 years ago but I love their music so much and I'm so proud when reactors are blown away by their talent!

[@mapalomukupa6459]

More Exo!!🥺

[@jhsmn0760]

Ohhh I will give everything to hear this song again for the first time its just sooo good

[@deborahscott8162]

I’m like you guys I wish that I knew about EXO 11 years ago. They are my favorite because they sing so perfectly 👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿 I discovered them a year ago and I’m an EXO-L now 🤟🏿 They are the Vocal Kings because these guys can sing 🎤 with ease 👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿 EXO EXO 👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿❤️❤️❤️ I have been purchasing every single one of their 💿 to hear what I’ve been missing and I have not been disappointed 👏🏿👏🏿

[@milindawilson9175]

In order to understand what is happening in EXO's "What is Love" MV, as well as all of EXO's content, you have to know that it's all part of the group's concept, and every new piece that's introduced explains a little more of EXO's story. Each MV is like another chapter in SM Entertainment's SM Culture Universe storyline and it's all part of a larger story that also includes the majority of SM's other groups' and artists' storylines. It's like a giant graphic novel or mystery movie series. Although "What is Love" is a love song, the MV really doesn't have a whole lot to do with the song. The storyline in the MV is all about EXO's origin story and it shows the members as they first arrived here on Earth. This was their very first pre-debut MV -- about 3 or 4 months before their debut with "Mama" -- so it is setting up EXO's storyline and it's showing the members. This was before most people really even knew who EXO were. In the EXO-K (Korean) version you only hear D.O. and Baekhyun singing. (But if you watch the EXO-M version, you will see Chen and Luhan as the singers.) However, in the MV you see all 12 members. The rest of the members aren't singing the song, but they are helping to tell a story. If you think D.O.'s and Baekhyun's version was amazing, just imagine what Chen's and Luhan's version is like. It has a slightly different feel because it has a sound and style that is designed to appeal more to a Chinese audience, but it's no less amazing. There's a reason why EXO has 3/4 main vocalists. As you may have noticed, you see an eclipse is happening. The eclipse is what controls EXO's powers and it's where they get their power and strength from. EXO are aliens so staring at an eclipse or the sun doesn't affect them in the same way. After all, they come from Planet Exo, which has two suns. LOL In the scenes where you see D.O and Baekhyun singing, that is thought to be showing clues to EXO's storyline, such as the light that is streaming through the holes in the walls is thought to be representing Baekhyun's superpower, which is the ability to control light, and the fact that the room they are in is kind of disheveled could be after D.O. used his power of force. You also see scenes such as Chanyeol (a member of EXO-K) looking at a drawing of a unicorn and comparing it to a hieroglyph of a unicorn on a piece of rock, which is thought to be something to do with the fact that he is searching for Lay (an EXO-M member). Lay's symbol is a unicorn, which represents his power of healing. I think the rocks are clues that may have been left on Earth or on Planet Exo from ancient times. (You will see these symbols all over the place in EXO content because, as we saw introduced in their "Mama" MVs, each member has a symbol that represents them. Their symbols are often used kind of like a call beacon. When one member is looking for another member, or they want to send a member a message, you will see a version of their symbol appear. It's a way to know who the message is coming from and it's designed to make everyone aware that it's something important that you need to pay attention to.) Think of the message on those rocks like Egyptian hieroglyphs. Therefore, I see it as EXO has to find the clues that someone has left from the past. Just like in real life history, often ancient civilizations have left us clues to tell their story in order to make sure whatever happened to them doesn't get repeated. Therefore, I think someone has left EXO clues, just in case sometime in the future the Red Force was able to gain power once again. Hence, why in EXO's next pre-debut song "History" they talk about not wanting to allow whatever happened previously to repeat itself. And because it is thought that the EXO members can travel between time periods and dimensions, this could also mean that the clues could have possibly been left for them by their future selves. The future EXO members have traveled back in time to leave a message for the present-day EXO members in order to help them figure out how to stop the Red Force and prevent whatever happened in the future from taking place, etc. (Which we have now seen is possible from the events that take place within EXO's new "Let Me In" MV storyline.) The clues I think are something they need in order to find the Tree of Life and to do whatever needs to be done in order to create peace in the world once again, and free humanity and EXO from the control of the Red Force. Which will allow the Tree of Life to be whole once again and be at peace, no longer being used as a potential weapon by the Red Force, etc. In reality, I think the Red Force could be thought of as a symbol of all the things society is dealing with in the world and all the bad things that need to be fixed, such as war, hate, destruction of the environment, greed for money, corruption, etc. I interpret SM's wide-reaching message within their SM Cultured Universe and EXO's storyline as the dream of world peace. Therefore, I'm not sure we will ever see an official end to EXO's storyline or the SM Culture Universe story because World Peace is such a lofty goal that will never be accomplished fully. So, in other words, EXO's story may be an open ended one that never gets solved. I think the whole point of SM creating the SM Culture Universe storyline is because it's supposed to be a social commentary on what real life society needs to learn and do in order to create a better world. Think of everything in the SM Universe, and EXO's storyline, as a metaphor for what is happening all around us every day and what we have gone through in the past and will go through in the future if we don't learn from our mistakes, etc. In the MV for "What Is Love," you see clips from some of EXO's pre-debut teaser videos. All the clips in the MV are special clips that were originally released one at a time on their own to introduce EXO to the world, before the group's official debut. Before EXO debuted, SM released 23 teaser videos over a 3-month period and the videos showcased the members and their talents, such as Kai's special dance clips and Tao's martial arts skills, as well as told a story about EXO who are on a quest to find each other and to find clues to locate the Tree of Life, etc. Kai was the member that was featured in the most teasers -- somewhere around 10 videos. The "What is Love" MV takes clips from those teaser videos and puts them together to make the MV. Months and years later, we have also discovered that the teasers also were teasers to EXO's discography of songs. At the time, when the teasers were released, we had no idea the significance of the songs that you hear in the teasers. But now, over the years, we have discovered that the majority of the songs that were featured in EXO's pre-debut teasers were also meant to be teasers to songs that would be released as some of the main tracks of EXO's albums. All the teasers are still on SM's KZbin channel if you want to check them out. If you watch the teasers, you will see how planned out everything EXO is involved in actually is. Most of the songs that they released even years after debut were songs that were teased to in their pre-debut teaser videos. That just goes to show you why we say that everything EXO does comes back to their storyline. :D Absolutely everything has been planned out down to the most minute detail for years in advance and for years to come.

[@colettemr]

This song was written and produced by American boy bander... Teddy Riley himself. When I first heard the song.... I KNEW he touched this. The soul is amazing.

[@Amal-ps4dq]

Exo is elite man .. untouchable vocals and quality

[@Moonlight-gs7ti]

If you like this song you would absolutely LOVEE D.O.’s song ‘tell me what is love’ (he’s from exo)

[@marmar8604]

More EXOO PLS

[@lilianacollanqui3865]

I love EXO forever ❤😢🎉

[@kim-wh1th]

baekhyun is a 3rd dan black belt in hapkido while Xiumin has black belt Taekwondo and tao on Wushu

[@fatimakaoukab2385]

kings of RnB in kpop ❤❤❤❤❤

[@vitamintienghan424]

Exo baby don't cry

[@agi375]

This was the first song ive heard from Exo, before i know what EXO was. To this day its my favourite song. From that moment I bacame a fan and when i descovered them was 2014. Its been a long while 😂

[@tynet429]

Yooo!!! This channel >>>> A timeless song ❤️

[@retnomeistuti2653]

D.O. tell me what is love is good too...

[@lily52v32]

Love seeing you descovering great music from EXO. Love your faces haha This song is one of my favourites. It got me into EXO! This song is sung by Baekhyun (you listened to All I got and Bambi by him) and DO. Bakhyun is at 7:11 and DO is at 5:52. I love their voices together. They said recently they would think about a duet song due to fans demand. Hopefully it will happen! Cannot wait till you get into EXO live stages! EXO is increadible live!

[@prescillasabalbarino-io5rp]

The 2 "fetus," member of EXO, 2 main vocalist! U should react these 2 in Moonlight, with many ad libs in it.

[@Italian67foreverexofan]

Yeeessssss❤EXO

[@po-razzi]

Please please, you will NOT be disappointed with Exo-M's (Chinese) version. It's with Chen and Luhan and it's equally as delicious with their own unique vocal rendition

[@fatemehmoridi6094]

EXO is amaziiiiiing

[@krisshell4773]

Just think DO remade this with his vocal coach. It will slay ya. EXO together or solo, they make great music.

[@a2zguy]

EXO ate R&B!

[@cryt9108]

You guys should listen to “Let me in” mv that they released this year. Only exo is still doing this kind of R&B stuff in kpop. What is love and history are so iconic in 2012.

[@SiwonnieFan]

We will never get over the fact that this is their Pre-debut song 😌

[@zkks7792]

I still get the same feeling I got when I heard it the first time 10 years ago

[@sallybacaoco9743]

Thank u guys for reacting EXO, im here ur new subs❤️🇵🇭

[@StayingOffTopic]

Thanks for subbing!

[@alfiyani381]

love EXO so much

[@luanapaniu1406]

Blackpink and Bts are what introduced me to kpop. But when I discovered Exo, that was it for me.