EXO REVERXE First-Day Sales Plummet: The Cost of Baekhyun's Absence

From a million to a quarter. EXO's long-awaited comeback has hit a major roadblock. The release of their 8th full album, REVERXE, and its lead single Crown are facing intense scrutiny as first-day sales figures reveal a shocking decline.

EXO REVERXE First-Day Sales: A 75% Drop From Previous Peaks

According to Hanteo Chart, REVERXE sold 265,934 copies on its first day, January 19, 2026. While these numbers are respectable for many K-pop acts, they're a stark contrast to the group's past achievements. Their previous album, EXIST, famously cleared the one million mark on day one. This represents a nearly 75% decrease in immediate commercial impact.

The Baekhyun Factor: Fans Point to Missing Members

Netizens aren't holding back, quickly linking the sales slump to the absence of CBX, specifically Baekhyun. Many argue that Baekhyun was the primary engine behind EXO's massive purchasing power. Social media is buzzing with claims that the group's sales were essentially "carried" by him, leaving the remaining members with a much smaller core buying audience.

The backlash also targets SM Entertainment. Fans are revisiting the company's past legal disputes with Baekhyun over solo revenue, suggesting the label's 10% profit demand was a desperate attempt to cling to his financial value. "It's proof of why they were so obsessed with him," one fan noted, calling the current situation "embarrassing" for the label.