EXO's 'Crown' Sweeps Music Shows with 5 Wins, Proving Veteran Groups Still Rule

12 years into their career, and EXO is still claiming music show crowns. The veteran group just completed a perfect sweep with their fifth consecutive win for "Crown" on SBS's "Inkigayo," proving that in K-Pop, longevity doesn't mean irrelevance.

A Perfect Week: Five Shows, Five Trophies

On February 1st's "Inkigayo," EXO secured their final trophy with 5,238 points, beating strong competition from WOODZ's "Drowning" and LE SSERAFIM's "SPAGHETTI" featuring BTS's j-hope. This completed their grand slam across all major Korean music programs—Music Core, Music Bank, M Countdown, Show! Music Core, and now Inkigayo.

The competition was fierce, featuring both established and rising acts. Yet EXO managed to dominate with decisive point margins, showcasing the continued strength of their fanbase and the song's broad appeal.

The Veteran Advantage in a Youth-Obsessed Industry

What makes this achievement remarkable isn't just the clean sweep—it's the context. In an industry where groups often struggle to maintain relevance past their seventh year, EXO is thriving in their 12th year. This success comes despite members' military enlistments and increased solo activities that have limited their group promotions.

The group's sustained dominance raises questions about the K-Pop industry's conventional wisdom. While 4th generation groups dominate international charts and social media metrics, veteran groups like EXO continue to excel in traditional measures of Korean music industry success.

The Evolution of K-Pop Generations

EXO's triumph signals something larger: the renaissance of 3rd generation K-Pop. Recent comebacks from artists like BIGBANG's G-Dragon and Girls' Generation's Taeyeon have all received enthusiastic responses, suggesting that fans are hungry for the musical sophistication and performance experience that veteran acts bring.

This creates an interesting dynamic in today's K-Pop landscape. While 4th generation groups break streaming records and expand globally, 3rd generation artists maintain their grip on domestic music shows and demonstrate the power of established fandoms.

The success also highlights the multi-generational nature of current K-Pop consumption. Fans aren't just moving on to newer groups—they're maintaining loyalty while also supporting emerging artists, creating a more diverse and sustainable ecosystem.

Beyond the Numbers: What This Means for K-Pop's Future

Industry observers note that EXO's continued success validates the long-term investment strategy of major entertainment companies. Building artists with staying power—rather than chasing quick viral moments—appears to pay dividends over time.

For global K-Pop fans, this demonstrates the depth and maturity of the industry. It's not just about the newest, youngest groups making waves internationally. The ecosystem includes artists with over a decade of experience who continue to evolve and connect with audiences.