Album Summary

“Universe, Winter Special Album,” EXO’s sixth extended play (also known as an extended play; will hereafter be known as EP) was released on December 26th, 2017. “Universe” was released and distributed by SM Entertainment worldwide. The EP was released and distributed on multiple digital music streaming applications: YouTube, iTunes, Spotify, QQ Music, MelOn, Genie, and Naver. The title track of the EP, “Universe” was the only song on the album released in Mandarin. Similar to the release of “The War” and “The War: The Power of Music,” Universe was released without the participation of member Lay. On December 14, 2017, EXO was announced to be releasing their sixth extended play and fourth “winter special” album titled “Universe” on December 21. Following the passing of South Korean singer and labelmate Jonghyun, a member of SHINee, the album’s release was postponed. “Universe” and the music video for its title track were instead released on December 26, 2017. Upon release, Universe gained recognition by fans for using gender-neutral pronouns such as “me” and “you” instead of “he” and “she” in the lyrics. EXO debuted “Universe” on December 31 on MBC’s year-end show, MBC Gayo Daejejeon.

Achievements 

• The single debuted at number two on the South Korean Gaon Digital Chart. It also topped the Billboard Korea Kpop Hot 100 for the first week of 2018.
• The album debuted atop the South Korean Gaon Album Chart and at number two on the Billboard World Albums Chart.

Charts

Weekly

• “Universe” peaked at #1 on Gaon’s South Korean Weekly Albums Chart
• “Universe” peaked at #8 on Oricon’s Japan Weekly Albums Chart
• “Universe” peaked at #20 on Billboard’s Japan Weekly Albums Chart
• “Universe” peaked at #1 on Oricon’s Japan Western Weekly Albums Chart
• “Universe” peaked at #8 on RMNZ’s New Zealand’s Heatseekers Weekly Albums Chart
• “Universe” peaked at #73 on SNEP’s French Download Weekly Albums Chart
• “Universe” peaked at #26 on Billboard’s US Independent Albums Chart 
• “Universe” peaked at #2 on Billboard’s US World Albums Chart 

Monthly 

• “Universe” peaked at #1 on Gaon’s South Korean Monthly Albums Chart

Year-End

• “Universe” peaked at #6 on Gaon’s South Korea Album Chart

Side Tracks 

• “Universe” peaked at #16 on Billboard’s US World Digital Song Sales Chart 

Awards 

• “Universe” won first place on Mnet’s M Countdown (January 4, 2018) 
• “Ko Ko Bop” won first place on KBS’ Music Bank (January 5, 2018) 
• “Ko Ko Bop” won first place on KBS’ Music Bank (January 12, 2018) 
• “Ko Ko Bop” won first place on MBC’s Show! Music Core (January 6, 2018) 

Features included on this EP:

1. “Universe”
2. “Universe” (為心導航)
3. “Been Through” (지나갈 테니)
4. “Stay”
5. “Fall”
6. “Good Night”
7. “Lights Out”
8. “Universe (CD Version)”