In EXO's "Power" MV it is thought that EXO are on Planet Exo and, before the "Obsession" MV came out, we all thought EXO was trying to get their powers back from the Red Force. The original theory was that the robot, which is being controlled by the Red Force, stole EXO's powers and the members had to fight to get their powers back. That's why the robot is labeled RFO5, which stands for Red Force. I'm not sure what the 05 means, but some theories say that EXO's sister group, Red Velvet, could possibly be the Red Force. If you watch some of Red Velvet's MVs you might be able to make some connections between EXO's storyline and Red Velvet's storyline. Red Velvet has 5 members, so maybe the 05 stands for the 5 members. But whatever it means, the one thing I am sure of is, it's another clue to EXO's origin story. The powers the robot has are all of EXO's powers. For example, we see the robot with Chanyeol's fire orb use it to shoot fire, and the blue orb I think is Suho's water power, etc. On each of EXO's "watches" we see a symbol, which is the symbol that represents each of their powers. As we saw in their "Mama" MV, each of the members has a symbol that represents their power -- If we were able to see all of their watches, I am pretty sure, we would have seen each one displayed that member's symbol. The hooded figure and the part about the two suns, etc. at the beginning of this MV, is a reference to EXO's origin story and it's supposed to remind us of the narration in the intro of "Mama". The scene where we see the little elf-looking figures is actually an Easter egg that is showing EXO's cute concept from one of their concerts where you will discover they are dressed like elves. And the animated scene where you see the football helmet, the song that was playing was EXO's "Love Me Right." If you remember, EXO's "Love Me Right" MV has an American football theme, so that scene was a teaser to that song, which was on their previous album. That is why the narrator kept saying "that's not the right location today," possibly showing how each of EXO's MVs, performances, or parts of their story, etc. are located within a different dimension or time period. Chen's power is the power to control thunder, but where there is thunder there is always lightning, so Chen also has control of electricity. Lightning is what creates thunder. Therefore, some theories say that is why Chen is the one that is able to plug the power source back in without getting zapped because he has the ability to control electricity; and because Xiumin's power is snow/ice/frost he gets zapped when he tries to plug the power in because snow and ice doesn't mix well with electricity, which is why you see him lying on the ground with his legs in the air shaking next to Chen. The funny wiggly toy is supposed to represent the robot after he has been deactivated by the EXO (or maybe X-EXO) members. It is now dead and it no longer has any power, etc. On a side note, as we see in this MV, each of the members is represented by a different color, which coincides with their power. As you may remember, EXO's fandom color is "Cosmic Latte" (greyish-tan) -- Cosmic Latte is said to be the color created when you combine all the colors of the stars together -- but the group's lightstick is actually multi-colored. Each color represents one of the members. Also, as we see in the MV, yet again, EXO's powers are controlled by the eclipse. The eclipse is where EXO summons their abilities from and that's why the majority of the stories in their MVs revolve around an eclipse of some kind or something to do with the moon. And that's why a few of their comebacks and MV releases have been on days when we have had a real eclipse, or some sort of real planetary phenomenon, etc. Lay, is the only member who is missing in "Power" -- this MV was during the start of when he was no longer able to work with EXO. So, because Lay was unable to participate in this MV, as part of EXO's storyline, Lay was unable to collect his power orb at this time. Therefore, originally fan theories thought that the EXO members got his power back for him and they sent Lay his power orb in the mail. We see Lay receive a package, which is thought to contain his orb, in his solo "Namanana" MV. However, Lay is not the only one who doesn't get his power back right away. If you look, when all the members powers are being reunited, Baekhyun is the only member who is not shown receiving his power orb at the same time as the rest of the members. In a lot of EXO's MVs, Baekhyun is one of the main characters and he is usually singled out or stands apart from the members. So, theories originally speculated that maybe Baekhyun had been corrupted by the Red Force. But as with everything that EXO does, we fans are still trying to figure out what it all means. Although, now that we have new information about EXO's story -- since "Obsession" -- the new theory is that the "Power" MV is actually showing us X-EXO in training and Baekhyun has always been the one who the Red Force was unable to steal his power orb, which is why we don't see him in the battle and he appears later on in "Power". This is another instance where, now that we know X-EXO -- EXO's alter ego clones that were created by the Red Force -- are the ones that are dressed in bright colors, with crazy hair and makeup that, in hindsight, we think "Power" might be showing us a piece of X-EXO's storyline, instead of EXO like we originally thought. Now that we know about X-EXO, it makes sense that "Power" is showing us X-EXO's storyline because most of the members in this MV have blue eyes or different eye colors, which we originally thought was just because it makes them look more like comic book characters to go along with the theme of the MV. However, we have now realized, within SM's SM Culture Universe storyline, when characters within SM MVs have blue eyes or different eye colors this usually is an indication that that person isn't themselves, i.e. they aren't who we think they are. It is thought to be used to show that they are a clone or alter ego, etc., under the control of an evil force. Also take notice of the letter that is on the collar of the kitten. If you look, you will see it's an L. It's thought that the kitten is supposed to represent us EXO-Ls. We are the ones that are supporting "EXO," dispensing power and giving them strength, etc. That's why Baekhyun is seen lovingly holding the kitten. If Baekhyun is the only one not under the Red Forces' control, then he is an EXO member, so he is protecting the kitten (EXO-Ls). In the "Power" MV, fan theories originally thought that once they defeat the robot and get their powers back, EXO are then sent to Earth to start their mission. That is why at the end of this MV you see Baekhyun being sent to Earth where he lands in the water. However, now maybe Baekhyun wasn't necessarily on Earth, but maybe, because he is the one that isn't under the Red Forces' control, this scene is showing us something else. The song you hear playing at the end of the MV is another song from their Power album called "Sweet Lies." (There is no MV for it because it's a B-side track, so you will have to watch a live performance instead.) Theories have also been that when the members all arrived on Earth none of them arrived together and they each landed in different locations all over the world -- which is explained in EXO's "Call Me Baby" pathcode teaser videos -- so that might be why at the end of the "Power" MV you see Baekhyun by himself floating in the water. As you can see, even though this is one of their more recent songs and MVs, the story in the MV is actually part of the very beginning of EXO's origin story, so this is an example of how their storyline is not in chronological order. We EXO-L's have to really pay attention to figure out where each part of their story fits within the storyline with each new song and MV release, including all their solo content and their sub-unit releases, etc. Also, it's worth noting that if you were to pause the MV at the part in the beginning before the MV really starts, at the part where all the members are in that "club room" hanging out. You would see that everything in that room is there for a reason, and it all gives clues to different things to do with EXO, such as the date of their next comeback, what the theme of the next MV might be, the title of the song, etc. The posters on the walls and even the way the members are positioned in the room and what they are doing is all another part of EXO's story, and it gives us a few more clues to what to expect in future chapters of EXO's epic novel or action adventure/mystery movie series. You will be surprised at the things you can find within just that one scene. Fun fact: If you purchase this album, one version comes with a comic book/graphic novel that continues EXO's storyline. And you only get to see those clues to the story if you own the album. Just another example of how EVERYTHING SM creates for EXO continues their concept and storyline. :D All of EXO's MVs and almost everything any of the members do is related to EXO's concept. You also should watch a comeback stage for "Power" because, although there is no dancing in the MV, this was their lead promotional track so they have choreography to go with the song. And even if you watch their concert performance, the concert version is the remixed version, so the choreography is different than what you will see in their comeback stage. "Power" was also used as one of the theme songs, along with their song "Growl," during the 2018 winter Olympics, and EXO even performed both songs during the closing ceremony, which if you want to see yet another epic performance, you could look up their Olympic performance as well.
Let me explain one of the theories behind the story in EXO's "Universe" MV. First off, "Universe", as you are discovering, with most 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. The theme of the MV is “cafe universe" and one theory is that the story is being told through coffee metaphors. As you may remember, 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. 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. 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.
Power mv is fun but the live stage Hits different and if you notice baekhyun wasn't whole time in the mv he show up END of the mv but you can heard his vocals in the background and when he fall in the ocean 🌊 the song you heard in the end that is sweet lies one of my ult b-site track. Universe is my favorite winter song exo have four winter albums I really mis exo winter albums. Thanks for the reaction ❤ LOEY is Chanyeol
Power was chosen as the first Kpop song to be featured at the Dubai Fountain Show. EXO performed this at the 2018 Winter Olympics closing ceremony. Power live performance is very exciting to watch, On the real choreo, Kai did a solo perfectly beautiful turn at the bridge of the song🔥🔥 I recommend watching the live performance th-cam.com/video/HFvvDgOMIXk/w-d-xo.html At the end of the mv the song sweet lies th-cam.com/video/BwkjkZ_lnIw/w-d-xo.html Insanely beautiful song and performance with Universe th-cam.com/video/PDmsGTT_484/w-d-xo.html
May I suggest you turn up your volume when recording? I barely hear your voice and the music during reaction even if my headphones on the max volume. Thanks. ❤❤
![[Request Series] EXO 엑소 "Tempo" MV Reaction and Breakdown!](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/RxEXLc67W3w/mqdefault.jpg)
In EXO's "Power" MV it is thought that EXO are on Planet Exo and, before the "Obsession" MV came out, we all thought EXO was trying to get their powers back from the Red Force. The original theory was that the robot, which is being controlled by the Red Force, stole EXO's powers and the members had to fight to get their powers back. That's why the robot is labeled RFO5, which stands for Red Force. I'm not sure what the 05 means, but some theories say that EXO's sister group, Red Velvet, could possibly be the Red Force. If you watch some of Red Velvet's MVs you might be able to make some connections between EXO's storyline and Red Velvet's storyline. Red Velvet has 5 members, so maybe the 05 stands for the 5 members. But whatever it means, the one thing I am sure of is, it's another clue to EXO's origin story.
The powers the robot has are all of EXO's powers. For example, we see the robot with Chanyeol's fire orb use it to shoot fire, and the blue orb I think is Suho's water power, etc. On each of EXO's "watches" we see a symbol, which is the symbol that represents each of their powers. As we saw in their "Mama" MV, each of the members has a symbol that represents their power -- If we were able to see all of their watches, I am pretty sure, we would have seen each one displayed that member's symbol.
The hooded figure and the part about the two suns, etc. at the beginning of this MV, is a reference to EXO's origin story and it's supposed to remind us of the narration in the intro of "Mama". The scene where we see the little elf-looking figures is actually an Easter egg that is showing EXO's cute concept from one of their concerts where you will discover they are dressed like elves. And the animated scene where you see the football helmet, the song that was playing was EXO's "Love Me Right." If you remember, EXO's "Love Me Right" MV has an American football theme, so that scene was a teaser to that song, which was on their previous album. That is why the narrator kept saying "that's not the right location today," possibly showing how each of EXO's MVs, performances, or parts of their story, etc. are located within a different dimension or time period.
Chen's power is the power to control thunder, but where there is thunder there is always lightning, so Chen also has control of electricity. Lightning is what creates thunder. Therefore, some theories say that is why Chen is the one that is able to plug the power source back in without getting zapped because he has the ability to control electricity; and because Xiumin's power is snow/ice/frost he gets zapped when he tries to plug the power in because snow and ice doesn't mix well with electricity, which is why you see him lying on the ground with his legs in the air shaking next to Chen.
The funny wiggly toy is supposed to represent the robot after he has been deactivated by the EXO (or maybe X-EXO) members. It is now dead and it no longer has any power, etc.
On a side note, as we see in this MV, each of the members is represented by a different color, which coincides with their power. As you may remember, EXO's fandom color is "Cosmic Latte" (greyish-tan) -- Cosmic Latte is said to be the color created when you combine all the colors of the stars together -- but the group's lightstick is actually multi-colored. Each color represents one of the members.
Also, as we see in the MV, yet again, EXO's powers are controlled by the eclipse. The eclipse is where EXO summons their abilities from and that's why the majority of the stories in their MVs revolve around an eclipse of some kind or something to do with the moon. And that's why a few of their comebacks and MV releases have been on days when we have had a real eclipse, or some sort of real planetary phenomenon, etc.
Lay, is the only member who is missing in "Power" -- this MV was during the start of when he was no longer able to work with EXO. So, because Lay was unable to participate in this MV, as part of EXO's storyline, Lay was unable to collect his power orb at this time. Therefore, originally fan theories thought that the EXO members got his power back for him and they sent Lay his power orb in the mail. We see Lay receive a package, which is thought to contain his orb, in his solo "Namanana" MV.
However, Lay is not the only one who doesn't get his power back right away. If you look, when all the members powers are being reunited, Baekhyun is the only member who is not shown receiving his power orb at the same time as the rest of the members. In a lot of EXO's MVs, Baekhyun is one of the main characters and he is usually singled out or stands apart from the members. So, theories originally speculated that maybe Baekhyun had been corrupted by the Red Force. But as with everything that EXO does, we fans are still trying to figure out what it all means.
Although, now that we have new information about EXO's story -- since "Obsession" -- the new theory is that the "Power" MV is actually showing us X-EXO in training and Baekhyun has always been the one who the Red Force was unable to steal his power orb, which is why we don't see him in the battle and he appears later on in "Power".
This is another instance where, now that we know X-EXO -- EXO's alter ego clones that were created by the Red Force -- are the ones that are dressed in bright colors, with crazy hair and makeup that, in hindsight, we think "Power" might be showing us a piece of X-EXO's storyline, instead of EXO like we originally thought.
Now that we know about X-EXO, it makes sense that "Power" is showing us X-EXO's storyline because most of the members in this MV have blue eyes or different eye colors, which we originally thought was just because it makes them look more like comic book characters to go along with the theme of the MV. However, we have now realized, within SM's SM Culture Universe storyline, when characters within SM MVs have blue eyes or different eye colors this usually is an indication that that person isn't themselves, i.e. they aren't who we think they are. It is thought to be used to show that they are a clone or alter ego, etc., under the control of an evil force.
Also take notice of the letter that is on the collar of the kitten. If you look, you will see it's an L. It's thought that the kitten is supposed to represent us EXO-Ls. We are the ones that are supporting "EXO," dispensing power and giving them strength, etc. That's why Baekhyun is seen lovingly holding the kitten. If Baekhyun is the only one not under the Red Forces' control, then he is an EXO member, so he is protecting the kitten (EXO-Ls).
In the "Power" MV, fan theories originally thought that once they defeat the robot and get their powers back, EXO are then sent to Earth to start their mission. That is why at the end of this MV you see Baekhyun being sent to Earth where he lands in the water. However, now maybe Baekhyun wasn't necessarily on Earth, but maybe, because he is the one that isn't under the Red Forces' control, this scene is showing us something else. The song you hear playing at the end of the MV is another song from their Power album called "Sweet Lies." (There is no MV for it because it's a B-side track, so you will have to watch a live performance instead.) Theories have also been that when the members all arrived on Earth none of them arrived together and they each landed in different locations all over the world -- which is explained in EXO's "Call Me Baby" pathcode teaser videos -- so that might be why at the end of the "Power" MV you see Baekhyun by himself floating in the water.
As you can see, even though this is one of their more recent songs and MVs, the story in the MV is actually part of the very beginning of EXO's origin story, so this is an example of how their storyline is not in chronological order. We EXO-L's have to really pay attention to figure out where each part of their story fits within the storyline with each new song and MV release, including all their solo content and their sub-unit releases, etc.
Also, it's worth noting that if you were to pause the MV at the part in the beginning before the MV really starts, at the part where all the members are in that "club room" hanging out. You would see that everything in that room is there for a reason, and it all gives clues to different things to do with EXO, such as the date of their next comeback, what the theme of the next MV might be, the title of the song, etc. The posters on the walls and even the way the members are positioned in the room and what they are doing is all another part of EXO's story, and it gives us a few more clues to what to expect in future chapters of EXO's epic novel or action adventure/mystery movie series. You will be surprised at the things you can find within just that one scene.
Fun fact: If you purchase this album, one version comes with a comic book/graphic novel that continues EXO's storyline. And you only get to see those clues to the story if you own the album. Just another example of how EVERYTHING SM creates for EXO continues their concept and storyline. :D All of EXO's MVs and almost everything any of the members do is related to EXO's concept.
You also should watch a comeback stage for "Power" because, although there is no dancing in the MV, this was their lead promotional track so they have choreography to go with the song. And even if you watch their concert performance, the concert version is the remixed version, so the choreography is different than what you will see in their comeback stage.
"Power" was also used as one of the theme songs, along with their song "Growl," during the 2018 winter Olympics, and EXO even performed both songs during the closing ceremony, which if you want to see yet another epic performance, you could look up their Olympic performance as well.
Let me explain one of the theories behind the story in EXO's "Universe" MV. First off, "Universe", as you are discovering, with most 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.
The theme of the MV is “cafe universe" and one theory is that the story is being told through coffee metaphors. As you may remember, 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.
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. 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.
Universe is my favorite exo winter album tho they have 3 other winter albums. All the tracks were amazing! 🎉🎉🎉❤
I really loved the song!! So beautiful! 🫶🏻
Power mv is fun but the live stage Hits different and if you notice baekhyun wasn't whole time in the mv he show up END of the mv but you can heard his vocals in the background and when he fall in the ocean 🌊 the song you heard in the end that is sweet lies one of my ult b-site track. Universe is my favorite winter song exo have four winter albums I really mis exo winter albums. Thanks for the reaction ❤ LOEY is Chanyeol
I’ll see if I can react to a live stage! 🫶🏻 oooh! Got to check out the B-side! 🫶🏻
Power was chosen as the first Kpop song to be featured at the Dubai Fountain Show. EXO performed this at the 2018 Winter Olympics closing ceremony.
Power live performance is very exciting to watch, On the real choreo, Kai did a solo perfectly beautiful turn at the bridge of the song🔥🔥
I recommend watching the live performance
th-cam.com/video/HFvvDgOMIXk/w-d-xo.html
At the end of the mv the song sweet lies
th-cam.com/video/BwkjkZ_lnIw/w-d-xo.html
Insanely beautiful song and performance with Universe
th-cam.com/video/PDmsGTT_484/w-d-xo.html
Thank you for the links. I’ll check them out! 🫶🏻🫶🏻
Please react to sing for you! It’s my favorite winter song❤love your reaction😊
Will do!! 🫶🏻 thanks for watching!
May I suggest you turn up your volume when recording? I barely hear your voice and the music during reaction even if my headphones on the max volume. Thanks. ❤❤
Oh! Really? Yeah, I’ll turn up the sound 🙏🏻🫶🏻