Korean boy band EXO gave credit to rival groups BTS and Wanna One for advancing Hallyu, or Korean Wave, in other countries.
The boys launched their fourth concert tour "EXO Planet #4: The EℓyXiOn" in Seoul on November 24 to 26, which drew 66,000 fans.
"We're grateful for groups such as BTS and Wanna One promoting K-pop globally. As did many senior artists such as Psy, Girls' Generation and TVXQ, we also want to contribute in the advancement of K-pop overseas," said EXO's Suho at a press conference for the concert.
Suho expressed concern that their fans may have grown tired since their debut in 2012, or more than five years ago.
"We have thoughts that many people could find us tiresome as the number of years (since our debut) stack up," he added.
Chanyeol said great teamwork helped EXO sustain its existence, saying, "We talk a lot with each other despite being busy from personal schedules."
"We became especially close this year. We had a lot of get-togethers and talk candidly a lot with each other while drinking," said Baekhyun.
BTS and Wanna One achieved phenomenal success this year. Wanna One debuted last August and has become of the hottest K-pop boy bands, thanks to their participation in the survival audition TV show "Produce 101" Season 2.
On the other hand, BTS expanded their reach to the US by winning the Top Social Artist at the Billboard Music Awards last May and performing at the American Music Awards on November 19.
They also appeared on US TV talks shows hosted by Jimmy Kimmel and James Corden, and the "Ellen DeGeneres" show.
At the same press conference, EXO member D.O expressed thanks after he won the Best New Actor at the 38th Blue Dragon Film Awards on November 25.
"I'm truly grateful for being bestowed with the best new actor award, an award that can only be offered once in any actor's career. I'm happy for slowly being recognized for my acting," he said.
