Kep1er’s Cover Of Beloved EXO Song Triggers Fiercely Divided Reactions

Recently, it was announced that girl group Kep1er would release a cover of EXO‘s beloved winter song, “The First Snow,” on Christmas Eve, December 24.

Kep1er will release a cover of EXO’s ‘The First Snow’ on December 24th. pic.twitter.com/U1A8Nz1Ei6

— Kpop Charts (@kchartsmaster) December 17, 2024

The news shocked many. EXO fans joked that everyone “but EXO members” had performed their songs lately.

Other groups can cover The First Snow but EXO members can't even have a single performance of The First Snow this year. Nice one, pink company. 🤦🏻 https://t.co/qRMfVh80vR

— Ran (XiuminXiuminKoKoBop) 🦋🌼🧚🏻‍♂️❄️ (@gogwihaneunhye) December 17, 2024

other idols have sung exo’s songs more than exo this year https://t.co/UoWU6jL5Io pic.twitter.com/8YJJjAtPFN

— mar 𖤐 (@baeksynk) December 18, 2024

Everyone has been doing covers of exo songs lately except exo https://t.co/ldpqaWXVka pic.twitter.com/swvgJZOhnm

— Moon (@bambibbh16) December 17, 2024

While those reactions were basically an in-fandom joke, there were some other hate comments. Many netizens wondered why Kep1er would need to cover a song that some felt was so iconic it should be “untouched.” Some even accused Kep1er of doing so for clout.

Fans jumped to Kep1er’s defense, questioning netizens’ negativity. They felt that Kep1er’s cover of EXO’s “The First Snow” is cementing the fact that it’s now a Christmas classic. Within the K-Pop community, EXO’s “The First Snow” is like Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas (Is You).” When songs become holiday classics that continue to play years after their release, it’s not uncommon for other artists to cover them.

wait why are people so negative about this??

this is a popular Christmas song, right? like ofc other kpop groups will cover it during Christmas time

is there something i’m missing? https://t.co/mCaFCFnKpj

— 𝐴𝑙𝑖𝑒 ྀི (@lvlykaruu) December 18, 2024

js by watching the qrts, having all these unnecessary hate towards these 7 ladies performing a legendary song that they honor and respect, i just know that Kep1er is such a big threat in the kpop industry.

GAWDDD Kep1er, you will always be famous.✨ https://t.co/NySfubuTbi

— rue bee✴️ (@yng_n_nlv) December 19, 2024

They really are the Korean Mariah Careys for Christmas season 😭 https://t.co/94P9ETPVzT

— ຸ (@spideyooh) December 17, 2024

Some netizens believe the hate directed toward Kep1er’s cover is rooted in misogyny.

Regardless, Kep1er will do a great job with the cover of “The First Snow.”