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Miracles in December
Covers for the Korean version (left) and Chinese version (right)
EP by
Exo
Released9 December 2013 (2013-12-09)
Recorded2013
Studio
Genre
Length24:33
Language
Label
ProducerLee Soo-man
Exo chronology
XOXO
(2013) 		Miracles in December
(2013) 		Overdose
(2014)
Singles from Miracles in December
  1. "Miracles in December"
    Released: 5 December 2013

Miracles in December (Korean: 12월의 기적; Chinese: 十二月的奇迹) is the second extended play by South Korean–Chinese boy band Exo. It was released by SM Entertainment on 9 December 2013.[1] Presented as a special winter album,[2] Miracles in December is a follow-up to the group's first studio album XOXO, which was released in June 2013. Like all of the group's music until Universe in 2017, the EP has Korean and Chinese versions. The EP is also the group's second release as well as first EP to be promoted extensively being as a combined group.

"Miracles in December" was chosen as the title track and first single of the extended play, and along with "Christmas Day" was presented live on several local musical performances and concerts during the promotional cycle. The Korean version peaked at number two on the Gaon Digital Chart and at number three on the K-pop Hot 100, while the Mandarin version topped the Gaon International Singles chart. "The First Snow", a B-side track from the album, saw a significant rise in popularity each December and eventually reached number one on the Circle Digital Chart in 2023, ten years after release.

Background and recording

[edit]

In early November 2013, Exo's management agency, SM Entertainment, announced Exo would be holding a joint concert, titled "Christmas Wonderland", with f(x) from 24 to 25 December.[3] On 3 December, a 2-minute medley clip for the Korean and Mandarin-language versions of the Miracles in December EP were released. On 4 December, the music videos for "Miracles in December" were unveiled on YouTube.[4]

Released in two languages, Exo-K, Exo's Korean-language sub-group, recorded the EP's tracks in Korean while Exo-M, the Mandarin-language sub-group, performed the same songs in Mandarin. A pop ballad with classical piano accompaniment, the lead single "Miracles in December", was written by Andreas Stone Johansson and Rick Hanley. However, the song was only performed by four Exo members: Baekhyun, D.O., and Chen recorded the song in Korean, while Baekhyun, Chen, and Luhan recorded it in Mandarin. Special performances by all four (Baekhyun, D.O., Chen, and Luhan) members, with Lay miming the piano, were often performed on made-for-TV live music programs such as Inkigayo and Music Bank.

Composition and background

[edit]

"Miracles in December" according to the description of the album on the site of Korean music Naver Music is a song genre pop-ballad that uses the piano and strings in your arrangement.[5] The song was composed and arranged by composers veterans such as Andreas Johansson Stone and Rick Hanley in collaboration with the production team of SM Entertainment. The voices in the Korean version are provided by Chen, Baekhyun and D.O., while the mandarin version belongs to the first two, and Luhan. The song talks about a man who recalls with nostalgia the relationship with his former girlfriend and his desire to return to it, but cannot do so because of the shame and guilt.[6] Yoon So Ra and Liu Yuan wrote the letters of the Korean and Chinese version respectively.[5]

Release

[edit]

The music videos for "Miracles in December" (one Korean, one Mandarin) were directed by Jo So-hyun, and were filmed in November in Paju, Gyeonggi-do and a studio in Ilsan, near Seoul.[6] On 2 December 2013, a few teasers for the Korean and Chinese version of the music video was released on official YouTube channel of SM Town, causing a lot of interest from fans.[7] This, however, many thought that the group was promoting as a new sub-unit, which led to SM to clarify the rumors. A representative of the agency said that "it is true Baekhyun, D.O. and Chen to sing the single main... That does not mean that they are officially a sub-unit... We are planning to implement other members also to climb on stage for various performances". And continued: "We are preparing several performances because this album is a special album of winter and is full of gratitude to the fans and it is not correct to call this a new sub-unit activity."[8]

On 4 December 2013, both versions of the videos were announced, at 8:00pm (KST) and were released on video-sharing websites.[4] The music video was directed by Jo Soo-hyun, and was filmed in November in Paju, Gyeonggi in a study in Ilsan.[6] On 5 December, Exo held their debut performances from the album with "Miracles in December" on Mnet's M Countdown stage.;[9] and the song was made available for download as digital single.[10] On 9 December 2013, the EP Miracles in December was released. On 19 December, the group staged the Korean version of "Christmas Day" (Simplified Chinese: 耶诞节) on M Countdown. Performances featured all twelve members of Exo with accompanying choreography produced by Tony Testa and Greg Hwang.

Reception

[edit]

Critical reception

[edit]

K-pop critic "Seoulbeats" gave a positive review of the song saying that "[it's] really worth all the hype that it's receiving." Analysis indicated that "Miracles in December" just grows and grows throughout its duration and commended the harmonization as "a thing of beauty".[11]

This album's B-side track "The First Snow" became a beloved seasonal favorite in South Korea, played often after the first snowfall. In 2023, a dance challenge set the song quickly gained viral popularity, leading to a wave of participation by K-pop idols and fans.[12] The challenge became a global phenomenon, with members of various K-pop groups and eventually Exo themselves joining in on the trend.[13]

Commercial performance

[edit]

The EP peaked at number 1 and 2 on both the weekly[14] and monthly[15] charts on the Gaon Album Chart for the Korean and Mandarin versions, respectively. The single "Miracles in December" reached number 2 on the Gaon Digital Chart[16] and number 3 on the K-pop Hot 100.[17] The Mandarin version of the song peaked at number 47 on the Gaon chart,[16] but topped the Gaon International Singles Chart.[18] It also went to number 7 on China's Baidu charts. The Korean edition of "Christmas Day" reached number 5[16] and 38[19] on the Gaon and K-pop Hot 100 weekly charts, respectively, and the Mandarin edition reached number 10 on Baidu's charts. In 2023, "The First Snow" reached number one on the Circle Digital Chart ten years after release due to its viral dance challenge.[20]

Live performances

[edit]

In December, Exo began their promotions running Korean version live on several local music programs, including M Countdown 5, Music Bank 6, Show! Music Core 7 and Inkigayo 8. In the following week's promotions, SM informed that Luhan and Lay also participate in presentations, as well as promised the fans.[21] Baekhyun, Chen and D.O. appeared on the stage of SBS MTV's The Show on 17 December 2013, and Show Champion on 18 December 2013. The song was also included in the set-list of the winter festival of the group with his classmates seal f(x) SM Town Week: Christmas Wonderland on 23 and 24 December 2013.[22] The Chinese version of "Miracles in December" was acted in the MTV The Show on 24 December 2013, with D.O., Luhan, Baekhyun, Chen and Lay members.

Track listing

[edit]
Korean version track listing
No.TitleLyricsMusicArrangementLength
1."Miracles in December" (12월의 기적; Sibiwolui Gijeok; lit. Miracle of December) sung by Baekhyun, Chen, D.O.))
  • Sarah Yoon
4:34
2."Christmas Day" (sung by: Suho, Xiumin, Luhan, Baekhyun, Chen, Lay, D.O.)
  • Gabriela Soza
  • Samantha Powell
  • Philip Hochstrate
  • Gabriela Soza
  • Samantha Powell
  • Philip Hochstrate
3:46
3."The Star" (sung by Suho, Kris, Baekhyun, Chanyeol, D.O., Kai, Sehun)
  • Soulfulmonster
4:07
4."My Turn to Cry" (sung by Baekhyun, Chen, D.O.)
  • Alex Cantrall
  • Phillip Anthony White
  • Jeff Hoeppner
  • Alex Cantrall
  • Phillip Anthony White
  • Jeff Hoeppner
4:07
5."The First Snow" (첫 눈; Cheot Nun; lit. First Snow) sung by EXO-K)
3:27
6."Miracles in December – Classical Orchestra Version" (12월의 기적; Sibiweolwi Gijeok; lit. Miracle of December) 
4:33
Total length:24:33
Chinese version track listing
No.TitleLyricsMusicArrangementLength
1."十二月的奇迹 (Miracles in December)" (Traditional Chinese: 十二月的奇蹟; Shíèryuè de Qíjì, sung by Luhan, Baekhyun, Chen) (Trans.: Miracle(s) of December)
4:33
2."圣诞节 (Christmas Day)" (Traditional Chinese: 聖誕節; Shèngdànjié, sung by Suho, Xiumin, Luhan, Baekhyun, Chen, Lay, D.O.) (Trans.: Christmas)
  • Gabriela Soza
  • Philip Hochstrate
  • Samantha Powell
  • Gabriela Soza
  • Philip Hochstrate
  • Samantha Powell
3:46
3."The Star (星)" (sung by Xiumin, Luhan, Baekhyun, Kris, D.O., Chen, Lay, Tao) (Trans.: Star)
4:07
4."爱离开 (My Turn to Cry)" (Traditional Chinese: 愛離開; Ài Líkāi, sung by Luhan, Baekhyun, Chen) (Trans.: Love Has Left)
  • Alex Cantrall
  • Jeff Hoeppner
  • Philip Anthony White
  • Alex Cantrall
  • Jeff Hoeppner
  • Philip Anthony White
4:07
5."初雪 (The First Snow)" (Chūxuě, sung by Exo-M (Trans.: First Snow)
3:27
6."十二月的奇迹 (Miracles in December) – Classical Orchestra Version" (Shíèryuè de Qíjì) (Trans.: Miracle(s) of December) 
4:33
Total length:24:33

Charts

[edit]
Korean and Chinese versions
Chart Peak position
Korean Chinese
South Korea Weekly Albums (Gaon) 1 2
South Korea Monthly Albums (Gaon) 1 2
South Korea Yearly Albums – 2013 4 10
South Korea Yearly Albums – 2014 34 66
Japan Weekly Albums (Oricon) 7 20
Japan Monthly Albums (Oricon) 24 48
Combined version
Chart Peak
position
US World Albums (Billboard) 1

Awards and nominations

[edit]
Year Award Category Result
2014 Gaon Chart K-Pop Awards Album of the Year – 4th Quarter Won

Sales

[edit]
Chart Sales
Japan (Oricon) 11,734 (Chinese version)
24,530 (Korean version)
South Korea (Gaon) 204,438 (Chinese version)
352,189 (Korean version)

Release history

[edit]
Region Date Format Label
Worldwide 9 December 2013 (2013-12-09) CD
Digital download 		SM Entertainment
South Korea SM Entertainment
KT Music
Taiwan 17 December 2013 (2013-12-17)[23] CD Avex Taiwan
Thailand 20 December 2013 (2013-12-20) CD SM True

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Miracles in December

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Miracles in December is a winter special by the South Korean , released on December 9, 2013, by . The six-track features the of the same name, an R&B performed by vocalists , Chen, and D.O., which lyrically depicts a man mourning a lost love and experiencing heightened senses during the winter season, symbolizing a miraculous realization of his feelings after a breakup. The EP was released in both Korean and Mandarin versions to cater to EXO's domestic and international fanbase, marking the group's first seasonal holiday album with Christmas-themed elements integrated into its tracks, such as "Christmas Day" and "The First Snow." The title track's music video, unveiled on December 4, 2013, showcases supernatural motifs like time reversal and snow manipulation, drawing from the group's earlier concepts while emphasizing emotional introspection amid a snowy, ethereal landscape. Promotions began shortly after with live performances on music programs like Mnet's M Countdown, highlighting the subunit's vocal harmonies and contributing to the album's festive appeal. Commercially, Miracles in December achieved significant success, debuting at number one on South Korea's Gaon Album Chart and selling over 200,000 copies in its first week, with the Korean version alone amassing 262,825 units by year-end. The title track also topped various digital upon release, solidifying EXO's rising prominence in the industry during late 2013. Overall, the project sold more than 560,000 copies across versions, underscoring its enduring popularity as a staple in EXO's .

Background

Development and inspiration

In late November 2013, SM Entertainment announced that EXO would hold a joint concert titled "Christmas Wonderland" with f(x) on December 24 and 25 at KINTEX in Ilsan, Gyeonggi Province, as part of SM Town Week. On November 29, the agency further revealed plans for EXO's special winter album, titled Miracles in December, to coincide with the holiday season and serve as a year-end release. The EP's conception drew from holiday themes, aiming to capture the essence of winter and through its track selection, following the commercial success of EXO's debut studio album X-O-X-O earlier that year, which topped charts with hits like "Growl." SM Entertainment positioned the project as a seasonal gift to fans, emphasizing heartfelt ballads inspired by the festive spirit to build on the group's rising popularity. On December 3, 2013, released a highlight medley clip previewing the album's tracks in both Korean and Chinese versions, generating anticipation ahead of the digital release. The decision to produce dual-language editions reflected 's strategy to target broader markets, leveraging EXO's subunits—EXO-K for Korean audiences and EXO-M for Chinese listeners—to expand the group's pan-Asian reach.

Recording and production

The recording sessions for EXO's Miracles in December EP commenced in late 2013, aligning with the project's timeline as a special winter release following the group's XOXO album. Primary recording took place at doobdoob Studio in , , with additional string sessions handled at Ocean Way Nashville Studios in Nashville, USA, to incorporate orchestral elements into the tracks. The production was overseen by , featuring a team that included arranger Don Spike for the title track "Miracles in December," which was written by Yoon Sa Ra alongside composers Andreas Stone Johansson and Rick Hanley. Other contributors to the EP's tracks included lyricists such as KENZIE for Korean versions and Wang Ya Jun for Chinese adaptations, ensuring bilingual compatibility across EXO-K and EXO-M subunits. Vocal recordings emphasized the group's vocal line, with , Chen, and D.O. delivering the main vocals for the Korean version of "Miracles in December," a piano-driven enhanced by string arrangements. The Chinese version adapted the track for EXO-M, featuring lead vocals from Luhan, Chen, and to maintain subunit-specific phrasing and tonal nuances.

Musical content

Composition and themes

"Miracles in December" is a winter special characterized by pop ballads enriched with orchestral elements, including prominent melodies and string arrangements that enhance its ambiance. The EP's tracks emphasize emotional depth through slow tempos and layered harmonies, creating a reflective and melancholic soundscape suited to the season. Lyrical themes throughout the EP center on , , , and winter motifs, often intertwining personal heartbreak with festive imagery. For instance, songs evoke the bittersweet passage of time amid snowy landscapes and settings, portraying as a fleeting . In the title track, the narrative delves into a man's post-breakup , where heightened reveal the overlooked wonders of a past relationship, blending with a of rediscovery during December's chill. The title track "Miracles in December" runs for 4:33, composed in at a of 120 BPM, allowing its piano-driven structure to unfold gradually with building string swells and vocal ad-libs that underscore the emotional climax. Other tracks follow a similar format, varying in intensity but unified by themes of longing and seasonal introspection, such as reminiscing over first encounters in winter or the ache of unrequited affection under holiday lights. The Korean and Chinese versions of the EP differ primarily in vocal delivery and adaptation, with EXO-K handling the Korean rendition through smoother, emotive phrasing in , while EXO-M's Chinese version employs Mandarin lyrics for a more fluid, resonant tone that maintains the core sentiment. , including the signature and strings, remains consistent across both, preserving the orchestral intimacy despite the linguistic shifts.

Track listing and personnel

The Korean edition of Miracles in December features six tracks, including five new songs and an orchestral version of the title track, with a total runtime of 24:33. The Chinese edition contains five tracks in Mandarin, omitting the orchestral version.

Korean version

No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Arranger(s)LengthVocalist(s)
1."12월의 기적 (Miracles in December)"Yoon Sa-raAndreas Stone Johansson, Rick HanleyDon Spike4:33Baekhyun, Chen, D.O.
2."Christmas Day"MisfitGabriela Soza, Philip Hochstrate, Samantha PowellNot credited3:46Suho, Xiumin, Baekhyun, D.O., Chen, Lay, Luhan
3."The Star"Soulful MonsterIm Kwang-wook, Martin Mulholland, Nermin HarambasicNot credited4:07Chanyeol, Kai, Baekhyun, D.O., Kris, Sehun
4."My Turn to Cry"Kim Young-hooAlex Cantrall, Phillip Anthony White, Jeff HoeppnerNot credited4:07Baekhyun, Chen, D.O.
5."첫 눈 (The First Snow)"KenzieKenzie, Kim Jung-baeNot credited3:27EXO-K (all members)
6."12월의 기적 (Miracles in December) (Classical Orchestra Version)"Yoon Sa-raAndreas Stone Johansson, Rick HanleyDon Spike (orchestral arrangement)4:33Instrumental (orchestra)

Chinese version

No.TitleLengthNotes
1."十二月的奇迹 (Miracles in December)"4:33Mandarin vocals by Luhan, with lyrics by Liu Yuan
2."聖誕節 (Christmas Day)"3:46Mandarin adaptation, lyrics by Nagatomo Chie Mei and Liu Yuan
3."星 (The Star)"4:07Mandarin adaptation, lyrics by T-Crash
4."爱离开 (My Turn to Cry)"4:07Mandarin adaptation, lyrics by Wang Ya-jun
5."初雪 (The First Snow)"3:27Mandarin adaptation
All tracks were produced under , with executive production by .

Release

Formats and editions

The EP Miracles in December was issued in both physical and digital formats, with distinct editions tailored to regional markets. The standard Korean physical edition features a CD housed in a compact package containing a photobook with and imagery, along with a random snowball standing photocard selected from 12 possible designs. Pre-order bundles for this edition additionally included a folded as a promotional incentive. The Chinese edition mirrors the Korean physical format in structure, including a , photobook, and random snowball standing photocard, but incorporates bilingual packaging with Chinese track titles, lyrics, and artwork to accommodate the . Digitally, the EP was made available for download and streaming on major platforms, including (now ) for international access and for the Korean market, encompassing both Korean and versions.

Release history

Miracles in December was first made available for digital download worldwide on December 9, 2013, by S.M. Entertainment. The physical mini-album for the South Korean market was released simultaneously on the same date through S.M. Entertainment. Subsequent physical releases in select international markets included the Chinese version in on January 3, 2014, and in on May 7, 2014. No re-releases or remasters of the EP have occurred as of 2025.

Promotion

Marketing and singles

SM Entertainment announced the release of EXO's winter special album Miracles in December on November 28, 2013, via the group's official pages, generating immediate buzz among fans ahead of the holiday season. Image teasers featuring individual members in festive, melancholic settings began rolling out on platforms in early , building anticipation with a cohesive winter aesthetic that emphasized emotional depth over the group's typical high-energy image. A 20-second teaser for the title track was unveiled on December 2, 2013, showcasing poignant scenes of the members in snowy environments, further heightening excitement for the ballad-oriented project. "Miracles in December" served as the and title track, pre-released digitally on December 5, 2013. The full for "Miracles in December," directed by Jo Soo-hyun and featuring both Korean and Chinese versions, premiered on December 4, 2013, at 8:00 PM KST, amassing millions of views shortly after launch and emphasizing themes of heartbreak and realization through visually striking, minimalist . While "Miracles in December" dominated initial promotions, "The First Snow" emerged as an unofficial follow-up highlight, gaining organic traction through fan shares on despite lacking a dedicated at the time. The album's marketing was strategically tied to the announcement of EXO's joint concert with , titled SM Town Week: Christmas Wonderland, scheduled for December 24–25, 2013, at KINTEX in , , positioning the EP as the perfect prelude to the live event and amplifying holiday-themed synergy across SM Entertainment's roster. Pre-order campaigns on platforms like Yes24 and SM's online store quickly surpassed 400,000 copies by December 8, 2013, reflecting strong domestic demand and effective hype-building. Broader advertising efforts included a robust social media rollout on Twitter and Facebook, where teaser images and behind-the-scenes clips were shared daily to engage global fans, alongside targeted promotions on Korean music streaming services like Melon and Genie. Television appearances on major programs such as Music Bank, Show! Music Core, and Inkigayo starting December 6, 2013, served as key platforms for unveiling the lead single, integrating the EP into year-end holiday programming to maximize exposure without extensive choreography-focused staging. This multi-channel approach, combining digital teasers with broadcast slots, underscored SM's strategy to blend emotional storytelling with seasonal appeal, fostering a sense of intimacy during the promotional period.

Live performances

The lead single "Miracles in December" debuted live on on December 5, 2013, marking EXO's first performance of the track from their winter special album. The group followed with appearances on Music Bank on December 6, on December 7, on December 8, on December 14, The Show on December 17, and on December 18. These music show stages featured the full group delivering the ballad's harmonious vocals and piano-driven arrangement, often with minimalistic staging to emphasize the emotional delivery. EXO performed selections from the EP, including "Miracles in December," at the joint f(x) and "Christmas Wonderland" concert held on December 24 and 25, 2013, as part of SMTOWN Week at KINTEX in , . The setlist incorporated the title track alongside other holiday-themed songs like "Christmas Day," drawing large crowds for the festive event that highlighted EXO's vocal prowess in a live setting. The track achieved multiple music show wins during its promotional cycle, earning first place on on December 14 and December 21, 2013; on December 15 and December 22, 2013; on December 18, 2013; on December 19 and December 26, 2013; and Music Bank on December 20, 2013, totaling at least eight wins in 2013. These victories underscored the song's popularity as a seasonal . Performances of "Miracles in December" often spotlighted EXO's vocal subunit, with , Chen, and leading the rendition on several stages, such as Music Core on and various encore presentations. This focus on the vocal line allowed for intricate harmonies and solos, enhancing the track's intimate, reflective mood during live broadcasts.

Commercial performance

Chart performance

Upon its release, Miracles in December achieved significant success on various charts worldwide. The Korean version of the EP debuted and peaked at number one on South Korea's Gaon Album Chart for the week ending , 2013. The Chinese version reached number two on the Gaon Album Chart during the same period. On the World Albums chart, it debuted at number one on , 2013, and remained on the chart for seven weeks. The title track "Miracles in December" also performed strongly on digital charts. It peaked at number two on the Gaon Digital Chart for the week of December 1–7, 2013, and at number three on the Gaon-based Hot 100. The song additionally reached number three on the World Digital Song Sales chart. Demonstrating its enduring appeal, the track re-entered the Circle Digital Chart (successor to Gaon) multiple times in subsequent years, including in December 2022. Other tracks from the EP contributed to its chart longevity. For instance, "The First Snow" topped the Circle Digital Chart at number one for the week ending December 23, 2023, marking a delayed peak ten years after release amid seasonal resurgence. The EP as a whole maintained presence on the Gaon Album Chart for over 20 weeks cumulatively through 2014.
Chart (2013–2014)Peak Position (Korean Version)Peak Position (Chinese Version)
Gaon Album Chart ()12
World Albums ()1—

Sales and certifications

The Korean version of Miracles in December sold 328,727 copies in according to Gaon Chart data compiled through 2014, with additional minor sales in subsequent years bringing the total to approximately 352,000 units as of 2025. The Chinese version achieved 199,317 copies in the same period, accumulating around 204,000 units overall via domestic shipments tracked by the chart. Combined, the EP surpassed 556,000 physical copies sold in as of early 2022, reflecting strong holiday-season demand following its December 2013 release. In , the Korean version recorded 24,530 units on the , while the Chinese version sold 11,734 copies, contributing to modest international physical distribution. Overall Oricon shipments for the EP reached 160,729 units by , primarily driven by fan imports and regional promotion. No major international certifications, such as from the RIAA or BPI, have been awarded to the EP as of November 2025, despite its enduring popularity in streaming platforms. In quarterly context, the Korean version ranked fourth on Gaon's 2013 year-end physical with 262,825 copies, underscoring its role in the fourth quarter's top sellers amid seasonal trends. The Chinese version placed tenth that year with 171,546 units, highlighting EXO's bilingual .

Reception

Critical reception

Upon its release, Miracles in December received generally positive feedback from critics, who praised its emotional depth and the group's vocal prowess in the ballad-heavy tracks. Billboard described the title track as an "intense winter ballad" characterized by piano-driven arrangements and string flourishes that highlighted EXO's main vocalists, Baekhyun, Chen, D.O., and Lay, creating a poignant seasonal atmosphere. Allkpop later recognized "Miracles in December" as one of the best K-pop Christmas songs of all time, calling it a timeless classic that fans revisit annually for its emotional resonance and harmonious layers. Soompi echoed this sentiment in retrospectives, highlighting the EP's ballads for their warming vocal performances, particularly D.O.'s emotive contributions in the title track, which blended sorrowful introspection with lush harmonies to evoke nostalgia. The album's focus on acoustic and orchestral elements allowed to showcase intricate vocal harmonies and raw emotion, a departure from the high-energy dance tracks on their prior release X-OXO, which critics like those at KPOPREVIEWED viewed as a refreshing "180-degree change" that emphasized the group's strengths over . Some reviews offered mixed assessments, critiquing the EP's brevity and reliance on seasonal tropes. Despite this, the project was seen as a fitting seasonal extension of EXO's sound, prioritizing conceptual cohesion over bold experimentation. User aggregate scores reflected solid appreciation, with assigning the EP an average rating of 3.04 out of 5 based on 272 ratings, where reviewers frequently lauded the vocal harmonies and thematic maturity while noting the tracks' intimate, winter-centric appeal.

Accolades

At the 3rd Gaon Chart Awards held in February 2014, Miracles in December won Album of the Year for the fourth quarter, recognizing its strong sales performance in late 2013. The EP's title track, "Miracles in December," achieved significant recognition through music show victories on South Korean broadcast programs. It secured first place on SBS's on December 15 and December 22, 2013, earning two trophies from the show. The song also won on MBC's on December 14 and December 21, 2013, as well as on Mnet's on December 19, 2013, and MBC Music's on December 18, 2013, contributing to a total of at least five music show awards during its promotional period. While the EP and its tracks received no major nominations at events like the , where was honored for later releases, B-side track "The First Snow" gained year-end acclaim for its enduring appeal, peaking at number two on the Gaon Digital Chart upon release and frequently re-entering holiday charts thereafter.

Legacy

Cultural impact

Miracles in December played a pivotal role in establishing 's tradition of annual winter special albums, a practice that the group continued with releases such as Sing for You in 2015, For Life in 2016, and in 2017, allowing them to showcase emotive ballads during the holiday season. This EP marked the beginning of 's seasonal strategy, differentiating their discography by emphasizing and thematic introspection over high-energy tracks typical of their summer releases. The title track has become a global staple in , frequently included in festive playlists and evoking themes of lost love and rediscovery that resonate during winter celebrations. Its piano-driven arrangement and orchestral elements have inspired covers within the community, reinforcing its status as a timeless winter anthem. By featuring EXO's vocal subunit—Baekhyun, Chen, D.O., and Luhan for the Chinese version—the song highlighted the group's vocal prowess in a stripped-down format, influencing K-pop trends toward subunit-led emotional performances and a resurgence of heartfelt, string-infused s. Media outlets have often referenced it as a nostalgic cornerstone of EXO's catalog, symbolizing the group's from status to vocal icons.

2023 revival and later developments

In late 2023, the track "The First Snow" from Miracles in December experienced a significant resurgence driven by a viral dance challenge on , where fans and idols recreated a sped-up version of the song. members, including Sehun, participated in the trend, amplifying its reach during the holiday season. This viral phenomenon propelled "The First Snow" to number one on the Circle Digital Chart for the week of December 17–23, 2023, marking a rare achievement for a decade-old song and boosting streams across platforms like and . The challenge contributed to heightened overall visibility for the EP, with increased streaming numbers and user-generated content on sustaining interest into 2024. By November 2024, "The First Snow" re-entered the Circle Digital Chart at number 77, reflecting its enduring seasonal appeal without new official promotions. Fan recreations and holiday playlists continued to drive plays, particularly in winter months, though the group has not released official remakes or full ensemble performances of the EP's tracks since its original era. In 2024 and 2025, individual member activities further highlighted the EP's lasting relevance. EXO's performed a Chinese version of the title track "Miracles in December" at the Chromosome Universe New Year Countdown Show in on December 31, 2024. He reprised the song during his "GRANDLINE 5: Monkey King Rocking the Heavenly Palace" tour concert at Beijing's Bird's Nest Stadium on October 6, 2025, accompanied by and while fellow member Sehun watched from the audience, creating an emotional dedication moment. These solo renditions, alongside ongoing fan-driven trends—such as recreations posted in October 2025—have kept the EP in cultural circulation, even as the group teases a potential 2025 reunion without confirmed new material from Miracles in December. Continuing its seasonal resurgence, "The First Snow" re-entered the Circle Digital Chart at number 159 for the week ending November 13, 2025.

References

  1. https://open.spotify.com/album/7xKAWXGHTlXovWpEVu1csM
  2. https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/exo-gifts-fans-with-intense-winter-ballad-miracles-in-december-5819673/
  3. https://music.apple.com/us/album/miracles-in-december-ep/854908527
  4. https://www.jaynestars.com/music/exo-dominates-music-charts-with-miracles-in-december/
  5. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yVLxRXoLaas
  6. https://bestsellingalbums.org/album/14614
  7. https://sg.news.yahoo.com/exos-miracles-in-december-debuts-1-on-every-050708621.html
  8. https://functionlove.net/2013/11/27/news-fx-and-exos-christmas-wonderland-joint-concert-singing-carols-too/
  9. https://www.soompi.com/article/555129wpp/exo-becomes-exo-mas-tree-to-announce-upcoming-winter-album
  10. https://www.soompi.com/article/556801wpp/exo-releases-medley-highlight-audio-clip-for-upcoming-miracles-in-december-album
  11. https://chartmasters.org/exo-albums-and-songs-sales/
  12. https://genius.com/Exo-12-miracles-in-december-lyrics
  13. https://genius.com/Exo-miracles-in-december-chinese-ver-lyrics
  14. https://tunebat.com/Info/Miracles-in-December-EXO/7HrCnwDvbtCKSZtpNDmII9
  15. https://smtown.fandom.com/wiki/Miracles_in_December
  16. https://genius.com/Exo-christmas-day-lyrics
  17. https://genius.com/Exo-the-star-lyrics
  18. https://kpop.fandom.com/wiki/Miracles_in_December
  19. https://www.discogs.com/release/7164559-EXO-Miracles-In-December
  20. https://theexostyle.wordpress.com/2013/12/03/pre-order-exo-miracles-in-december-winter-special-album/
  21. https://www.discogs.com/release/8995805-EXO-Miracles-in-December
  22. https://www.yesasia.com/global/exo-winter-special-album-miracles-in-december-chinese-version-taiwan/1034821709-0-0-0-en/info.html
  23. https://www.yesasia.com/us/exo-winter-special-album-miracles-in-december-chinese-version-taiwan/1034821709-0-0-0-en/info.html
  24. https://www.yesasia.com/global/exo-winter-special-album-miracles-in-december-chinese-version-thailand/1035636394-0-0-0-en/info.html
  25. https://exo.fandom.com/wiki/Miracles_in_December_%28mini-album%29
  26. https://www.soompi.com/article/556175wpp/exo-to-deliver-miracle-in-december-early-releases-teaser-image
  27. https://www.soompi.com/article/556193wpp/exo-hopes-for-miracles-in-december-in-brand-new-teaser
  28. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9237722/
  29. https://www.allkpop.com/article/2013/12/exos-miracles-in-december-pre-sale-reaches-past-400000-copies
  30. https://www.soompi.com/article/557427wpp/exo-dominates-music-charts-with-miracles-in-december-and-announces-album-activities
  31. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1JdyETtKR4
  32. https://ohxing.tumblr.com/performances
  33. https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/exo/2013/kintex-goyang-si-south-korea-2baef8ce.html
  34. https://functionlove.net/2013/12/24/updating-fxexo-christmas-wonderland-concert-song-list/
  35. https://www.soompi.com/article/560453wpp/exos-miracles-in-december-wins-on-music-core
  36. https://www.allkpop.com/article/2013/12/exos-miracles-in-december-win-on-show-champion-this-week
  37. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Mc5WqYFyYE
  38. https://www.billboard.com/pro/exo-2ne1-year-end-world-albums-2014-k-pop/
  39. https://twitter.com/kchartsmaster/status/1600870817008607235
  40. https://www.soompi.com/article/1633897wpp/exos-first-snow-earns-double-crown-on-circle-weekly-charts-red-velvet-btss-jimin-and-jungkook-hit-no-1
  41. https://koreansalestwt.blogspot.com/2020/09/exo.html
  42. https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/
  43. https://www.allkpop.com/article/2014/01/gaon-chart-releases-yearly-physical-albums-chart-for-2013
  44. https://www.allkpop.com/article/2023/12/some-of-the-best-christmas-songs-by-your-favorite-k-artists
  45. https://www.soompi.com/article/1356967wpp/10-songs-to-listen-to-when-you-miss-exos-d-o
  46. https://kpopreviewed.com/2013/12/10/miracle-of-december-exo/
  47. https://rateyourmusic.com/release/ep/exo/12%EC%9B%94%EC%9D%98-%EA%B8%B0%EC%A0%81-miracles-in-december/
  48. https://www.soompi.com/article/580209wpp/exo-girls-generation-missa-bap-more-take-the-trophies-at-gaon-chart-kpop-awards
  49. https://www.allkpop.com/article/2013/12/exo-wins-1-performances-from-sbs-inkigayos-dec-22nd-episode
  50. https://www.soompi.com/article/562685wpp/exo-wins-on-music-core-with-miracles-in-december
  51. https://www.soompi.com/article/1315463wpp/7yearswithexo-celebrating-exos-fabulous-b-sides
  52. https://www.allkpop.com/article/2020/12/12-holiday-songs-for-your-winter-playlist
  53. https://www.soompi.com/article/1559123wpp/a-decade-of-christmas-11-k-pop-songs-that-sum-up-the-holiday-spirit
  54. https://www.allkpop.com/article/2018/12/26-k-pop-christmas-songs-to-listen-to
  55. https://www.kpopstarz.com/articles/302612/20211109/exo-d-o-gives-fans-nostalgic-feelings-singing-first-snow.htm
  56. https://www.gmanetwork.com/entertainment/showbiznews/exo-members-finally-join-viral-first-snow-challenge/108131/
  57. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/QRMCafLHub4
  58. https://www.thebiaswrecker.com/blog/why-exos-the-first-snow-is-no-1-ten-years-after-its-release
  59. https://x.com/_Kpop_Stats_/status/1862110027420401793
  60. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DEP2YWaBTsk/
  61. https://www.sportskeeda.com/us/k-pop/news-this-peak-exo-s-lay-s-grandline-5-china-concert-production-led-stage-carpet-rollout-chinese-elements-leave-fans-speechless
  62. https://overseasidol.com/en/exos-sehun-surprises-fans-at-lay-zhangs-concert-in-beijing/
  63. https://x.com/exocnu/status/1988884736068944285
  64. https://www.gmanetwork.com/entertainment/showbiznews/exo-hints-at-long-awaited-comeback-in-december/125802/
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