How to Put Up an EXO Fan Ad: The 2026 Guide for Member Birthdays
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All EXO members have completed their military service, and group activities are set to fully resume in 2026. For EXO-L (EXO fans) who "want to put out a support ad for their idol's birthday" or "are trying a birthday ad for the first time," we will explain how to place support ads in Japan from scratch.
What are EXO Support Ads? (Member Birthday Quick Reference)
Support ads (Saengil ads) are fan-initiated advertisements placed by fans in places like station digital signages or outdoor screens to celebrate an artist's birthday or anniversary. Originating in Korea, this culture has spread to Japan and become well-established, particularly among K-Pop fans.
EXO member birthdays are as follows:
| Member Name | Real Name | Birthday |
|---|---|---|
| Xiumin | Kim Min-seok | March 28 |
| Suho | Kim Jun-myeon | May 22 |
| Lay | Zhang Yixing | October 7 |
| Baekhyun | Byun Baek-hyun | May 6 |
| Chen | Kim Jong-dae | September 21 |
| Chanyeol | Park Chan-yeol | November 27 |
| D.O. | Do Kyung-soo | January 12 |
| Kai | Kim Jong-in | January 14 |
| Sehun | Oh Se-hun | April 12 |
It's advisable to book media 2-4 weeks before the birthday to ensure a smooth process.
Checking SM ENT Guidelines
EXO is managed by SM Entertainment. It's crucial to check their official policy before placing a support ad.
- Use of Official Photos/Videos: If you use artist images in your advertisement, you must follow SM Entertainment's official guidelines. Commercial use and unauthorized reproduction are prohibited.
- Required Information in Ads: The organizer (group name) and contact email address must be included.
- Checking for Updates: Guidelines are subject to change. Oshi-ad also provides support for checking agency guidelines.
Popular Media and Costs for EXO-L (EXO Fans)
- Digital Signage: From approximately 30,000 JPY. Outdoor and indoor digital displays located in commercial areas such as Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Umeda. These media have short lead times and are easy for individuals to apply for.
- Outdoor Vision (Large Monitor): From 40,000 JPY per day. Video advertisements on large screens in busy districts. Highly effective for social media exposure and viral potential.
- Ad Truck: From 100,000 JPY. Advertising trucks that drive around concert venues. Popular for placement during concert periods.
- In-station Posters: Approximately 40,000 JPY to 100,000 JPY (7 days). Can reach commuters and students.
It is also common for multiple fans to crowdfund and share the costs. With crowdfunding, which allows participation from 500 JPY per share, more EXO-Ls can participate in the celebration.
Popular Placement Areas in Tokyo and Osaka
Tokyo Area
- Shibuya: Visions around the scramble crossing and in-station signage. High domestic and international attention, with excellent viral potential.
- Shinjuku: Outdoor visions and in-station media around the East and West exits. An area with high traffic of K-Pop fans.
- Ikebukuro/Akihabara: Areas with a concentration of K-Pop shops, offering media with high reach to the target audience.
Osaka Area
- Umeda (Osaka Station Area): Kansai's largest entertainment district. Abundant options for both in-station signage and outdoor visions.
- Namba/Shinsaibashi: Commercial facilities with extensive signage and outdoor media, popular areas with high foot traffic on weekends.
How to Place a Support Ad
Step 1: Determine Objective and Budget
First, decide "whose birthday," "what scale," and "how much to spend." For individual placements, 30,000 JPY is a rough estimate. If crowdfunding with other fans, set a target amount and number of participants in advance.
Step 2: Choose Media and Area
Select the desired area and type of media. It's best to complete the application 2-4 weeks before the birthday for a smooth process.
Step 3: Prepare Design
Prepare the images and text to be used in the advertisement. Be sure to check SM Entertainment's guidelines. The advertisement must include the organizer's name and contact information.
Step 4: Application and Payment
Fill out the necessary information on the service application form and complete the payment. With Oshi-ad, this can be done entirely online.
Step 5: Placement and Sharing on Social Media
Once the ad is placed, take photos at the location and share them on social media. Spreading the word within the EXO-L community allows you to share the joy with many other fans.
What is Oshi-ad?
Oshi-ad (https://app.oshi-ad.com) is a service that allows individuals to place digital signage and other advertisements for their idols, starting from approximately 30,000 JPY.
- Individuals Can Apply: Individual fans can apply directly, not just entertainment agencies or companies.
- Placement in as Little as 1 Week: Due to short lead times, it may be possible to place ads even shortly before a birthday.
- Crowdfunding Function: Participation is possible from 500 JPY per share. Fees are among the lowest in the industry at 10%.
- Guideline Check Support: We provide support for checking agency guidelines, including those of SM Entertainment.
Oshi-ad fully supports the EXO-L community's desire to "express their love for their idol." Please check out our service page: https://app.oshi-ad.com