Based on music alone, does Exo/Red Velvet deserve to be on top of 3rd gen?

I never see one complaints from non fans for their discography, the complaints is always about SM management. Both groups got great Rnb music and vocals. If popularity is just based on music/talents do these SM groups deserve more?

Red Velvet legit has one of the best discographies in KPOP as a whole.

They already have what they deserve. Stop disrespecting these groups.

Red velvet for sure. Exo’s recognition is at par with their discography and vocal abilities.

Some will say yes, some will say no, some just don't care.

Yes

They have some of the best discographies in KPOP and the fact that they have amazing vocalist is a great thing because they can do songs that groups with more limited vocal skills can't do

They are two groups who can do any genre of music and it show through their discographies

Exo no. Red velvet also no but they do have many good songs

Their music isn't that extraordinary

They probably don’t get much complaints (I say much bc pretty sure there have been complaints here and there about their discography especially their atrocious raps) from non fans because they are not much of a threat compared to other top groups. If they had reached the top like BP/Twice for ggs and BTS/Big Bang for bgs, I’m sure you’ll see a lot of complaints like the regular “they don’t deserve it”, “their music is outdated” comments hehe just my take. I know EXO was super popular when they released Growl but it was kind of a one hit wonder and Big Bang still the top group digitally, felt bigger and way more respected than EXO.

Big yes to RV. Their discography is a whole next level.

rv's discography is overrated

As a non fans there is a reason why I don’t like RV or Exo’s music. Regurgitated western knock offs but with worse lyrics isn’t appealing to me. So no their discography isn’t liked by non fans.

How are they on top exactly?

For me yes I like both

Same sentiment when there are far more superior groups like SNSD, Big Bang, etc

Quote from Woman Crush Concept (932)

How are they on top exactly?

That's subjective, but sure