EXO’s Chinese member Lay has issued an apology after his sudden absence from a scheduled fan meeting.
EXO held their fan meeting titled “EXO’verse” twice on the afternoon of the 14th, at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., at Inspire Arena in Incheon. As the group’s first full-member fan meeting in one year and eight months, the event had generated significant anticipation. Originally, Suho, Chanyeol, D.O., Kai, Sehun, and Lay were all scheduled to attend; however, news broke on the day of the event that Lay would not be participating.
SM Entertainment announced via the fan community, “Due to unavoidable circumstances, member Lay was unable to attend the fan meeting,” adding, “We ask for your understanding as we inform you of this sudden change after fans have waited and shown their support for such a long time.”
As no specific reason for his absence was initially disclosed, various speculations circulated. Recently, reports have suggested that relations between China and Japan have sharply deteriorated, with restrictions involving Korea and Japan allegedly being enforced more strictly. This led to speculation that Lay’s Korean activities may have been curtailed as well.
Later, Lay addressed the situation through China’s social media platform Weibo, stating, “I had to urgently return to Beijing to attend an important event held by the National Peking Opera Company,” and reassured fans by saying, “I arrived safely, so please don’t worry.”
He went on to apologize for missing the fan meeting, saying, “I sincerely apologize to the members, the agency, and everyone who was inconvenienced by my absence.”
Written by Heo Ji Hyeong
Translated by Lee So Yun
