Lay Criticized for Posting a Message on EXO’s 12th Anniversary?
Netizens are showing mixed reactions towards a message published by Lay to celebrate EXO’s 12th debut anniversary.
On April 9 (Korean time), Lay delivered a voice message through his official SNS in the early morning.
In the message, he said in English, “Hi guys, it’s Lay here. Today marks the 12th anniversary since my debut. I’m grateful to have debuted as a member of EXO, one of the greatest groups in the world.”
He continued, “I appreciate your love and all the way. This year, I will come back to you with my full English album and concerts, tours. I can’t wait. See you there. Love you guys. Thank you guys always for supporting me.”
Lay, who debuted as an EXO member in 2012, became embroiled in withdrawal controversy since 2016 when he began to miss group schedules.
Initially, it was explained as being due to a hiatus, but the controversy did not subside as he continued to abstain from EXO’s full-group activities over time. Eventually, in 2022, he announced his departure from SM Entertainment and began to stand alone.
Although he did not admit to leaving EXO himself, and still appears as a member of EXO on portal sites, most people see his lack of activities with EXO as practically withdrawing from the group.
Furthermore, SM Entertainment also mentioned the direction of EXO’s activities, referring to the number of members as 8, implying Lay’s withdrawal.
As a result, many netizens show mixed reactions towards Lay’s recent message, with some defending the male idol by saying things like “Since it’s his debut anniversary as EXO, it’s okay for him to mention it” and “It’s not wrong to take care of it since he didn’t leave EXO on bad terms.”
However, many accused Lay of trying to take advantage of EXO before his upcoming activities in Korea and left comments such as “Why speak up on EXO’s anniversary when he didn’t participate in half of the activities?” and “He only mentioned EXO when he’s attempting to be active in Korea”.
