Former member Zhang Yixing faced a backlash for “accidentally” mentioning EXO at a recent event
On October 4th, Zhang Yixing (Lay) performed at DNA Music & Arts Festival in Guangdong, China. Despite being the headliner at a big event with many audiences, the former SM idol didn’t receive much attention. However, the keyword “Zhang Yixing Almost Mentioned EXO” rose to No.2 on the top searches on Chinese social media along with a video.
While introducing himself at the festival, he almost said, “Hi everyone, I’m EXO’s Lay”. As soon as he mentioned EXO, the male singer suddenly stopped and showed an embarrassed expression.
As the video spread widely, Chinese netizens and overseas K-pop fans poured criticism on Zhang Yixing, pointing out that he was just acting like he accidentally mentioned his former group.
Netizens believe that Zhang Yixing was trying to create a situation to gain fame from the name EXO although he is no longer a member of the group. Even before leaving SM, he had not participated in EXO activities or introduced himself with the name EXO for a long time. This is why his slip of the tongue sounded unnatural to many people.
On the other hand, some fans consider it a small mistake and insist that he only left SM Entertainment and is still a member of EXO, saying “He had used that introduction for 10 years and it’s already in his DNA. Why can’t he mention EXO? He never leaves the group”.
In fact, debates about the relationship between Zhang Yixing and EXO have been raised since a long time ago. In 2022, Zhang Yixing shocked all EXO-Ls (EXO’s fandom) as he announced his departure from SM through a handwritten letter on the day EXO celebrated their 10th debut anniversary. That’s why fans tend to become very sensitive whenever the male singer mentions EXO.
Source: K14
