EXO's Lay Abruptly Withdraws from Fan Meeting, Departs for China on Event Day

Group EXO member Lay has caused disappointment among fans by abruptly notifying of his withdrawal from the fan meeting on the day of the event and subsequently departing for China.

His agency, SM Entertainment, announced Lay's absence through an urgent notice on the morning of the 14th. Lay was scheduled to perform at the ‘2025 EXO FANMEETING ’EXO‘verse’ held at Inspire Arena in Yeongjongdo, Incheon, on this day. However, on the morning of the 14th, the day of the event, he urgently departed for Beijing, China, via Incheon International Airport.

Consequently, the fan meeting, scheduled for two sessions at 2 PM and 7 PM, will proceed with only five members: Suho, Chanyeol, D.O., Kai, and Sehun, excluding Lay. With the prior exclusion of Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin (CBX) from the lineup due to disagreements with the agency, Lay's departure means EXO will ultimately perform as a five-member group.

Industry sources report that Lay had participated in rehearsals on the previous day, the 13th, and had completed preparations for the performance, adding to the mystery surrounding his sudden departure. The organizers have only stated 'unavoidable circumstances' without disclosing specific reasons for his flight.

This fan meeting marks EXO's first solo event in one year and eight months and had generated high expectations from fans with the preview of new songs from their upcoming 8th full-length album, slated for release in 2026. However, the news of Lay's absence on the day of the event has left fans with a sense of regret.

Fans are expressing shock and confusion over Lay's sudden absence. Comments range from "What on earth is going on?" to "So we'll only see 5 members in the end?", reflecting both disappointment and concern.