K-pop boy band EXO's Chen to marry 'a precious person in his life': 'Jongdae' trends after announcement
As soon as it was announced that K-pop boy band EXO's member, Chen, was getting married and might even be expecting a baby already with his soon-to-be-wife, the term "Jongdae" started trending on Twitter, which was part of his name, Kim Jong-dae.
The good news was shared in an official statement by SM Entertainment, Chen's management company, which chose not to disclose the name or identity of his girlfriend.
"EXO's Chen has met a precious person in his life to tie the knot with. The bride to be is a non-celebrity, and the wedding will be held in private with families only," the company stated, according to a report in AllKPop. "We ask for your generous understanding to respect the decisions of both families to keep everything related to the marriage in private. Chen will work hard as our artist in the future, as usual. We ask you to send many blessings and congratulations to Chen."
Chen also penned a personalized letter to his fans where he talked about a "blessing" that he was expecting in his life.
"I have a girlfriend, with whom I want to share the rest of my life," read the letter posted on SM Entertainment's official community board. "While I was discussing with other EXO members and the company [SM Entertainment] about delivering the news [of my girlfriend], a blessing came to us. I was taken aback by it but this blessing has given me the strength and the courage to share the news, knowing I couldn't delay the announcement any longer. I'm very grateful to the members of EXO and fans for your support and congratulations," the letter went on.
Although Chen did not mention if his girlfriend was pregnant, many fans deduced from his handwritten letter that it was evident from his words. Most of them flocked to social media to congratulate him on the big announcement.
"You deserve all the happiness in the world Jongdae. I'm so happy for you and hope you & your future wife and also baby Jongdae stay absolutely healthy and safe! I love you, thank you for being such a sweetheart and telling us first!" one fan wrote, while another said, "Oh my gosh? Kim Jongdae, our Chennie is really going to get married? Wow, so surprising but I am so happy congratulations baby! @weareoneEXO #CHEN"