Will there be no OT9 EXO? Update on how Lay can still be in EXO despite leaving SM
This is definitely not how EXO-Ls expected to start their day celebrating the 10th Anniversary of the boy group since their debut back in 2012. EXO debuted initially as 12 members with eight Korean members and four Chinese members. After the departure of three out of four Chinese members like Luhan, Kris Wu, and Tao; Lay (aka Zhang Yixing) was the only member of the boy group from China. On April 8, Lay shocked fans by stating that he will no longer be a part of EXO’s label but SM Entertainment’s new statement gives hope to OT9 enthusiasts.
The current lineup of EXO consisted of five Korean active members, Xiumin, Suho, and D.O. who have already completed their military enlistments. They are joined by maknaes Kai and Sehun who are yet to enlist. With Lay on the list, EXO presently had six active members but because he has been in China for a while now, he's an on and off member of the boy group. With Baekhyun, Chen, and Chanyeol who are currently in the military, the total number of EXO members had been nine including Lay but it seems like the Chinese member will no longer be a part of SM Entertainment.
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EXO’s Lay announces his exit from SM Entertainment
On April 8, the same day as EXO’s 10th anniversary since its debut, Lay takes to his Instagram account to write a heartfelt note to fans of the 2012 boy group and thank them for their dedication to him over the last 10 years. He also thanked the members of EXO for their growth and encouragement over the years. Lay then shared his gratitude towards his peers and colleagues from SM Entertainment.
Zhang Yixing who goes by the stage name, Lay, then stated that now, “it was time to say goodbye to SM Entertainment as their employee.” Lay stated that he has started a new journey in his life as a 30-year-old and after the end of his 10-year contract with SM Entertainment, he is finally willing to bid the label a farewell after a decade with the company.
Will Lay leave EXO or stay?
It was in Lay’s note to fans itself that he clarified that he is only departing from the label, SM Entertainment, and not from his boy group EXO. This means that despite leaving the label SM Entertainment, he will still be a part of EXO. This means EXO will still be OT9, made of nine members in total. Lay stated that although he is starting a new phase in his life as Zhang Yixing, a 30-year-old man, he will still remain the Lay that he is and will promptly be ready to deliver whenever the members of his boy group need him. Lay stated that he was, is, and will remain a part of EXO and will be like a ‘family member from China’ to EXO and EXO-Ls.
SM Entertainment shares a new update regarding Lay’s position
While there has been a lot of buzz regarding Lay’s sudden exit from SM Entertainment, the label themselves shared their official position regarding Lay’s position in the future. SM Entertainment stated that their existing 10-year contract with Lay (Zhang Yixing) had expired but the label is currently discussing a new type of contract with the Chinese member. While there is not much detail about the type of contract SM will extend with Lay, it is believed that Lay will have a much more relaxed contract with the label which allows him to be a part of EXO’s group activities when he is available considering his busy schedule due to his solo promotions in China.