This is the Reason Why "KimJongdaeWife" Trended in China
Recently, EXO's Chanyeol and Sehun (who make the EXO sub-unit, EXO-SC) did a live stream of them playing League of Legends. SM Entertainment has idols participate in gaming video, which they call SM Super Idol League. The games are usually done in Chinese, and though they speak Korean, they have a translator with them to translate what they say to Mandarin. It is promoted in China and is enjoyed by fans there.
Other idols who are part of the SM Super Idol League include EXO's Baekhyun and Super Junior's Heechul.
During the game, the user who ranked number one has the username "KimJongdaeWife." However, at the end of the game, players who ranked 2nd-10th were called, but the 1st placer's username was skipped.
When fans realized it, they started making posts on Weibo. It soon circulated on Korean forum sites, in which netizens reacted to the username.
Kim Jongdae is the real name of EXO's Chen, who made headlines earlier this year for announcing his marriage to his non-celebrity girlfriend.
Plenty of fans stated that the username is actually popular and has been recognized by the EXO members themselves several times. One netizen said, "That nickname is always #1 in Chinese game broadcasts, huh? I feel bad for the fans and the members."
Meanwhile, some netizens said that changing one's username online as the "wife" of an EXO member is a popular activity among fans. This made several internet users feel sorry for the fan who must have liked Chen a lot. However, others wondered if the user chose that username only to spite EXO and EXO's Chen.
Upon Chen's marriage announcement, and despite the members themselves and SM Entertainment stating that nothing will change in EXO's lineup, many Korean fans expressed concerns regarding the group's image, saying that it's unfair how Chen "hides" behind his members.
They also claim that his active members are the ones suffering the most from his marriage news since they are promoting and that his marriage is always being mentioned.
"It's crazy, seriously. Kim Jongdae is hiding behind his members. Just leave and go solo." said one K-netizen.
It also reached the extent that K-netz called for Chen's withdrawal from EXO, saying that he had caused damage to the reputation of his members who didn't do anything. Others called for his expulsion, claiming that there was a break of trust between him as an artist and his fans.
On January 13, 2020, Chen announced in a handwritten letter that he will be getting married to his non-celebrity girlfriend. But prior to this announcement, he didn't and never mentioned being in a relationship.
In his letter, he also revealed that his girlfriend was pregnant, causing fans to be upset. K-netizens ridiculed Chen for having a child before marriage, and many are under the impression he proposed is because of the child.
The two were wed in a private ceremony only attended to by friends and family. Details on the location and when it was held were kept private, in consideration of the wife's family, who are not in the limelight.
In April 2020, he became the father of a daughter, as per the confirmation of SM Entertainment. He is the first EXO member to be married and to be a father.
Chen debuted in EXO in 2012 as the main vocalist. Initially, he debuted in EXO-M, EXO's sub-group that promoted in China. He maintained his position when EXO-K and EXO-M merged. He debuted as a soloist in 2019 with his album "April, and a Flower."
