Lay, the main dancer of EXO, sparked discussion as to whether he's still a member of the group or not after a recent report from its agency in China.

Lay's PR Article Draws Attention After Idol Was Labeled 'Former EXO Member'

Lay, whose exclusive contract with SM Entertainment expired last year, seems to be hinting at his withdrawal from EXO.

In April 2022, the idol officially finished his 10-year relationship with SM Entertainment. Since then, he has been focusing on his solo activities in China including being a producer for his self-established agency, CHROMOSOME.

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With the goal of fully supporting artists who want to take their first steps in the K-pop market, the first artist that they will launch is Le'v, a former participant of Mnet's survival show, "Boys Planet."

Le'v appeared in Mnet's audition program, "Boys Planet" under the name of Wang Zi hao, and is set to make his solo debut in mid-August under his new stage name.

On August 3 then, CHROMOSOME's public relations agency distributed press release articles for the soon-to-debut soloist's activities. The title of the press release is "Produced by former EXO Lay"...Le'v Mini "A.I.BAE. Poca album pre-sale start."

After reading this, the phrase "former EXO member Lay" particularly stood out, which immediately caused confusion among fans since the idol hasn't confirmed that he departed from the group even after parting ways with SM Entertainment.

Is Lay Still Part of EXO? Official Explains Why Idol Was Labeled as 'Former Member'

Currently, if you search Lay on the portal site, he still appears as an EXO member. SM also did not officially announce his departure from the group.

However, the press release wrote "former EXO Lay."

In response, an official said:

"Lay's agency asked the idol to be labeled as a 'former EXO member.' In fact, it is ambiguous because he didn't have many activities in Korea."

Looking back, Lay has not actively participated in EXO's group activities in Korea since 2017. His last participation in EXO's album was in 2021, but it was only done virtually while he was still in China.

Since then, Lay devoted everything to his career in China until he left SM in 2021. Although there is skepticism that he will also leave EXO, he didn't mention anything about leaving the team, aside from the company.

In his handwritten letter, he said:

"Thank you to the EXO members who have always been with me and to the SM company employees who have watched my growth. I sincerely thank the fans for their generous love and support. I think it's time for me to part with SM as an employee. I think it's time for a fresh start at the age of 30.

I will always be with the members and will always be Lay when you need me. Zhang Yixing is like a family living in China. I love you all forever. EXO, let's love."

At that time, he did not make a clear position on whether to withdraw from EXO or continue his activities as an EXO member.

However, at the time, SM also said:

"We are discussing a new type of contract leaving open the possibility of group activities."

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Written by Eunice Dawson.