Although both members expressed their desire to launch their own companies while promoting as EXO, Baekhyun is being labeled as a "traitor" while Lay is being called a "loyal man."

Korean news outlets explained the reason.

EXO Lay Praised for Loyalty Amid EXO Baekhyun's Conflict With SM

Among EXO, there are two members who expressed their desire to become producers, including Lay and Baekhyun. However, they were receiving different feedback from EXO-Ls for THIS reason.

Starting with Lay, the idol has already completed his first production in China and is about to debut his first idol Le'v under his own label CHROMOSOME.

Although he already left SM Entertainment in 2022, fans are calling him a "loyal man" for continuously showing support to EXO and his co-members. 

ALSO READ: 'Lay Wants to Be Called Former EXO': Did Idol Hint at His Withdrawal From Group?

Looking back on 2014-2015, there were concerns that Lay would also leave the group after other former Chinese members Luhan, Kris, and Tao parted ways with EXO and the company.

His activities with the group also became rare since 2017, but Lay still cheered for the members even with their military enlistments, and fulfilled his 10-year contract with the company until then.

In response, fans are praising his loyalty.

"Although there were few activities, Lay remained loyal until the end."

They also commend him for maintaining a good relationship with the company until the end by showing gratitude for seeing their growth over the past decade.

EXO Baekhyun Labeled as 'Traitor' – Media Explains Why

Lay's move was then compared to EXO Baekhyun, who confirmed his plans to launch his solo company and One Signature, a label for dancers and choreographers.

He attested to fans that he will continue to promote EXO and claimed that the company already agreed to it, but SM Entertainment denied that they know it beforehand and embarrassingly said that they got to know it through the articles.

This added to their conflict involving EXO-CBX (Chen, Baekhyun, Xiumin), who initially filed a lawsuit against SM to terminate their contracts due to unfair clauses and overdue payments.

The case escalated when it was claimed that they were trying to leave the company for a different agency, then involving MC Mong and Big Planet Made (BPM).

However, it was immediately denied by the third parties involved.

Amid different stories, fans could not hide their anger.

• "Is it a lie, saying it was agreed with SM?"
• "It's betrayal."
• "You should rather cancel the contract and just pay the penalty."
• "(Baekhyun) You really dropped this issue prior to EXO's comeback and you expect us to support you? Because of you, we got a shitty album promotion."

People are particularly calling Baekhyun a "traitor" for not thinking about how his actions will affect EXO and criticized him for not finishing the contract smoothly and cleanly.

Supporters are also unhappy with the series of rumors about their withdrawal and disbandment.

READ MORE: EXO Baekhyun Being Compared to Ex-SNSD Jessica Amid Contract, Business Issue With SM Entertainment

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Written by Eunice Dawson.