Did SM hint at Lay's departure from EXO?

Although D.O., EXO-CBX (Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin) will pursue their solo careers outside SM Entertainment, the label confirmed that EIGHT members without the mention of Lay will remain as a group.

(Photo : Lay, EXO (Kpopping))

On January 8, news outlet Maeil Kyungjae released SM Entertainment's official statement regarding EXO's future. This is in response to EXO-CBX's departure from the company following D.O.

In context, Baekhyun recently launched an independent label, I&B100, and decided to recruit Chen and Xiumin. This was revealed three months after D.O. also established the one-man company SooSoo, along with his former manager.

SM Announces EXO Will Continue as OT8 Despite Members' Solo Endeavors

(Photo : EXO (News 1)

With their departure from SM, there are concerns about what will happen to EXO as a group. In light of this, SM Entertainment attested to fans especially to EXO-Ls/Eris that EXO will continue their group promotions with eight members.

"In the future, all eight members of EXO will continue to work together as EXO. We plan to meet the fans through various activities such as EXO fan meetings scheduled in April as well as introducing new music and performances."

(Photo : Facebook: EXO)

ALSO READ: EXO-CBX to Promote Under Baekhyun's Company + Official Statement

SM then briefly explained the status of members' contracts, saying:

"The exclusive contracts with members who have renewed their contracts are still valid, and D.O. (Do Kyungsoo), whose exclusive contract has ended, also agreed to participate in EXO activities, and is continuing to discuss future schedules.

 In the case of Chen (Kim Jongdae), Baekhyun (Byun Baekhyun), and Xiumin (Kim Minseok), we have mutually agreed that artists can proceed separately for individual activities under the above exclusive contract."

SM once again affirmed fans that EXO will not disband and asked for continuous support from the fans:

"As before, EXO plans to communicate with fans with good music and performances, so please show a lot of interest and support for the members' activities. We will work harder and support EXO and each member's activities and growth."

What Will Happen to EXO Lay? Member's Status Questioned Following SM's Announcement

(Photo : exo2020reborn)
EXO

As Eris rejoiced about this news, some were confused and got worried since EXO is a 9-member group. OT9 fans were disappointed that SM didn't mention Lay's future as EXO and only confirmed eight-member group activities.

Although Lay officially left SM in 2022 and was removed from their website, he didn't confirm departure from EXO, neither SM.

(Photo : EXO Lay (Instagram))

Currently, Lay is pursuing his solo career in China as a solo artist, CEO of his own labels, a model, global ambassador, MC, mentor, and many more.

Nevertheless, the idol would still often show unrelenting love and support to his group such as mentioning EXO in his interviews or being the first member to join their recent TikTok trend, "First Snow," in December 2023.

Eris are pissed that SM failed to acknowledge Lay as EXO in their statement, while other fans are worrying about whether this is a subtle hint that Lay already left the group.

(Photo : Twitter: @fujidafau)
'EXO IS NINE'

READ MORE: Lay Becomes 1st Member to Do EXO's 'First Snow' Challenge: 'E-X-O hand at the end to shut you all up...'

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Written by Eunice Dawson.