Lay, the Chinese member of the group EXO, has issued an apology after his sudden absence from a scheduled fan meeting.
EXO held their fan meeting titled “EXO’verse” at Inspire Arena in Incheon on the 14th, with two sessions at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. The event drew significant anticipation as it marked the group’s first full-member fan meeting in one year and eight months. Originally, Suho, Chanyeol, D.O., Kai, Sehun, and Lay were all expected to attend; however, news broke on the day of the event that Lay would be unable to participate.
SM Entertainment announced via the fan community, “Due to unavoidable circumstances, member Lay was regrettably unable to attend the fan meeting,” adding, “We ask for your understanding regarding the sudden change in members for an event that fans have waited for and supported over a long period of time.”
As no specific reason for Lay’s absence was initially disclosed, various speculations emerged. In particular, reports suggested that relations between China and Japan had recently deteriorated sharply, with claims that restrictions on Korea–Japan relations were being reinforced, leading to conjecture that Lay’s Korean activities may have been affected as well. Subsequently, Lay addressed the issue through China’s social media platform Weibo, stating, “I had to urgently return to Beijing to attend an important event held at the National Theatre of China,” and reassured fans by saying, “I arrived safely, so please don’t worry.”
He went on to apologize for missing the fan meeting, saying, “I sincerely apologize to the members, the agency, and everyone who was inconvenienced by my absence.”


Written by Heo Ji Hyeong 
Translated by Lee So Yun