Lay (Zhang Yixing), a Chinese member of the K-pop group EXO, has confirmed his sudden absence from the fan meeting and departure to China in the early morning, leading to speculation about the circumstances surrounding it. His agency, SM Entertainment, stated it was due to "personal reasons," but cautious analyses suggest it may be related to the recent intensified actions by Chinese authorities against overseas activities.
Lay was scheduled to appear at the EXO fan meeting 'EXO'verse' at Incheon Inspire Arena on the 14th. However, despite participating in rehearsals until the 13th after entering Korea, he suddenly announced his absence on the day of the event, leaving fans in shock.
SM Entertainment also could not hide its surprise and issued an urgent notice on the fan community Weverse that day. SM stated, "Due to unavoidable circumstances, Lay was unable to attend the fan meeting," and requested understanding for the sudden change in participating members. They also added that ticket cancellations due to the change in members would be fully refunded without any fees.
There are cautious observations that Lay's sudden absence may reflect the intentions of the Chinese side. After completing rehearsals on the 13th, he reportedly received contact from the Chinese side and immediately notified SM of his absence before boarding a flight to China early on the 14th.
An insider familiar with the Korean and Chinese entertainment markets stated, "With the recent intensification of the Korean Wave ban and now the Japan-Korea ban, there are discussions that the Communist Party is monitoring not only the activities of foreign entertainers in China but also the overseas activities of famous Chinese entertainers." They analyzed, "Lay likely knew the shock his absence would cause the fandom, yet left without a convincing explanation from SM, indicating there must be a significant reason behind it."
In fact, Lay is known as a prominent entertainer actively involved in Communist Party activities, having tested fans on the history of the Chinese Communist Party during an online birthday live broadcast in 2021. Therefore, if Lay received any indications from Chinese authorities regarding EXO's activities, it would have been difficult for him to make a decision that contradicts that.
When asked about the exact reason for Lay's absence, SM maintained its position, stating, "We have only heard that there are personal circumstances."
Meanwhile, with Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin absent, Lay's sudden departure has turned the event into a 'half event,' and the fan meeting proceeded with only five members: Suho, Chanyeol, D.O., Kai, and Sehun.
