EXO's Lay Apologizes For Missing Fan Meet, Says China Official Schedule Was Unavoidable

Lay, a member of the globally recognized K-pop group EXO, has issued an apology to fans and fellow group members for his unexpected absence from EXO's fan meeting, "EXO'Verse," held on December 14th at the Inspire Arena in Incheon. The announcement of his absence came just hours before the event, leaving many fans disappointed and prompting speculation.

In a message shared on Chinese social media platform Weibo, Lay explained that he had to urgently return to Beijing to attend an important event held by the National Theatre of China. He reassured fans that he had arrived safely and expressed his sincere apologies for any inconvenience caused by his absence. "I sincerely apologize to the members, the agency, and everyone who was inconvenienced by my absence," Lay stated.

SM Entertainment, EXO's agency, also released a statement addressing Lay's absence. They cited "unavoidable circumstances" as the reason for his non-attendance and requested understanding from fans who had been eagerly anticipating the event. The agency did not initially disclose specific details regarding the nature of these circumstances.

The National Theatre of China operates under the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, suggesting the event was of significant importance and his attendance was unavoidable. Lay's commitment to his activities in China, alongside his EXO commitments, has often required him to navigate a complex schedule. Some fans have questioned whether SM Entertainment properly coordinated Lay's schedule, considering his frequent travels between China and South Korea in recent months.

The sudden change in plans sparked considerable discussion among fans and netizens. Many who had traveled to see all six members expressed their disappointment, with some calling for SM Entertainment to issue a formal apology to both Lay and the fans. Some fans are also requesting compensation for expenses incurred beyond the ticket price and raising concerns about resource distribution within the group.

Despite the controversy, the fan meeting proceeded with the remaining members: Suho, Chanyeol, D.O., Kai and Sehun. The event marked EXO's first full-member fan meeting in a year and eight months, heightening anticipation.

Adding to the recent headlines surrounding EXO, the group is preparing for the release of a new full-length album, "REVERXE," slated for release in January 2026. However, Baekhyun, Xiumin and Chen's absence from recent group activities due to ongoing legal matters, coupled with Lay's sudden departure, has fueled speculation among fans regarding the group's current situation.