EXO’s Lay Returns To China, Misses “EXO’verse” Fan Meeting

EXO member Lay did not perform at the group’s fan meeting in Korea on December 14. The singer had to fly back to China that morning due to an unexpected situation. The fan meeting, called “EXO’verse,” went ahead with the five other members.

SM Entertainment, EXO’s agency, confirmed Lay’s trip. They told media that it was “true that Lay departed for China today” but did not explain why. The agency announced the change to fans on the community platform Weverse earlier that day.

The group was scheduled to hold two fan meetings at the INSPIRE Arena in Incheon, South Korea, starting at 2 p.m. Korea Standard Time. Members Suho, Chanyeol, D.O., Kai, and Sehun performed as planned.

Sudden Change After Final Rehearsal

Reports say the schedule change was very sudden. Lay had finished rehearsing for the fan meeting on Friday, December 13. Shortly after the rehearsal ended, he reportedly got a contact from China. He then told SM Entertainment he could not attend the event and flew to China early on Saturday morning.

The agency’s official statement to fans called the situation “unavoidable circumstances”. They asked for understanding from fans, known as EXO-L, who had waited a long time for the event. They also offered full refunds for anyone who wanted to cancel their ticket because of the change.

Lay’s History With EXO And Group Comeback Plans

Lay’s participation in this fan meeting was special for fans. He is the only Chinese member still active with EXO. He did not renew his exclusive contract with SM Entertainment in April 2022 but promised to continue with EXO when his schedule allowed.

This fan meeting was meant to be a preview of more group activities. EXO has not had a full group comeback since July 2023. The group’s activities slowed as members completed their required military service. The last member finished his service in September 2025.

The “EXO’verse” event was a lead-up to a larger comeback. SM Entertainment has announced that EXO is preparing its eighth studio album for release in early 2026. Lay is expected to be part of that album release.

Fans React To Missing Members

The fan meeting announcement initially caused mixed feelings. While fans were excited to see Lay, they were also disappointed that members Baekhyun, Chen, and Xiumin (the sub-unit CBX) were not included. These three members are in a legal dispute with SM Entertainment over their contracts.

One fan wrote online, “I understand that it can’t be, but I want my complete EXO. I want CBX”. This sentiment was common among followers hoping to see all nine original members together again.

With Lay’s last-minute absence, the fan meeting proceeded with only five of EXO’s nine members. This continues a period where the full group has not performed together for several years.

Ongoing Speculation And Official Silence

The specific reason for Lay’s urgent return to China is not public. SM Entertainment has not provided details beyond citing “unavoidable circumstances”. Some reports speculate the sudden trip could be related to political factors between China and South Korea.

Lay maintains a busy career in China as a solo artist, actor, and variety show personality. Managing schedules between his activities in China and group commitments in Korea has always been a complex task, especially since he is no longer under an exclusive contract with SM.

SM Entertainment’s statement said: “Due to unavoidable circumstances, member Lay will inevitably be unable to participate in the fan meeting. To the fans who have waited for a long time and shown their support, we ask for your understanding.”

EXO’s next scheduled group activity is their eighth studio album, set for release in the first quarter of 2026.

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