EXO returns to declare war on BTS, 3 members removed, Lay causes controversy

SM Entertainment caused a stir in the Kpop fan community when they announced that EXO would be holding a special fan meeting after many years. However, netizens noticed that the event was missing three familiar names: Baekhyun , Chen, and Xiumin.

It is known that this is the group's first large-scale activity after a long hiatus due to personal schedules, military service, and contract disputes between some members and their management company.

According to the announcement, after the fan meeting event, EXO will release their 8th studio album in the first quarter of 2026, marking the 14th anniversary of the famous SM group. However, instead of returning with the usual 8-member lineup, EXO's comeback this time will be with a special lineup of 6 members: Suho, Chanyeol, Kai, Sehun, DO and Lay (Truong Nghe Hung) - a Chinese member who left SM in 2022.

The news that Lay would return to work with EXO after a 4-year absence surprised the fan community. Because since April 2022, after Lay announced the end of his contract with SM Entertainment on the 10th anniversary of EXO's debut, he has hardly participated in any group activities. Lay's move to leave SM at that time disappointed many Korean and international fans, who thought that he had "completely cut off" from the group.

However, according to the latest information, Lay has not officially announced his departure from EXO. He still maintains a close relationship with the members. Sehun, who has just completed his military service, even flew to China to cheer on Lay's concert, showing that the affection between the members is still very close.

SM's decision to allow Lay to return to the "EXO'verse" fan-meeting is considered by many to be a strategic move to re-expand EXO's influence in the Chinese market.

Besides Lay's notable comeback, fans are also regretful that the three members Chen, Baekhyun and Xiumin (from EXO's group CBX) will not participate in the upcoming album and promotions.

The reason is that all three are involved in a legal dispute with SM Entertainment regarding the terms of their exclusive contract. This is also an incident that has caused a stir in the Korean entertainment industry for a long time, because Baekhyun, Chen and Xiumin are all vocal pillars of the group. The absence of two of the three main vocalists is predicted to have a significant impact on the upcoming album.

However, SM affirmed that the group still maintains solidarity, and the members participating in the new album are trying their best to bring a well-received product, responding to the love of fans after a long wait.

After leaving SM, Zhang Yixing (Lay) returned to China to pursue independent artistic activities. He quickly established himself as a multi-talented artist, singing, composing, acting and producing.

Recently, Lay made a big splash with his tour held at the Bird's Nest Stadium (Beijing) - the venue of the 2008 Olympics. The concert was directed by Zhang Yimou, opening with the performance "Painting" with spectacular LED effects, recreating the spirit of the Olympic opening ceremony.

Thanks to his prestige and strong appeal, Lay is currently a top star in China, possessing a huge fan base. Experts say that SM's "collaboration" with Lay in the EXO project is not only an artistic move, but also a business strategy. EXO's comeback this time also reminds many people of BTS's upcoming comeback. Is it possible that the duo of Kpop's "arch-rivals" are about to re-fight and confront each other?

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