Former EXO member Lay, also known as Jang Yixing, has made headlines with a heartfelt message commemorating the 12th anniversary of his debut.

The message, shared through his official channels in the early hours of the 9th, expressed his joy at debuting as a part of EXO, one of the world's premier music groups.

In his message, delivered in English, Lay expressed gratitude for the support he has received throughout his career.

He also hinted at his upcoming projects, including the release of an English album and plans for concerts and tours. Lay's announcement comes amidst his plans to release a solo album worldwide later this month, signaling his continued dedication to his craft.

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Controversy Surrounding Lay's Departure

Lay, who joined EXO in 2012, has faced scrutiny over his absence from group activities since 2016.

Initially attributed to personal reasons, speculation surrounding Lay's departure intensified over time, leading to his eventual decision to part ways with SM Entertainment on the 10th anniversary of EXO's debut in 2022.

While Lay's departure from EXO was not officially announced, his absence from group activities and changes in his profile indicate that he has indeed moved on from the group.

SM Entertainment's statement regarding EXO's activities, which mentioned eight members, further fueled speculation about Lay's departure.

Mixed Reactions from Netizens

Lay's mention of EXO in his anniversary message has sparked mixed reactions among netizens such as: 

• "Because EXO's debut date is also his own debut date,"
• "It's not like EXO didn't do well, so it's not wrong to take care of it,"
• "Why are you doing this when you haven't been active for half of the time?"
• "Are you taking care of it?"
• "You really did everything except activities."

Comments ranged from expressions of support to skepticism about Lay's commitment to EXO, reflecting the diverse opinions surrounding his departure and subsequent solo endeavors.

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Written by Cassidy Jones.