EXO fans are expressing outrage over a new comeback stage promotional video that includes all the members of the SM Entertainment group except for Chinese member Lay.
The exclusion is perhaps even more disappointing given Lay's recent heartfelt apology to his group members and fans for being absent during their "EXODUS" album promotions due to solo activities in China.
"Wow this is tearing me up inside. Even during his solo performance at their concert people were turning off their light sticks. Why do they treat him like he doesn't exist," said one Netizen (via Koreaboo).
Some are suggesting that Lay's absence from the promotional video is likely due to his inability to join the group in the upcoming promotion of their latest single "Sing For You." However, one fan believes that is not an excuse.
"That's not the point. Even when EXO was promoting 'Call Me Baby' or 'Love Me Right,' all the comeback teasers had Lay in it. Even if he promoted only once or twice. This time they really cut him off," said Larissa Paixao.
EXO's comeback stage began this weekend with a performance of "Sing For You" on "Music Core." The group will then make appearances on "Inkigayo" and promote a second single entitled "Unfair" sometime in the coming weeks.
EXO's special winter album "Sing For You" was released on Dec. 10 and managed to top several music charts on iTunes within one day of its release. According to Soompi, it was 13 on the worldwide iTunes Chart with number one spots in Thailand, Hong Kong, Macao, and Vietnam. The album was also featured on the Apple Music homepage in both the U.S. and Japan.
Though there still seems to be some trouble for EXO's Lay in regards to scheduling, it is clear that fans would still like him to be included in spirit.
