While the group EXO's member Chen delivered a surprise marriage news, a request for his retirement emerged on January 15, sparking controversy. The sudden announcement of the wedding sent cheers and congratulations from the online community, however, some expressed disappointment and also issued statements calling for their expulsion.
On an Instagram post, "I appreciate the members who congratulated me with all their heart and thanked my fans for giving me enough love. I will do my best to repay your love," he said, expressing his affection for EXO members and fans.
The agency SM Entertainment said, "Chen will meet and get married to a precious bride who is a non-entertainer, and the wedding will be attended by only the two families and held in reverence," they said.
"Under the family's will, everything related to the wedding will be held behind closed doors. In the future, Chen will continue to reward her with her unwavering hard work as an artist," the agency added.
However, Chen's sudden announcement of his marriage showed disappointment among some fans and called for him to leave. The online community EXO Gallery even had a request to leave.
An online community EXO gallery recently posted a statement saying that it does not support member Chen's choice and that it feels unfair to act under EXO's name and demands his withdrawal. In the report, the group EXO also blasted Chen for having a selfish choice that not only breaks his trust with his fans but also feels no minimum consideration for the group, saying his supporters and members have kept the name despite many difficulties he has experienced since his debut.
Meanwhile, there are now moves in the community to have EXO fans put "Chen's Withdrawal" on the real-time search keyword. On the other hand, there are still postings advocating Chen, saying, "What sin is marriage?"
The exit paper, titled "Exo Chen's Statement of Demolition" said, Chen's move "is a selfish choice that not only undermines trust with fans but does not feel the least consideration for the group," stressing that Chen is not qualified to be with his fiancée in the future. He also criticized Chen for demanding SM Entertainment to announce its position as soon as possible. Meanwhile, SM Entertainment does not offer any particular area regarding the exit statement.
Moreover, several fans were selling out their Chen's merchandises including photocards to online buyer-seller sites in social media, as a form to say that they will be quitting as the idol's fan, and from now on, they will be boycotting any of his schedules.
Various online communities are drawing attention on Monday as photos of the interior, including the bedroom and living room of the house believed to be Chen's newlywed home, have been released. The writer also carried the brand of furniture unveiled by a woman believed to be Chen's girlfriend. In particular, the bed was made by Austrian luxury furniture brand Whitman, reportedly priced at 53 million won.
