EXO member Lay has announced that he is parting ways with SM Entertainment in a handwritten letter.
Keep on reading to know more.
EXO Lay Parts Ways With SM Entertainment Amid Group's 10th Anniversary
EXO celebrates their 10th anniversary today since their debut back in 2012.
On April 8 KST, the group's Chinese member Lay - also known as Zhang Yixing or Lay Zhang - has announced his departure from SM Entertainment through his social media after being with the label for more than 10 years.
Over on Lay's social media, he shared two photos of his handwritten letter, with one being in Korean and the other in English.
EXO Lay's handwritten letter announcing his departure from SM Entertainment
In his letter written in English, Lay wrote:
"Ten years of growth. Thank you all. Thank you to my EXO brothers for your company and encouragement. Thanks to my colleagues at SM for witnessing every step of my growth and achievement. Thank you to all of my fans for your unconditional love and support. It's time to say goodbye as an employee of SM. It's also my new beginning as a 30-year-old. But I will always be the Lay when my members need me. I'm your family member in China, Zhang Yixing. Love you forever~ EXO Let's love."
Following the announcement of his departure from the Big 4 label, in which he began his career from, many fans expressed both sadness and happiness over Lay's decision.
EXO fans, known as EXO-Ls, took to Twitter to express their sadness that Lay left SM Entertainment on the day of the group's 10th anniversary, and that he will no longer be under the same company as the rest of the members.
But many have also shown their support for Lay, stating that they are happy he is finally "free." They thanked the Chinese idol for staying with them throughout the years. As Lay is no longer under SM Entertainment, he is also able to do whatever he wants in the future.
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EXO Lay
It is worth noting, however, that Lay's departure from SM Entertainment does not mean he has also left EXO, and that he is still part of the group.
EXO Lay Drops Surprise Single 'JIU' Following Departure
Following his announcement, Lay surprised fans when he dropped a new single on the same day, with a song called "JIU."
The three minutes and six-second Chinese song features Lay and his conversations with his fellow EXO members.
The different conversations includes the members calling Lay to wish him a happy new year, to ask where he is, if he's eaten, and to wish him well.
The song is currently available on Spotify.
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Written by Robyn Joan
