#HelloAgainCHEN! Following his military discharge, EXO Chen heralds his future activities in the music industry. Amid controversies, what will happen to the idol's career in Korea?
On April 25, Chen was reportedly released from the military after serving as a full-time reserve.
He became the fourth person to serve the military in the group after Xiumin, Suho, and D.O. He enlisted in 2020 but was later converted to full-time reserve due to his marriage and his wife giving birth.
Outlet Hints at EXO Chen's Future Activities Amid Divided Opinions on Idol
Following this news, K-pop fans expressed curiosity on what's next for the singer following his discharge.
In particular, Chen announced his surprise wedding and wife's pregnancy in January 2020 through a handwritten letter on Lysn, SM artists' official fan club community.
ALSO READ: #HelloAgainCHEN: Chen's 'Hello' Soars Through Charts Following Military Discharge
While many EXO-Ls (EXO fandom) sent their congratulatory messages to him, some felt "betrayed" that they turned their back on him. At that time, there were also petitions online, demanding his departure from the group.
EXO then attested to remain a solid nine-member group and Chen later on decided to enlist. In January 2022, the news of the birth of his second child was reported.
Due to this, fans' mixed emotions towards him pursuing his career as an idol and singer became stronger, now that he's a father of two with a wife to take care of.
On the same day, Sports DongA hinted at his future activities in Korea and globally, and wrote:
"(Chen's) activities are expected to be focused on overseas for the time being. In Korea, it is more likely that he will focus on music activities such as OST than appearing on television/broadcasts."
EXO Chen To Resume Activities in Japan Through '2022 SMTOWN LIVE at Tokyo'
Just then, SM Entertainment unveiled its concert in Japan on the same day Chen was discharged.
Based on the lineup, the "Beautiful Goodbye" singer decided to resume his career in Japan, instead of Korea, in the meantime. If there will be no individual activities before the concert, the SMTOWN Tokyo concert will be Chen's comeback stage.
Based on the poster of the upcoming concert, "SMTOWN LIVE 2022: SMCU EXPRESS @ TOKYO" will be held offline for the first time in 3 years through a two-day performance at Tokyo Dome on August 27 and 28.
Aside from Chen, Suho and Kai will join him as representatives of EXO. The SMTOWN Tokyo concert lineup also includes Kangta, BoA, TVXQ, Super Junior, Girls' Generation Taeyeon & Hyoyeon, SHINee, Red Velvet, NCT, aespa, Raiden, and Ginjo. In fact, most of the singers from SM Entertainment who are currently active will participate in the concert.
READ MORE: 5 'OST King' EXO Chen Solo Songs That Should be on Your 'Feels' Playlist by Now
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Written by Eunice Dawson
