The plot twist we all need! Amid the rumors that Lay doesn't want to be called "EXO" anymore, the idol quashed speculations by becoming the only one to do the group's "First Snow" challenge among his active co-members!
Lay Becomes 1st EXO Member to Do 'First Snow' Challenge
On December 6, Lay attested to fans that he will always be loyal to EXO after doing the currently popular "First Snow" challenge!
Recalling, EXO released the song in 2013 as part of its winter special EP, "Miracles in December." Every year, around the holiday season, this particular track always climbs at the top of domestic music charts especially when Christmas approaches.
10 years later, in 2023, this song isn't only trendy among Korean fans but it's also widely popular among international fans, especially on TikTok.
On this video-sharing platform, not only fans but K-pop idols also welcome the Christmas holiday by doing the so-called "First Snow" challenge, where one dances a certain choreography.
However, among celebrities who did the challenge, one particularly became a hot topic — and it is none other than one of its original singers, Zhang Yixing (Lay)!
@layzhang #malaysia ♬ 첫눈챌린지 - 황세훈
While in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia for his fan meeting and music listening party, Lay filmed the challenge and wrote, "I'm here."
Upon uploading it, it quickly garnered 1.1 million views, and about 300k likes and became a hot topic on various social media sites.
EXO is 9: Lay Dispels Rumors He Left Group By Doing 'First Snow' Challenge
EXO-Ls/Eris and XBacks were touched by the video, as he not only did the group's challenge as a gift to fans, but he is also the first one to make it.
With this, he quashed speculations that he is planning to leave EXO to focus on his solo career in China.
In particular, it has been years since Lay was actively promoted with the group; thus, there are negative views about him that he's abandoning the group for his personal career while riding the coattails of EXO's fame.
Just recently, it became a huge controversy after his PR article stated that he "doesn't want to be called EXO" anymore.
But he proved that it was a far-fetched rumor by doing the challenge and expressed his love for the group by adding an "E-X-O" hand sign at the end.
Upon watching this, fans can't help but feel emotional and grateful to him, leaving comments such as:
- "The person they kept pushing out of EXO is the first member to do the challenge."
- "The E-X-O hand at the end to shut you all up."
- "EXO is 9!"
- "Finally, an EXO member does this trend."
- "I hope you all support Lay not because he is an EXO member but because he's Zhang Yixing."
- "Thank you, our world is healing."
READ MORE: EXO Baekhyun Fulfills 'First Snow' Promise to EXO-Ls in New Instagram Reels
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Written by Eunice Dawson.
