Suho and Chanyeol set the stage ablaze as they represented EXO with an electrifying remake of H.O.T.'s iconic anthem "Get It Up!" during SMTOWN Live 2025 in Seoul—with a surprise cheerleader from the audience.
Although Baekhyun, Chen, Xiumin, Kai, D.O., and Sehun couldn't make it to the January 11 and 12 event due to their busy schedules, Lay made a special appearance to cheer on the duo.
At the venue, he was visibly enjoying the show as he sang along to the performances. But his enthusiasm hit a fever pitch when Suho and Chanyeol finally took the stage to deliver a thrilling rendition of H.O.T.'s classic alongside their group and solo hits.
EXO's Lay cheer for Suho and Chanyeol during The First Snow. pic.twitter.com/2D9gVCDMCn
— About Music (@AboutMusicYT) January 11, 2025
Lay leaving South Korea today. He flew all the way from China to support Chanyeol and Suho last night 🥹 Thank you for coming, Lay. He is a true symbol of what it means to stay loyal and connected, no matter where life takes you. Precious Yixing, love you always 💜 pic.twitter.com/0icZSHXWKJ
— ☁️🍒🐚 (@nura_z93) January 12, 2025
The highlight came when Lay attested that "EXO is Nine" in a heartfelt Instagram post.
After Day 1 of the concert, he shared a muted clip of leader Suho perfecting his dance moves backstage.
"He's tooooooooo serious, our leader," Lay captioned, writing nine letter "o's" to seemingly signify EXO's current members.
LAY ins pic.twitter.com/Y0GhVNvrIR
— 'KNOCK KNOCK!' (@knockknock0408) January 11, 2025
He also shared a photo with Suho and Chanyeol.
"See you next time. We are one! Brothers forever," Lay wrote, squashing any rumors of his exit.
"I love you, brother," replied Chanyeol in a repost.
CHANYEOL ins pic.twitter.com/aJoav76IJq
— 'KNOCK KNOCK!' (@knockknock0408) January 12, 2025
Following the mini-reunion, EXO's fans, collectively known as EXO-Ls/Eris, flooded X to express their excitement.
"L in Lay stands for Loyalty," one fan chimed in.
"This is so precious," another Eri added.
Prior to the event, a post from a Korean community forum ignited fury from EXO-Ls when the Chinese singer was labeled as a "former EXO member."
This assumption stemmed from his departure from SM Entertainment in 2022 during EXO's 10 anniversary. His last official participation with the group was in 2021 for their special EP "Don't Fight the Feeling."
However, the fandom was quick to correct the mistake, recalling the times Lay expressed his love for his group.
Beyond EXO, Lay is focused on his vibrant solo career in China while eyeing global expansion. Yet, he never forgets his roots as he consistently expresses his affection for his "brothers."
On January 3, he hinted at the possibility of a full-group reunion once Sehun gets discharged from the military in September.
