We all know how Kris, Tao and Luhan left Exo. Sometimes I wonder if it is very difficult for Lay to actually stay in Exo. I mean, with all the lawsuits and stuff, we see that SM isn’t exactly the best when it comes to treating some of their idols. I wouldn’t say that our oppas are definitely right, but since they are not the only Chinese members to leave a SM kpop group, I would say SM is at fault to a certain extent. Assuming that what they said during in court is true (all the unfair treatment of Exo-M or Exo Chinese members), then won’t Lay be the member who suffered the most back when the Chinese members left? If the other 3 Chinese members couldn’t endure the discrimination and unfair treatment, then how about Yixing? He definitely experienced it too. But he stayed.
Also, I believe that in a foreign land, the Chinese members were each other’s mental support, even though some Chinese members were close to some of the Korean members. But after all, they all speak Chinese, it was definitely much easier to communicate with fellow Chinese members, and they probably understand each other’s worries and problems more since they are all working and living in a foreign land, and missing their family members. So when all 3 other Chinese members left, Lay probably lost some of his mental support, and I honestly feel bad for him. But maybe because they have already lost 3 members, and didn’t want to lose Lay (not as a fellow colleague, but more as a friend), I feel that the Korean Exo members actually paid more attention to Lay and really treasured him more. I guess it is safe to say he got closer to the members after the others left. Remember Baekhyun’s support for Lay when some “fans” criticised Lay for prioritising his China activities?
Lay has really came a long way since debut. His Korean wasn’t good, i would even say it was probably one of the worse among the Chinese members, and he clearly couldn’t understand what they say on broadcast on several occasions. I would definitely feel uncomfortable if I was placed in his situation, I believe he might have felt that way too. But he endured all these, and he stayed. He stayed despite being placed in a foreign land, in an unfamiliar world, in uncomfortable situations.
There was this interview that he did and he said he wouldn’t leave because he didn’t want SM to lose trust in Chinese members. (This was before Tao left.) Some people were offended by the interview, but I for one, admired him for what he said. And I certainly hope he keeps his promise, which I think he will. But can we take a moment to appreciate how much of an angel he is? Like people are doubting his loyalty for something that wasn’t even distantly related to him. I do see where the Korean members are coming from, though. I have to admit, I would ask the same thing if I were the Korean members, but yes, Lay doesn’t deserve to be doubted, that’s for sure.
After Kris and Luhan left (but before Tao left), Lay asked SM if he could open a studio in China. Some people felt that he was placed in the best situation after Kris and Luhan’s departure, because he could take advantage of the fact that he was one of the two Chinese members left at that time and he was clearly the more outstanding one, TBH. Some also brought up the point that if he left, SM can forget about targeting the Chinese market.
Well, we never know what went on behind the scenes of getting his studio and if he really is the angel that we all think he is. But there is only so much one can do to hide his true personality, and after all these years, Lay has definitely proven himself as someone who can be trusted and admired. And hence, I truly admire Yixing for all that he has endured and his dedication to Exo, especially how he constantly rushed back and forth between Korea and China to fulfil his schedules.
Just like Baekhyun, I will always support him for pursuing his dream and doing what he wants to do.
That being said, I am not blaming the other 3 members who left EXO, because we never know how they were treated. Maybe it was really too much for them to take. Maybe they had other dreams they want to pursue. And maybe they just didn’t have such strong attachment to the group. Of course, I am disappointed that they didn’t stay in EXO because OT12 era was still the best but I’m glad that they are doing what they want to do. And I hope EXO and all ex-EXO members will succeed in their endeavours.
P.S. I saw an article on Luhan and Kris’s legal battle with SM. I thought it ended last year or something, but apparently it’s still going on. I sincerely hope they reach an agreement soon LOL
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