On the 23rd, Lay posted a photo with Chanyeol on his Instagram story. He also shared pictures with Xiumin and Zhou Mi and mentioned eating a cake gifted by Chanyeol with Xiumin.
Netizens reacted by saying, “Although he’s not active with EXO, he’s on the album covers, appears in music videos, has photocards, donated during COVID-19, participated in the ‘First Snow’ challenge before EXO, and members come to his concerts – no business, yes friendship,” “A truly unique and interesting group,” and “It’s amazing how they remain close despite not being active together for a long time.”
On the 22nd and 23rd, Lay held the ‘LAY ZHANG WORLD TOUR GRANDLINE4: STEP IN SEOUL’ concert at the Olympic Handball Gymnasium in Seoul.
During the concert, he played the piano and sang EXO’s ‘Call Me Baby’ and ‘First Snow,’ eliciting cheers from the audience. He also referred to the fans as “Aeri,” the nickname for EXO’s official fandom name “EXO-L.”
He told fans holding EXO light sticks to hold them proudly and said he knows they support him.
He also mentioned, “Korea is where my dreams began, so it is precious and important to me. I definitely wanted to come for this tour.”
In addition to Chanyeol and Xiumin, Sehun also attended Lay’s concert.
Lay debuted in 2012 as a member of SM Entertainment’s group EXO-M. He was active in various countries, including Korea, as an EXO member.
In 2015, Zhang Yixing established his personal studio and started missing domestic schedules. From 2017, he did not participate in regular album activities but did take part in some activities.
In 2021, he participated in EXO’s special album ‘DON’T FIGHT THE FEELING’ after about two years and seven months but left the team the following year as his exclusive contract with the agency expired.
Previously, EXO’s Chinese members Tao, Kris, and Luhan faced criticism for violating their contracts during their activities. Although Lay did not actively participate in the group’s activities in Korea, he appears to maintain his friendship with the members.
In April, he joined hands with n.CH Entertainment and released ‘STEP’ on the 14th, resuming his activities in Korea.