EXO member Lay, whose real name is Zhang Yixing, announced his departure from his agency SM Entertainment on Friday, April 8, the day of the boy group's 10th debut anniversary.
The sole Chinese member of the group made the announcement through a personal handwritten letter posted on his social media accounts.
In the letter, he gave thanks for “10 years of growth,” to his EXO brothers for their company and encouragement, to his colleagues at SM for “witnessing every step of [his] growth and achievement,” and to his fans for their “unconditional love and support.”
“Thank you to all of my fans for your unconditional love and support. It’s time to say goodbye as an employee of SM,” he told fans.
This decade is one of the greatest gifts I could’ve ever received. pic.twitter.com/7Cmpyygprg
— Lay Zhang (@layzhang) April 8, 2022
Despite leaving the agency, which Lay considers a “new beginning,” he assured that he is not saying goodbye to EXO.
“It’s also my new beginning as a 30-year-old. But I will always be the Lay when my members need me. I’m your family member in China, Zhang Yixing. Love you forever,” he said.
On the same day, the singer also released a song titled "Jiu," which fans refer to as Lay's gift to his members and fans worldwide.
Lay debuted as an EXO member in 2012 alongside Suho, Chanyeol, D.O., Kai, Sehun, Xiumin, Chen, and Baekhyun.
In 2016, he became the group's first soloist as he made his solo release in China.
The group is known for its hits “Love Shot,” “Ko Ko Bop,” “Overdose” and “Call Me Baby,” among others.
