EXO member Lay will not be joining the upcoming season of the group’s travel variety show.
According to MyDaily’s reporting on 24th, Lay has decided not to appear in the new season of the reality travel series EXO’s Travel the World on a Ladder. The season was initially slated to feature six members—Suho, Kai, D.O., Sehun, Chanyeol, and Lay—but it has now been finalized that Lay will sit this one out.
EXO’s Travel the World on a Ladder is a web variety show in which everything—from the destination to sleeping arrangements—is determined by a ladder game of chance. Since its debut in Japan in 2018, the series has traveled to Taiwan (2019), Namhae (2022), and Geoje and Tongyeong (2023), completing four seasons. With the show returning after roughly two years, anticipation for the new installment has been running high.
Lay also previously missed EXO’s fan meeting, EXO’verse, held on the 14th at Inspire Arena in Incheon. At the time, he explained his absence via Weibo, writing that he had to return urgently to Beijing to attend an important event hosted by China’s National Theatre. He added that he arrived safely and asked fans not to worry, while offering sincere apologies to fans, his fellow members, the agency, and anyone inconvenienced by his absence.
In the wake of his continued non-participation, speculation has grown among fans, with some questioning whether restrictions related to China’s so-called “Hallyu ban” might be affecting his overseas activities.
Online reactions have ranged widely, including comments such as, “Does this mean he only took part in the album and MV?”, “Maybe he just wants the EXO title without the work that follows,” and “Will he even be able to perform during the comeback?”
Others wondered if circumstances might change after the New Year, while some pointed out that other Chinese members in K-pop groups including aespa’s NingNing and other NCT Chinese members continue to promote without issue.
>> EXO’s Lay Apologizes for Missing Fan Meeting Due to Major China Event
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