Mackenyu Arata, the Japanese actor, has been in the limelight for quite some time. Recently, he’s been making international headlines for portraying Roronoa Zoro in the new live-action adaptation of One Piece. Before this iconic role, he was famous for his performances in films like Chihayafuru, Peach Girl, and Tokyo Ghoul S.
@kumo_sora3
However, for K-pop fans, Mackenyu might ring a bell for a different reason. He shares a close bond with EXO’s Chanyeol. Their friendship first came into the public eye approximately four years ago, when they started following each other on Instagram. Not long after, they began sharing snapshots of themselves on social media, giving fans a glimpse into their camaraderie. Their bond is so strong that during a concert in 2018, Chanyeol, amidst thousands of fans, singled out Mackenyu, leading to the actor joyfully waving at the crowd.
Moreover, when Chanyeol spots Mackenyu lurking online during his live broadcasts, he greets him. For Mackenyu’s part, he has mentioned Chanyeol and another EXO member, D.O., in interviews. He shared that they, along with other friends, celebrated Christmas together.
@istrilevi24 Mackenyu with EXO and Chanyeol 💪😻 #mackenyuarata #mackenyu #aratamackenyu #exo #exol #chanyeol #kpop #onepieceliveaction #japan #actor
What does Mackenyu call Chanyeol?
Mackenyu refers to Chanyeol as his “best friend from Seoul.” He even uses the honorific “hyung,” a term younger Korean males use to address older males. A translated excerpt from Mackenyu’s fan club blog reads, “Cafe & Lunch with Hyung! My favorite kind brother! I’m happy to be surrounded with such hyungs!” This post also featured a picture of him with Chanyeol.
Beyond Chanyeol and D.O., Mackenyu has forged friendships with other EXO members, showing how the worlds of Japanese cinema and K-pop beautifully intertwine.
For casual fans and hardcore stans alike, this friendship between EXO’s Chanyeol and Mackenyu is a delightful intersection of two entertainment worlds. Their closeness is a testament to the ability of film and music to bring people together, transcending borders. – K-Pop News Writer
Featured Image: Chanyeol recently covered Mint magazine. Source: Twitter/@YUMIDADAGUAI.