The K-pop world buzzed with excitement on August 14, when EXO‘s Chanyeol made a surprising but welcome announcement. At the EXIST Yizhiyu offline fansign event in Qingdao, China, he confirmed what fans had been hoping for: his solo debut is on the horizon.

Chanyeol was joined by his fellow EXO members Baekhyun, Chen, D.O., Sehun, Suho, and Xiumin. Their presence gave the event an electric atmosphere, and the baseball uniforms they sported were a nice touch. As word of Chanyeol’s announcement spread, social media platforms were flooded with ecstatic fans sharing their anticipation and joy.

Chanyeol has done things on his own before. For instance, he has contributed to OSTs of hit drama series like Go Away Go Away and Stay With Me. However, an actual solo debut remained elusive, at least until now. As the news spread like wildfire, EXO-Ls worldwide couldn’t help but comment on Chanyeol‘s radiant smile during the event, speculating that his upcoming solo venture might be the reason for it.

Interestingly, Chanyeol already boasts over a million followers on QQ Music, even without a solo album. Moreover, he’s the most-listened-to K-pop solo artist on KuGou, with a staggering 500 million streams on Melon. These impressive stats underscore the immense anticipation surrounding his solo debut.

A new beginning for Chanyeol

The fansign event wasn’t just about the big reveal. Chanyeol and his fellow EXO members engaged with fans, sharing light-hearted banter, moments and taking selfies. A particularly amusing incident occurred after the event when Chanyeol, unaware that the staff had cleared the stage, looked for his desk and found it missing. This innocent blunder had fans chuckling.

For those unfamiliar with Chanyeol‘s journey, he was the last member introduced to EXO before their debut in April 2012. Beyond his group activities, he showcased his talent in movies and dramas such as So I Married an Anti-fan and Secret Queen Makers. In 2019, he debuted in the sub-unit EXO-SC with their first mini album What a Life. After a brief hiatus, during which he completed his mandatory military service, he returned in 2022.

Before breaking the news of his upcoming solo debut, he participated in EXO’s group comeback with the album EXIST and its title track “Cream Soda.”

 

[안방1열 직캠4K] 엑소 찬열 ‘Cream Soda’ (EXO CHANYEOL FanCam) @SBS Inkigayo 230716

In conclusion, the confirmation of Chanyeol‘s solo debut marks a significant milestone in his musical journey. As fans eagerly await the release, the K-pop world stands at the cusp of what promises to be a new beginning for him. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Fans are pumped for Chanyeol’s solo debut. Source: Twitter/@blueanayes.