EXO are supporting the next member to enlist for mandatory military service. All eight Korean members of the idol group were on hand to give Kai a proper send-off for his military enlistment.
EXO Reunited For Kai’s Military Send-Off
The official EXO Twitter account shared a new photo featuring all eight Korean members. Kai is shown surrounded by his fellow members who look happy to show their support.
EXO’s Chinese member Lay is notably absent in the new photo. Lay Zhang had previously decided not to renew his contract with SM Entertainment. However, he will continue to participate in group activities.
🤍👍🏻🤍#EXO #엑소 #weareoneEXO pic.twitter.com/VNaU0Tk85R
— EXO (@weareoneEXO) May 11, 2023
SM Entertainment previously confirmed that Kai is required to enlist for military service due to a new law. This would mean that Kim Jongin will not be able to participate in EXO’s upcoming comeback later this year.
Kai immediately expressed his disappointment in not being able to participate in EXO’s next comeback. He went live on Instagram to share his frustration with EXO-Ls.
“There’s so much that I had prepared. What a pity. That’s what’s upsetting” Kai said tearfully. “There’s nothing that I could do about this. I’m sad that I can’t show you what I prepared but I can just show it after I return.”
He also confessed that he would miss his fans when he goes to the military.
“It’d be nice if I could see your faces before I go. I think I’m going to miss you so much. I’m already missing you right now though,” Kai admitted.
Interestingly, the EXO main dancer claimed he would “blackmail” his agency to allow him to meet with his fans before his military enlistment. SM Entertainment announced Kai’s special fan meeting which would be open to EXO-Ls before he enlists for military service.
“I succeeded,” he told his fans on Bubble. “All I had to do was frown a little.”
Kai will serve as a public service worker starting May 11, 2023.