EXO Fan Club Demands Chen's Removal... Will Undertake Protests in Any Form

EXO fan club EXO-L ACE Union issued a statement on the 16th / Photo by EXO-L ACE Union Twitter capture

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ga-yeon] Chen (28, real name Kim Jong-dae) of the group EXO recently announced his marriage and premarital pregnancy, prompting fans to release a statement demanding Chen's removal from the group.

EXO fan club EXO-L Ace Union issued a statement on the 16th, saying, "We judged that Chen's continued activities, which caused great wounds and confusion to fans, would bring significant damage to the group's image," and declared, "We withdraw our support for Chen's activities as an EXO member. We demand SM Entertainment remove Chen from the team."

The fan union stated, "The image of the group EXO itself is being seriously damaged," adding, "Chen's selfish choice has caused severe harm to the status built over nine years. Chen's individual actions have solidified as the image representing the group. The longer this damage continues, the more uncontrollable it will become."

They continued, "There is serious division and disintegration within the fandom. Despite experiencing various incidents over nine years, fans have shown unity, but Chen's excessively irresponsible behavior has caused unprecedented division within the fandom," pointing out, "Many fans can no longer support Chen due to lost trust in the member."

They added, "When the fandom, the main consumer base of idol singers, begins to waver, it naturally has a negative impact on each member, the group, and the company."

Group EXO Chen (28, real name Kim Jong-dae) / Photo by Yonhap News

Additionally, the fan union said, "Unstable group schedules harm both the fandom and the artists," and stated, "Without Chen's removal, we can no longer offer full support. Many paid members with actual purchasing power desperately want Chen to leave."

They further demanded △Chen's removal from the team △transparent disclosure of any canceled or changed group activity plans due to this incident and accurate notification of future schedules △protection of artists and management of portal site search terms.

Finally, they warned, "If there is no response to our demands by the 18th, we will carry out protests in any form," adding, "Since EXO holds enormous economic value within the agency, we await a wise decision."

Earlier, on the 13th, Chen posted a handwritten letter on the fan community announcing his marriage. He said, "I have a girlfriend with whom I want to spend my life," and "Then a blessing came to me. This blessing gave me more strength."

Chen added, "I hesitated about when and how to tell you, but I could no longer delay, so I cautiously gathered courage," and "I will never forget my gratitude, continue to do my best in my place, and show you how I repay the love you have given me."

Chen's agency, SM Entertainment, also released an official statement that day, saying, "Chen has met a precious partner and is getting married," and "The bride is a non-celebrity, and the wedding will be held solemnly with only family members from both sides attending."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.