[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Yeon-ju] Chen of the group EXO issued an official apology to fans 37 days after announcing his marriage and pregnancy. On social networking services (SNS), reactions are divided between those who say he should be congratulated and those who believe it damages the group's image.
On the 19th, Chen posted on the fan club community, "I am worried that my clumsy words might hurt you, but I want to apologize to the fans who have been waiting all this time, and I sincerely want to express my apologies to EXO-L (EXO fan club) members who were shocked and confused by my sudden news."
He said, "When I first wrote the post, this was something that happened to me for the first time in my life, so I was very worried about how to convey the news to all of you who have been with me. I wrote the post thinking I should inform you of the facts first, but contrary to my feelings, it hurt me deeply to see that my insufficient and clumsy words caused disappointment and pain."
He added, "I sincerely appreciate the love you have given me so far. I know better than anyone that I am who I am today because of that love."
He continued, "I am sorry once again for delivering my apology to you so late. I will also show you my efforts going forward," expressing his apology.
After the apology was posted, netizens have been debating between supporting Chen's marriage and criticizing him for causing trouble to the group's activities.
Netizens responded with comments such as, "Celebrities are human too, so we should bless them," "Are idols not allowed to get married?" "A handwritten letter conveys sincerity," "Does Chen's singing ability change because he got married?" "Some act like Chen committed a grave sin," and "If you're a fan, you should wish for his happiness."
On the other hand, some criticized, saying, "He ruined the group's image and deceived fans," "Many scheduled events like the comeback, fan meeting, and advertisements planned for February were canceled because of Chen," "We can't celebrate an idol's premarital pregnancy," and "If he's sorry to fans, he should leave the group."
On Twitter, a hashtag campaign demanding Chen's withdrawal, '#Chen_Just_Leave,' is also underway.
Meanwhile, Chen announced his marriage and the news of expecting a child to fans through a handwritten letter on the 13th of last month. EXO's agency, SM Entertainment, stated, "Chen will continue to work hard as an artist without change," officially responding to Chen's marriage news.
In response, some EXO fans issued a statement urging Chen's removal from the team, saying, "We judged that Chen's insistence on continuing activities, which caused great wounds and confusion to fans, would severely damage the group's image."
On the 19th of the same month, a protest was held in front of SMTOWN COEX Artium in Samseong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul.
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