According to an exclusive report from MyDaily on December 24, Lay has decided not to appear on the new season of EXO’s Ladder: Travel the World, a reality variety series that follows members on journeys determined entirely by a ladder game from destinations to accommodations.
Initially, the new season was planned with six members: Suho, Kai, DO, Sehun, Chanyeol, and Lay. However, it has now been confirmed that Lay will ultimately not participate, leaving the remaining members to continue filming without him.
EXO’s Ladder: Travel the World first aired in 2018 with a trip to Japan, followed by seasons set in Taiwan (2019), Namhae (2022), and Geoje & Tongyeong (2023). The upcoming season marks the show’s return after nearly two years, sparking great anticipation from fans eager to see the group together again.
Lay’s absence follows his failure to appear at EXO’s recent fan meeting, EXO’verse, held on December 14 at Incheon’s Inspire Arena. At the time, Lay addressed fans directly via Weibo, explaining that he urgently needed to return to Beijing to attend an important event hosted by the National Theater of China.
In his message, Lay said he had arrived safely and reassured fans not to worry, while also offering an apology to fans, other members, the agency and everyone affected by his sudden absence.
In the wake of his continued non-participation in group programs, some fans have speculated whether China’s ongoing restrictions on overseas activities for domestic celebrities may affect Lay’s situation. However, no official statement has been released to confirm these claims.
With Lay absent from both the fan meeting and the upcoming variety show, fans have expressed growing disappointment at once again not being able to see EXO promote together as a full group. As anticipation grows for the new season of EXO’s Ladder: Travel the World, the focus remains on whether future opportunities for a full reunion will arise.
Sources: Daum
