Suho and Chanyeol set the stage on fire as they represented EXO with an electrifying remake of HOT’s iconic anthem “Get It Up!” during SMTOWN Live 2025 in Seoul, with a surprise cheerleader from the audience.
Although Baekhyun, Chen, Xiumin, Kai, DO, and Sehun were unable to attend the January 11 and 12 event due to their busy schedules, Lay made a special appearance to cheer on the duo.
On site, he was visibly enjoying the show as he sang during the performances. But his enthusiasm reached its peak when Suho and Chanyeol finally took the stage to deliver an emotional rendition of HOT’s classic alongside their group and solo hits.
Lay leaves South Korea today. He flew in from China last night to support Chanyeol and Suho 🥹 Thanks for coming, Lay. It’s a true symbol of what it means to stay loyal and connected no matter where life takes you. Precious Yixing, I always love you 💜 pic.twitter.com/0icZSHXWKJ
— ☁️🍒🐚 (@nura_z93) January 12, 2025
The highlight came when Lay stated that “EXO is Nine” in a heartfelt Instagram post.
After the first day of the concert, he shared a silent clip of leader Suho perfecting his dance moves backstage.
“He’s too serious, our leader,” Lay captioned the post, writing nine letters “o” to seemingly denote EXO’s current members.
He also shared a photo with Suho and Chanyeol.
“See you next time. We are one! Brothers forever,” Lay wrote, squashing any rumors of his exit.
“I love you bro,” Chanyeol responded in a repost.
After the mini-reunion, EXO fans, collectively known as EXO-Ls/Eris, flocked to X to express their excitement.
“L in Lay stands for Loyalty,” one fan chimed in.
“This is so precious,” another Eri added.
Ahead of the event, a post from a Korean community forum ignited EXO-L’s fury when the Chinese singer was labeled a “former EXO member.”
This speculation stems from his departure from SM Entertainment in 2022 during EXO’s 10th anniversary. His last official participation with the group was in 2021 for their special EP “Don’t Fight the Feeling”.
However, the fandom was quick to correct the mistake, recalling the times Lay expressed his love for his group.
Beyond EXO, Lay is focused on his vibrant solo career in China as he eyes global expansion. However, he never forgets his roots as he constantly expresses his affection for his “brothers”.
On January 3, he hinted at the possibility of a reunion of the entire group once Sehun is discharged from the military in September.
