"EXO IS STILL 9": Fans react to incomplete members at the group's 13th anniversary livestream

EXO celebrated its 13th anniversary on April 8, 2025. But what was meant to be a joyful celebration turned bittersweet for many fans, as only four members—Suho, Chanyeol, D.O., and Kai—were present on the annual livestream held to commemorate the group’s milestone.

On Tuesday night, the four members virtually met with their fans, collectively called EXO-Ls, through the multimedia platform Weverse. Throughout the livestream, the four members reminisced about their past and thanked EXO-Ls for the string of felicitations across social media platforms.

However, the obvious absence of members Lay, Baekhyun, Chen, Xiumin, and Sehun sparked disappointment among fans.

Lay held a solo livestream on Monday, where he also expressed his gratitude to the fans’ congratulatory messages for EXO's 13th anniversary. As it was expected that netizens would inquire about his participation in the anniversary live broadcast, the Mando-pop star revealed that he had prior engagements. Currently, he is filming a movie.

Sehun, on the other hand, is enlisted in the military. He is scheduled to be discharged in September.

Meanwhile, members Baekhyun, Chen, and Xiumin have signed with a different label (INB100) for solo activities. However, they will reportedly continue with SM entertainment for their activities as members of EXO.

Fans react to EXO being incomplete during 13th anniversary

On X (formerly Twitter), EXO-Ls’ comments of disappointment on the scaled-down unit drizzled. One fan, however, remained hopeful, citing “EXO IS 9,” which is a catchphrase often used by OT9 stans:

“Lay already mentioned he's filming that day & it's a night filming. so even if they asked Lay 2 be w/ them he can't. 4 CBX we don't have definite answers so stop imposing ur narrative. We want them 2gether but w/ unfortunate events they can't. EXO IS STILL 9!”

Another internet user @TanmayaJadhav, called out the absence of the “most important members":

“How can they even say we are one exo when their most important members are not there? Seriously i am so disappointed in sm and in them too. No offence to anyone but if i was the member i would have taken my stand of not celebrating if not all members are there.”

Another fan expressed:

“I will hang on till they say they are EXO ... once they officially says we are no more EXO , I will happily retire from K-pop world .... I don't trust SM but I have faith in EXO members.”

Meanwhile, an EXO-L seemed to be blaming the agency for the downsized unit:

“This is not EXO….its just SAD. Yet another glaring example of SM being completely inept at taking care of their artists.”

Another fan said:

"It’s not just a celebration, it’s a reminder that even with solo paths and changing times, that EXO bond runs deep.✊"

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EXO debuted on April 8, 2012. Originally a two-unit team consisting of 12 members, the group is currently composed of nine members: Xiumin, Lay, Suho, D.O., Kai, Sehun, Chen, Baekhyun, and Chanyeol.

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