All's well that ends well because EXO members are now certified samcheon (uncles) with the birth of Chen's daughter.
SM Entertainment has recently confirmed that EXO Chen and his wife welcomed their first child at a hospital in Chengdam in the Gangnam District.
"It is true that their daughter was born today," SM Entertainment confirmed in a brief statement.
It can be recalled that in January this year, Chen made the surprise announcement that he will be getting married to his non-celebrity girlfriend and that he and his fiancée were getting ready to welcome their first child.
The news was met with different reactions from EXO-Ls with some local fans demanding that Chen be removed from the EXO roster because his "irresponsible" behavior negatively impacts the entire group.
While international fans and other Korean fans gave their blessing to Chen and his fiancée, assuring that they will continue to support EXO members and their happiness, those who were displeased with Chen's news sought to emphasize their position by holding a physical protest in front of the SM Entertainment building. Unfortunately, the online clamor translated to only a few fans to attend the physical protest.
SM Entertainment also consulted with all the members on their decision to promote with Chen and they came up with a united position on the matter.
"Before officially announcing the marriage of member Chen, there was discussion exchanged with the EXO members. As much as the EXO members have all experienced the pain of members leaving, they expressed their intention that they want to continue together as they have until now. The agency also respected this opinion of the members, and there will be no changes in EXO's member [lineup]," SM Entertainment announced.
EXO members have also expressed support for Chen and assured that EXO will remain with nine members. In particular, Suho rallied EXO-Ls with a brief and meaningful post where he showed his hand positioned in EXO's signature We Are One gesture.
In the aftermath of the wedding news, Chen released a collaboration with Dynamic Duo for the hip hop track You featuring the EXO members' fresh vocals combined with Dynamic Duo's rap. You was the second collab between Chen and Dynamic Duo after their first partnership for Nosedive won Best Collaboration at the 2017 MAMA and Best Rap/Hip Hop at the 2017 Melon Music Awards, Hello Kpop reported.
Meanwhile, Chen is expected to enlist for mandatory service this year, along with fellow members Suho, Chanyeol, and Baekhyun, who are part of the '91 and '92 liners of the group.
