EXO Chen's attempt to congratulate EXO-Ls on their sixth anniversary backfired when the singer received criticism for the gesture.
According to a report by All Kpop, Chen posted his greetings to EXO's fandom, EXO-L, on Lysn and wished that their supporters will be very happy on their anniversary.
However, instead of gratitude, Chen received backlash for his message, unlike members Chanyeol, Baekhyun, Sehun, and Lay.
Fans called out Chen for only posting for the first time in the six years since the fandom was created. Some questioned why he was, all of a sudden, touching base with fans when he ignored the group throughout their existence.
Some EXO-Ls, also, questioned the setting of Chen's post, which was made to be seen by the public and not just the fans that he was greeting. Even those who were supportive of Chen were curious as to why he would suddenly reach out to EXO-Ls after six years.
It can be recalled that it has been a rocky year for EXO's Chen when he, suddenly, announced, early in the year, that he was planning to marry his non-celebrity girlfriend, Soompi reported. Aside from that, it was claimed that his girlfriend was pregnant and that he was getting ready to become a dad.
EXO-Ls were divided over the issue of Chen's marriage and baby news as a portion of the fandom sought his immediate removal from EXO. They claimed what Chen did was irresponsible and damaging to the reputation of EXO as a group.
Some, even, staged a physical protest in front of SM Entertainment building as they called for Chen's ejection from the group.
However, the members remained solidly behind Chen and supported him with his choice to get married. Leader Suho even subtly appealed to the fans to be more accepting of Chen's marriage news by rallying their supporters with the We Are One EXO hand gesture.
International fans, also, rallied behind Chen and vowed to support all of EXO's albums and merchandise even if Korean fans threaten a boycott. They said that fans should become more concerned about the idols' happiness and well being and not be trapped by outdated beliefs.
Last April, Chen and his wife announced the birth of their baby girl, which many fans are calling the EXO princess. Fans welcomed the news on social media by guessing which EXO uncle will spoil Chen's baby the most, Insider reported.
