The time has finally come for Chen to carry out his mandatory military service. However, the EXO member didn't rush into his enlistment. Kim Jongdae made sure to catch up with the remaining members of the idol group for lunch. They then posed for a hilarious but endearing send-off photo that has become an EXO tradition since last year.
The year 2020 has been a truly busy one for Chen. In January, the EXO vocalist announced that he is getting married and soon welcomed his first child in April. Earlier in October, Kim Jongdae released the single 'Hello' and soon confirmed that he will be enlisting for military service before the end of the month.
Chen's enlistment has already been anticipated by fans all year. With that in mind, Aeris dreaded the day October 26, which would be the day that Kim Jongdae finally starts his service. On the other hand, they also hoped that Chen would reunite with the rest of EXO one last time before his enlistment.
Not surprisingly, the wait for the EXO send-off photos was a tense one for fans who were also worried that the group might not get a proper reunion. After all, there were only five members left who could pose with Chen and most of them were busy with their own promotions. Luckily, the idol group came through with a photo before the end of the day.
Chen's send-off photo with EXO was finally revealed late on Monday and it featured Kim Jongdae with his short haircut being hidden by the hands of fellow members Baekhyun, Chanyeol, and Sehun. Interestingly, Kai is not in the picture but the unexpected appearance of Suho, who enlisted back in May as a public service officer this year, makes up for it.
The endearing send-off photo has been an EXO tradition since May last year when Xiumin and D.O. both enlisted for military service. The other members would cover the enlisting idol's head with their hands. Needless to say, it's a sweet tradition that may continue for the next few years until all members have completed their military service.
WELCOME TO THE EXO TRADITION. pic.twitter.com/IoSfPMuQFA — hourly exo (@hourlyEXO) October 26, 2020
Chen is the fourth member of EXO to enlist for the mandatory military service. His enlistment starts on October 26 and he will serve as an active-duty soldier for the next two years. It is still unclear which member of EXO will be the next to enlist but there is little doubt that they will continue with their funny yet heartwarming send-off tradition yet again.
