EXO fans are having mixed emotions as of late after the news of Baekhyun's enlistment emerged. While it all started as mere speculations at first, the group's vocalist has recently confirmed the assertions on various media channels.
Prior to the release of his album, Bambi, the K-Pop idol said that he would start his mandatory service in the weeks to come. But, it was only on Friday when he, alongside SM Entertainment, released the actual date of his enlistment.
AllKpop reported that this will take place on Baekhyun's 29th birthday, on May 6. The group's label released the announcement, noting, however, that the time and venue will remain private.
On the same day, the EXO member held a broadcast to express his thoughts before his fans and followers. He reiterated that he had just received his notice of enlistment, emphasizing that he will officially start his service on his birthday.
Baekhyun continued that his mandatory participation in the country's military is not "forever." He, nevertheless, acknowledged the fact that the fans will be missing and "waiting" for him while he is on active duty.
Upon pointing this out, he said that he will "try harder [to] prepare many things" for the fandom. He, also, stated that he wanted to say "i love you rather than asking" everyone to wait for him.
The confirmation of Baekhyun's enlistment date comes days after he dropped his third mini-album, Bambi. Bandwagon said that it has become a "highly-anticipated follow-up" to his 2020 track collection, Delight.
The latest addition to his solo act features six R&B songs, including his previously released single, "Amusement Park." Meanwhile, "Bambi" serves as the title track of the album.
Although both materials fall under the same genre, the publication said that the latter is a "departure" from the former's appeal and dynamic. It has a "dark and groovy" feel, making it a bit different from the single.
As the celebration continues for the EXO member due to the success of his latest album, the question about whether it will reach the same impressive heights as his other releases did now arises. The Korea Times discussed the matter, emphasizing if Baekhyun will, once again, become a "million-seller" with Bambi.
The publication explained that the EXO vocalist is the "first singer to sell more than one million copies of physical albums" since Seo Taiji in 2000. Accordingly, fans and followers are now, reportedly, hoping for him to reach or even surpass his own record.
Based on the recent data, though, it appears that "everything is sailing smoothly" for Baekhyun and Bambi. As revealed, it has already sold more than 760,000 copies on the Hanteo chart alone and has hit the top spot on iTunes album chart upon debut.
