EXO’s upcoming group activities have drawn mixed reactions after news broke about a last-minute change to the lineup.
What was initially presented as a six-member return has now changed.
Reports revealed that Lay will not be joining the new season of EXO’s long-running variety show, EXO’s Ladder: Traveling the World. The program, which follows the members as their travel plans and daily choices are decided by chance, is set to return after nearly two years.
While Suho, Kai, D.O., Sehun, and Chanyeol are confirmed to participate, SM Entertainment has confirmed that Lay will not take part despite initial expectations that he would.
The show has been a familiar project for EXO over the years, with previous seasons filmed in locations such as Japan and several regions in Korea. Because of its history and the gap since the last season, anticipation for the new installment was high. However, the updated lineup quickly sparked heated reactions from Korean netizens.
LAY will not participate in the new season of EXO's variety show 'Travel The World On EXO's Ladder'!#EXO #LAY @weareoneEXO pic.twitter.com/MeiV7koKsr
— EXO Charts (@exochartstats) December 24, 2025
Some fans questioned why Lay was involved in EXO’s recent album activities if he would not be present for group content. Others expressed disappointment, pointing out that this is not the first time his participation has been limited to music releases rather than full promotional schedules.
- “Then why on earth did he even participate in this album??????”
- “Just do EXO with five members.”
- “Ugh, just like during Don’t Fight the Feeling… seriously… He’s only on the audio tracks again… If it’s going to be like this, I wish he wouldn’t even be on the songsㅠㅠ”
- “EXO’s Ladder sounds like it’ll be fun.”
- “Just take Lay out of the audio tracks too!!!!!!!!”
- “So China really is the issue.”
- “Next time, do it with five members.”
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