Lay Zhang Announces Departure from SM Entertainment
EXO’s Lay Zhang Yixing (張藝興) announced that his contract with Korean management company SM Entertainment has come to an end, and that he will not be renewing it. Thanking the company for the opportunities, memories, and efforts in grooming him for the past 10 years, Lay will continue expanding his career in China.
In his hand-written note, Lay stated, “Ten years of growth. Thank you all. Thank you to my EXO brothers for your company and encouragement. Thanks to my colleagues at SM for witnessing every step of my growth and achievement. Thank you to all of my fans for your unconditional love and support. It’s time to say goodbye as an employee of SM. It’s also my new beginning as a 30-year-old. But I will always be the Lay when my members need me. I’m your family member in China, Zhang Yixing. Love you forever.”
Lay expressed gratitude for his luck. Making the most of it and seizing the opportunity, he has worked hard to utilize his good fortune. On his 10-year anniversary debuting with EXO, it marks both the end of a journey and the beginning of a new adventure. He hopes to explore a new career trajectory and continue to improve himself along the way.
Ending his note, he encouraged fans to “dream, and believe in yourself, hard work, and struggle. Never be afraid to wait, and always look forward to the future because you will always see the results of your hard work. Fate will leave the sweetest candy to the child who waits the longest.”
Source: World Journal
This article is written by Huynh for JayneStars.com.
I have lots of respect for Lay… I hope to see him do well in this competitive industry.
Very genuine and heartfelt words from Lay. Wishing him all the best in his future career.
I think this article have it all wrong yes he left SME but he never said he quit EXO… and even said he would comeback if the brothers needed him though the chance are slim but not sure he directly said he quitting EXO I think you have the translation all wrong, you can verify other source.
@Vodka The article has been revised to state that Lay is only leaving SM Entertainment.