EXO’s Kai, ahead of his sudden military enlistment, met with fans and presented them with precious memories.
On the 3rd, SM Entertainment announced, “Kai had been preparing for EXO’s scheduled comeback this year, but due to recent changes in the military regulations, he will be enlisting in the Army training center on May 11th and will serve as a social service worker after receiving basic military training.”
Kai has been actively communicating with fans and preparing for EXO’s full-group comeback. The EXO members also gathered as a complete group for the first time in four years on April 8th, meeting fans at a fan meeting and announcing their comeback later this year.
However, fans couldn’t hide their confusion and disappointment at the sudden news of Kai’s enlistment. On the day the news was announced, Kai also revealed during a live broadcast, “I had prepared a lot, so it’s regretful. But there was nothing I could do.”
With Kai’s enlistment, EXO’s activities as a full group have become impossible. Kai, expressing his regret for having prepared a lot, even shed tears.
To console fans’ disappointment, Kai held a fan meeting called ‘KAI’s [aKAIve]’ on the 9th, which was livestreamed through EXO’s official YouTube channel.
On that day, Kai not only performed solo songs such as ‘Mmmh,’ ‘Peaches,’ and ‘Rover,’ but also engaged in various corners to spend a comfortable time communicating with fans. He prepared anniversary gifts in advance for fans who would miss him during his military service and took pre-photoshoots for photo cards.
He also checked the must-do lists written by fans for him and by him. Among the lists filled with hearts for him, Kai selected ten lists and gifted a cosmetics set from the brand Yves Saint Laurent, as he is the brand’s beauty ambassador.
He also mentioned concerts during a segment where he reminisced about various memories. He said, “I had planned to have a concert around August. It’s regretful. And I was also preparing for EXO’s comeback diligently. It’s regretful. So, that’s why I’m emotional.”
He also shared his current situation after the enlistment news. He casually said, “I watched all the episodes of ‘I’m Alone’ from the 11th season to the recent episodes. I watched about four seasons with countless Yeongcheol, Youngsik, and Oksun,” and added, “And I had three meals a day. I always finished my dinner with chicken because I wanted to try it once. I gained a little weight now. I checked my weight. I gained 1 kilogram.”
Lastly, Kai said, “I’ll think of all of you and imagine how I’ll appear in a cool way after more than a year, what good times we can spend together, study hard, practice hard, and fulfill my duty to national defense. So please wait for me.”
Additionally, a surprise video letter from EXO’s leader Suho was revealed. In the video, Suho expressed, “It’s regretful that you suddenly have to enlist, and I feel bitter about it, but I hope that time will be precious for you, a time to reflect and have good experiences. EXO without you will feel quite empty. I love you.”
source: Xportsnews
edited by HJ Yi
Photo credit: Xportsnews DB, EXO Official YouTube.
