EXO’s loyal fanbase, EXO-Ls, has been buzzing with anticipation ever since the group’s announcement of a comeback with their new track Don’t Fight the Feeling. The surprise announcement, along with the teaser images and information shared, raised several questions: Would all members return, including the often-absent Lay Zhang? Fans have been eagerly wondering if Lay Zhang, who has been focusing on his solo career and activities in China, would join his fellow EXO members for this much-anticipated comeback.
EXO’s journey as a group has been marked by numerous challenges, including changes in the lineup and long hiatuses due to members pursuing individual projects. Despite these hurdles, EXO’s loyal following has remained steadfast. With Don’t Fight the Feeling, a song that exudes both fresh and familiar EXO vibes, it’s natural that fans are curious about who is involved in this latest project. The question remains: Is Lay Zhang part of EXO’s comeback this time? Here, we’ll explore the details of Don’t Fight the Feeling, Lay’s role in the comeback, and what fans can expect from EXO’s latest release.
The Concept of EXO’s ‘Don’t Fight the Feeling’
When EXO first teased Don’t Fight the Feeling, the concept was clear: it would be a track that showcased their maturity while maintaining their unique identity as a group. The song’s title suggests a message of embracing emotions and not resisting them, which perfectly ties into EXO’s signature style of exploring deep and meaningful themes through their music.
The promotional material and teaser content generated a great deal of excitement, with fans quickly analyzing every detail. What stood out, however, was the emphasis on the remaining members who are currently active in EXO, particularly after the departure of some key members in recent years.
Don’t Fight the Feeling represents more than just a return to the music scene; it’s a statement of EXO’s enduring relevance in the K-pop industry. Despite a few members pursuing solo ventures and other projects, EXO’s ability to come together for such a strong comeback is a testament to their bond and resilience.
Lay Zhang’s Absence from EXO’s Group Activities
Lay Zhang’s absence from EXO’s group activities has been noticeable since 2018 when he first began prioritizing his solo career and acting roles in China. Although his departure was framed as a temporary break, fans have often speculated about the reasons behind his continued absence from EXO’s promotions, concerts, and comebacks. As a member, Lay Zhang was known for his incredible talent in both music and dance, which made his absence felt during EXO’s subsequent releases.
However, Lay’s solo career has flourished over the years, and he has been able to carve out a significant presence in the Chinese entertainment industry. His albums, singles, and acting projects have earned him a dedicated fan following, especially in the Chinese-speaking world. This success, coupled with EXO’s international appeal, has led to his focus shifting more towards his individual endeavors rather than participating in EXO’s group activities.
Even though Lay Zhang has been involved in various EXO-related activities in the past, such as attending the group’s important events or supporting them from afar, his participation in EXO’s group comebacks has been limited. This has led fans to wonder about the possibility of him rejoining his members for Don’t Fight the Feeling.
Is Lay Zhang Part of ‘Don’t Fight the Feeling’?
As EXO’s comeback with Don’t Fight the Feeling gained momentum, the biggest question on fans’ minds was whether Lay Zhang would be involved. The official announcements regarding the comeback included no direct mention of Lay’s involvement, which further fueled speculation. As fans poured over the teaser images and group photos, they noticed that Lay Zhang was noticeably absent.
EXO’s promotional images and videos for Don’t Fight the Feeling featured the core members who are actively participating in the group’s activities, including Suho, Chanyeol, Baekhyun, D.O., Kai, and Sehun. Lay was not seen in any of these promotional materials, which confirmed that he was not part of the physical group performance for this particular release.
However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that Lay Zhang has completely disconnected from EXO. Despite his absence from the group’s live performances and official music videos for Don’t Fight the Feeling, there remains a chance that Lay could contribute behind the scenes, particularly in songwriting or production. He has been known for his involvement in creating some of EXO’s earlier hits, so fans still hope for a behind-the-scenes collaboration, even if he is not actively participating in the group’s comeback performances.
EXO’s Continued Success Despite Lay’s Absence
Although Lay Zhang’s absence from Don’t Fight the Feeling was disappointing to some fans, it doesn’t take away from the excitement surrounding the group’s latest release. EXO has proven time and time again that they are capable of adapting and succeeding as a group, even when not all members are available. Their dedication to producing high-quality music and their strong fanbase have allowed them to maintain their status as one of K-pop’s biggest groups.
For many fans, Don’t Fight the Feeling represents more than just a comeback; it symbolizes EXO’s ability to evolve while staying true to its roots. The group’s chemistry, dynamic performances, and exceptional music continue to shine, even with a reduced lineup.
EXO’s ability to continue its success despite Lay’s absence proves that while individual members may be pursuing their personal dreams, EXO as a whole is far from finished. This also reinforces the idea that EXO’s future remains bright, regardless of whether all the original members are participating in every release.
What to Expect from EXO’s New Era
Although Lay Zhang’s absence from Don’t Fight the Feeling was noted, there’s much to look forward to in EXO’s latest chapter. Fans can expect the same level of excellence they’ve come to expect from EXO, with a mature sound that blends their past work with a fresh, modern twist.
As the group navigates this new era with fewer members, the remaining EXO members are sure to deliver performances that are both powerful and emotional. Whether it’s the vocal prowess of D.O. and Baekhyun or the exceptional dancing skills of Kai and Sehun, EXO’s strengths remain intact. Fans can also look forward to the group exploring new musical styles and themes, while still holding onto the unique charm that made EXO a global phenomenon.
While Don’t Fight the Feeling may be a bittersweet moment for those hoping to see Lay back with the group, EXO’s comeback is an exciting chapter in their ongoing journey. The future of EXO remains bright, with opportunities for both group and solo projects for the members.
Final Thoughts
EXO’s Don’t Fight the Feeling marks a key moment in the group’s history, but Lay Zhang’s absence is undeniable. While Lay’s involvement would have been the cherry on top for fans, the core members of EXO have shown that they are still very much capable of delivering music that speaks to fans around the world. Whether or not Lay will rejoin his fellow members for future comebacks remains to be seen, but for now, EXO continues to thrive, and fans are eager to see what’s next.
