![Reunion at the Airport: Lay and Kim Heechul Share a Warm Moment 2 lay heechul 1 280224.webp](https://i0.wp.com/theubj.com/uae/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/lay-heechul-1-280224.webp.webp?w=1170)
On a typical day at the airport on February 26th, an extraordinary encounter took place between two stars of the K-pop world. Lay Zhang, also known as Zhang Yixing, and once a member of the renowned group EXO, crossed paths with Kim Heechul, a current member of Super Junior, creating a heartwarming scene.
The two icons have a common thread; both were associated with SM Entertainment, with Lay being a former artist of the agency and Kim Heechul still an active part of it.
![Reunion at the Airport: Lay and Kim Heechul Share a Warm Moment 3 lay heechul](https://i0.wp.com/theubj.com/uae/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/lay-heechul-1-2802242.jpeg?resize=900%2C1349)
The internet buzzed with excitement over the display of camaraderie, which reminded fans of their shared history, with Lay having departed from SM Entertainment in 2022 to set up his own agency back in China. Despite Super Junior’s seniority during EXO’s debut years, fans were compelled by Lay and Kim Heechul’s mentor-mentee dynamic.
Netizens shared their joy and nostalgia online, with sentiments expressing that it was as though time had stood still for the two stars, and that such moments underline the swift passage of time.
![Reunion at the Airport: Lay and Kim Heechul Share a Warm Moment 4 lay heechul](https://i0.wp.com/theubj.com/uae/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/lay-heechul-1-2802241.jpeg?resize=1170%2C1754)
During his trip in Japan, Lay took the opportunity to perform EXO’s beloved tracks “Growl” and “Call Me Baby,” highlighting his deep bond with his former boy band and showcasing loyalty and appreciation for his roots.
Lay’s history in EXO saw him in the roles of main dancer and sub-vocalist, and following his contract expiration with SM in April 2022, he charted his own course. His venture, “Zhang Yixing Studio,” opened in 2015, and since then, he has earned accolades for his acting, among which include the Best Supporting Actor award at both the 4th China-Britain Film Festival and the 25th Huading Awards for “Ex-Files 2: The Backup Strikes Back.”
Source: nate
FAQ
- Are Lay and Kim Heechul from the same band?
No, Lay was a member of EXO, while Kim Heechul is a member of Super Junior. Both groups, however, were managed by SM Entertainment. - Why did Lay leave SM Entertainment?
Lay left SM Entertainment to establish his own agency and focus on personal activities in China. His exclusive contract with SM expired in April 2022. - Is Lay still involved with EXO?
Though Lay is not currently promoting with EXO, he displayed his ongoing affection for the group through performances of their songs during his fan meeting in Japan. - Has Lay been successful after leaving SM Entertainment?
Yes, Lay has found success in his solo endeavors, particularly in acting, where he has won awards for his performances in Chinese cinema.
Conclusion
The unexpected reunion of former EXO member Lay and Super Junior’s Kim Heechul was a touching tribute to their shared history and the enduring bonds that form between artists in the music industry. Despite Lay’s departure from SM Entertainment and his pursuit of a separate career path, his recent performances and the emotional meeting with Kim Heechul underscore the lasting ties and mutual respect that exist among K-pop idols—reminding fans that, while paths may diverge, the music, memories, and friendships remain deeply cherished.