EXO member Lay says SM Entertainment not to be blamed for hectic schedule

EXO member Lay aka Zhang Yixing surprised fans when he attended his band's concert just a day after he fell unconscious. While his presence at EXO Planet 3 – The Exo'rdium in Japan symbolised resilience, strength and a never-say-die attitude, many of his followers blamed his record label, SM Entertainment, for allegedly forcing him to participate in the concert. But Lay said otherwise.

While promoting his Chinese drama, The Mystic Nine, the What U Need singer was asked if he's doing well and if he is indeed getting enough rest.

Lay replied, "Fainting is my fault. Please do not blame my label. I want to emphasise once again that I am the one who decides the arrangements of my schedule. I'm also the type who doesn't like accepting failures, so I tend to only do the things that I am capable of doing. My label also respects my opinions."

Lay fell unconscious at the Incheon International Airport where he was about to board a flight to Japan on Thursday, October 12. 

The singer, who was rushed to the hospital, was said to have fainted as a result of not getting enough sleep. Although the doctors monitored his condition and advised him to rest for a few more days, he joined his band members the next day in Hokkaido.

However, the EXO member was targeted for faking his sickness. K-pop band BTS's fan club, ARMY, claimed that Lay tried to back out of the concert. Some of the comments ranged from "Don't pretend to be sick, Lay. Rap Monster performed with a fever. You're not a true singer" to "He's getting ready to leave EXO."