Lay revealed to the magazine that when Kris and Luhan confirmed their departure just last year, fellow EXO members had asked on multiple occasions if Lay would also leave them, perhaps questioning Lay's loyalty to the group.

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In response to the uncertainty, Lay, who is known to be very emotional, admitted that he had cried many times. The idol said to the magazine, "Many of the members in the group are younger than I am, so I need to take responsibility in keeping the group together. I will not leave." 

As for his solo side career in opening up workshops in China, Lay revealed that SM Entertainment had put him to the test before giving him the green light by asking, "What would you do if you are not given a studio?" Lay said, "The members trust me. Just like the song 'Promise,' I will always keep my promise to EXO; there is no way that I will terminate my contract." 

Lastly, Lay expressed his determination to change the minds of Korean netizens as well as EXO fans who are still in doubt of Chinese members, including Tao. He said, "I must used my own hard work to prove that Chinese people can be trusted." 

Check out behind-the-scenes footage from Lay's pictorial shoot with 'SE Weekly' below!