As EXO approaches their highly anticipated 13th anniversary on April 8th, tensions between the group’s dedicated fandom, EXO-Ls, and SM Entertainment have reached a boiling point. While the agency has announced a celebratory live event featuring members Suho, Chanyeol, D.O., and Kai, the absence of Chen, Baekhyun, Xiumin, and Lay—along with Sehun’s ongoing military service—has sparked outrage among fans, who are rallying under the hashtag #EXO_IS_NINE to demand unity for the milestone occasion.

The backlash isn’t new. Since April 1st, EXO-Ls have trended #EXO_IS_NINE daily, calling out SM for sidelining members like CBX (Chen, Baekhyun, Xiumin), who fought the agency last year over unfair contracts. Lay, though focused on his solo career in China, remains an official member—yet his absence adds fuel to the fire. “This is EXO’s 13th anniversary. ‘WE ARE ONE’ isn’t just a slogan—it’s a promise,” argued a fan, referencing the group’s unity mantra.

But EXO-Ls aren’t just yelling into the Twitter void. They’ve taken protests offline too, parking a protest truck plastered with banners outside SM’s headquarters. Organized by fanbase @EXOBreakingNews, the banners shout support for all members, with messages like, “13 years of EXO, 9 hearts as one.” Thanks to a police permit, SM can’t remove the display as long as fans guard it.

The protest isn’t just about anger—it’s about loyalty. EXO-Ls stress they’re fighting for CBX and Lay’s rightful place in EXO’s history. “This is for the members SM keeps ignoring,” said a fan, sharing photos of the truck. Despite hate from critics who call them “delusional,” the fandom stands firm. “We’re EXO-Ls. We don’t split our love,”

As D-Day approaches, SM stays silent. Will the agency add the missing members last-minute? Unlikely. But EXO-Ls won’t back down. “Anniversaries are about celebrating everyone,” one fan wrote. “EXO isn’t complete without all nine.” Whether SM listens or not, EXO’s 13th year is already making history—thanks to a fandom that refuses to let “WE ARE ONE” become empty words.