EXO's Lay Sparks Dating Rumors After Alleged Hotel Sighting with Chinese Actress Zhao Lusi
EXO's Lay has been allegedly spotted at a hotel with top Chinese actress Zhao Lusi, leading to dating rumors.
Reports from Chinese media on February 1 stated that paparazzi observed Lay and Zhao Lusi's cars at a hotel.
The two were allegedly seen leaving the hotel only 10 minutes apart, sparking speculation about their relationship.
Despite the rumors, Lay's label denied any romantic involvement, stating, "The dating speculation is just a rumor. Lay is focused on his promotions, and he has no plans to date."
However, the dating rumors between Lay and Zhao Lusi have gained traction on Chinese social media platform Weibo's trending searches. It's worth noting that the two celebrities have not collaborated on any known projects.
Lay, who debuted with EXO in 2012, left SM Entertainment in 2022 but continues to be a member of EXO. Zhao Lusi gained fame after her debut in 2016 and has starred in popular Chinese dramas such as 'Who Rules the World,' 'The Long Ballad,' and 'Love Like the Galaxy.'
NewJeans Minji writes touching letter on her birthday during activity halt: “We didn’t stop and we won’t stop”
NewJeans' Minji touched fans' hearts with a handwritten letter on her birthday — even while the group is currently unable to promote due to legal issues.
On May 7, Minji celebrated her birthday by sharing a heartfelt message on the group’s personal SNS account, which the members opened themselves to stay connected with fans.
Minji began her letter with honesty, writing, “I think I’m living a busier life than I expected. When I finally looked up, it was already May, and it was my birthday.”
She admitted that she had a lot she wanted to say, but her thoughts felt “messy.” Still, her message to fans was clear, “I just hope that I, our members, and Bunnies can all be happy. Happiness is the biggest goal in my life.”
Minji then opened up about her personal journey and struggles, saying, “I sometimes think that running toward my happiness by doing what I love might look foolish to others. But isn’t giving up your happiness now for the sake of a future that might not even come… too harsh on yourself?”
Despite everything, she ended on a hopeful note, “I really miss the times when we shared our feelings through the good music we made together. But I always look forward to what’s ahead."
She added, "We didn’t stop here, and we’re not going to stop! It might look like we’re standing still, but I believe we’re growing deeper.”
Her message comes during a difficult time for NewJeans. The group announced last year that they were cutting ties with ADOR, their original agency, after trust was broken. They later began working independently under the new name ‘NJZ’.
However, ADOR responded with legal action — claiming the exclusive contract with NewJeans was still valid and asking the court to stop the group from promoting or signing deals.
The court sided with ADOR and granted an injunction, forcing NewJeans to pause their activities. Their appeal was rejected, and they’ve now filed a second appeal.
Through it all, Minji’s message proves one thing — even when forced to stop, NewJeans' hearts are still moving forward.
