Lay’s absence was announced on the same day as the fanmeet due to “unavoidable circumstances.”
Koreaboo
4 hours ago
EXO’s Lay is expanding his role in the K-Pop industry by stepping in as the producer for the seven-member boy group NouerA.
| SM Entertainment
According to TenAsia, Lay is working closely with the group on their upcoming release, taking on overall production and directing responsibilities.
The collaboration is said to be a strategic move aimed at strengthening NouerA’s global presence. With years of experience as an artist, Lay is overseeing the group’s new album as a whole, helping shape its sound and concept while maintaining NouerA’s existing identity.
Lay has steadily built his credentials as a producer. Last year, he worked on music for the girl group R.E.D, and in 2026, he expanded into producing for boy groups as well. His involvement has already drawn attention, adding momentum to NouerA’s next comeback.
Although Lay has been less active in Korea in recent years, he returned to group activities with EXO last month after a two-and-a-half-year gap. However, his last-minute decision to skip the group’s fanmeet in December has now raised eyebrows, as news of his continued activities in K-Pop surfaced.
EXO’s Lay Skips Fan Meeting on the Day… Now Producing a Girl Group and a “Billboard Rookie” Boy Group
— TenAsia
| SM Entertainment
NouerA are set to make their comeback on March 9!