K-pop boy band EXO member Chen turned 28 today, Sept. 21, and fans marked the occasion by making the hashtag #AngelChenDay and the topics “Daddy Chen” and “Jongdae” trend on Twitter.
Daddy Chen refers to Chen having a baby this year.
Fans were surprised when it was announced last January that Chen would be getting married and that his girlfriend was pregnant.
Chen, born on Sept. 21, 1992, is the first member of EXO to have his own family and it became a thorny issue between Korean and international EXO fans.
Some Korean fans wanted him to leave the group while international fans expressed their support to him.
"HAPPIEST BIRTHDAY TO OUR DEAR CHEN. We wish you all the best in life, though it must've been a tough year for u but u are a strong, courageous and inspiring man, We trust you. We'll support u always & wish u good health & happy days ahead," read one of the greetings that was posted on Twitter.
Another fan wrote, “Happiest birthday to our Daddy Chen! You’re going to be a very inspirational father to your child, and we’ll always stay by your side. We love you always.”
Last April 29, it was announced that Chen’s wife gave birth to their first baby.
The good news came after Chen revealed last January that he was getting married and that his girlfriend was pregnant.
"I have a girlfriend, who I want to share the rest of my life with. While I was discussing with other EXO members and company officials about delivering the news (on my girlfriend,) a blessing came to us,” Chen wrote.
Amid the demand by some Korean fans for him to leave the group, SM Entertainment and other EXO members announced their position to let him stay in the boy band.
“Before officially announcing Chen's marriage, we carefully discussed with the other members. Because EXO had to suffer from the members' departure, they expressed their wish to stay together in the future without any changes. We also respect their opinions and would like to inform you that there is no change in EXO's current lineup,” said SM Entertainment, reported Osen.
They agency added that “besides, since there are members who are about to enlist, from last year, EXO was scheduled to focus on solo and unit activities this year.”