K-pop boy band EXO member Chen held a party at a hotel in Seoul to mark the first birthday of his daughter.
Chen and his wife held a party to celebrate their daughter’s first birthday at Hotel Shilla Seoul in Jung-gu on April 24, according to an exclusive report by Korean media outlet Sports Kyunghyang.
At the birthday party, Chen wore a hanbok, or traditional Korean clothing, took souvenir photos with his wife and daughter and spent time eating with his family.
The report added that Chen and his wife said “thank you” and promised to be good parents in front of family and acquaintances at the event.
Chen is currently serving his military service as an active duty soldier following his enlistment on Oct. 26 last year. He took a vacation from his military service for her daughter’s first birthday party, the report added.
On April 29, 2020, Chen’s wife gave birth to their daughter at a gynecology in Cheongdam in Gangnam, Seoul. SM Entertainment, EXO’s agency, confirmed the news.
In January last year, Chen revealed to fans 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.
He added, "I didn't want to take more time, so decided to take the courage. I am thankful to my members for their good wishes, and I want to thank my fans for their love. I will keep striving to reciprocate the love,” according to the Korea Times.
SM Entertainment and other EXO members decided to let Chen stay in the group even after he got married and became a dad.
“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,” SM Entertainment said then, Osen reported.
It added, “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.”
Before he enlisted in the military, Chen wrote a handwritten letter to fans that was posted on Oct. 16 last year.
“These days, the temperature difference in the day is quite high, are you all well? The scorching hot weather has gone and the warm autumn days have already begun. I wrote these lines to send my goodbye and inform you that I will enlist on October 26,” he said, according to Osen.
Chen said, “When serving in the army, I will do my best to complete the duty in good physical and mental health in order to see you again with a more mature image. Therefore, I hope you will stay as beautiful and healthy as you are now!! I always feel thankful for you and I love you all so much.”