EXO News & Update: K-Pop Idols Grants Wish Of A Fan Battling Cancer; EXO Named Korea's Tourism Ambassador
Once again, EXO showed that they are not just great performers but also have a good heart. The Korean act made a 17-year-old fan, who is battling cancer, very happy when her wish to meet EXO came true.
Teenage Michelle Parenteau, a self-confessed member of EXO-L, traveled to Seoul to meet her idols. At the backstage of 2018 Lotte Duty Free Family Festival, her dream to see her idols up close and personal came true.
Parenteau has been battling cancer since 2015. She first found out about the illness when she visited a hospital after she felt something in her chin. She was later diagnosed to have a cyst in her chin and an abdominal tumor as well. Parenteau underwent surgery to remove the tumor.
According to Parenteau, EXO's music gave her strength during the most difficult time of her cancer treatment. She was comforted by the band's music, and all she wants is to personally express her gratitude to the group.
Earlier this year, Parenteau's story and wish reached SM Entertainment via Make-A-Wish in Korea. EXO's agency and the charity group worked together to make the meeting possible. On the day of her one-on-one meet with EXO, the boys greeted Parenteau at their dressing room before their performance at the festival.
"Because of EXO, I was able to go through with the difficult surgery. I'm really happy I was able to personally thank them like this," Parenteau said.
This is not the first time EXO met a fan who is battling cancer through Make-A-Wish Foundation. In 2016, the K-pop group also granted a wish of a fan who is suffering from leukemia. Make-A-Wish Foundation is a non-profit institution that grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions.
EXO, as a group or as individual members, participated in charitable works in the past and also expressed support to several causes that promote positive messages such as gender equality and anti-racism. They have also donated profits of their albums to charity.
Moreover, the band's generosity has also influenced their fans. Members of EXO-L often give donations to charitable institutions.
Suho, Baekhyun, Chanyeol, D.O., Kai, Sehun, Xiumin, Lay, and Chen's good heart and generosity made them not only noble models to the young generation but all ages. In fact, the Korea Tourism Organization has recently named the band as its official ambassador. According to KTO, the Korean boy band will represent the organization and promote the country's tourism.
The Korea tourism videos with the EXO members are expected to be released next month. In the clips, each band member will explain the different activities that tourists can do and enjoy in Korea. EXO will use the concept slogan "Have you done this in Korea?" in their promo materials.
The Korea Minting and Security Printing Corporation earlier minted an EXO commemorative medal to celebrate the international accomplishments of the band and their contribution to the Korean wave. EXO is the very first K-pop group to have been bestowed with such an honor.
[NEWS] 180625 'A Cancer fighter, Michelle Parenteau, 17, from California U.S.A. was brought to meet EXO at Lotte Family Concert recently https://t.co/zTv00WhAYK#EXO #엑소 @weareoneEXO pic.twitter.com/mRXcMqLtFI — EXOGLOBAL (@EXOGlobal) June 25, 2018
