EXO’s Lay Cuts Ties With Calvin Klein and Converse After They Criticize China Over Forced Labor Conditions

EXO‘s Lay has terminated his contract with both Calvin Klein and Converse amidst controversies surrounding a boycott of Western brands in China.

In a statement on Lay’s Weibo, his studio made a statement regarding his status with Calvin Klein and Converse. The images posted on the website explain that Lay has terminated his contract with both brands as they could not reach an agreement on the Xinjiang cotton issue.

Many other idols, including GOT7‘s Jackson and f(x)‘s Victoria, have also cut ties with Western brands they were affiliated with.

The announcement came after the Chinese government criticized various Western brands for boycotting the use of Xinjiang cotton. This was due to reports of forced labor and discrimination of minorities in the region.

Over the past few days, the Chinese government has brought up a statement H&M made last year about the reports of forced labor in Xinjiang. With the resurfacing of these comments, citizens have been encouraged to boycott Western brands, including Calvin Klein and Converse.