Chen, of boy band Exo, became the father of a girl on Wednesday, his agency SM Entertainment announced Wednesday afternoon.

Local media outlet Financial News first reported that Chen’s wife had given birth at a hospital in Gangnam, southern Seoul, “a little earlier than expected,” which the agency also confirmed.

Chen announced his engagement in January, shocking fans with the sudden news that his fiancée was pregnant with his child.

“I have a girlfriend that I would like to spend the rest of my life with. I am worried about what will happen in the future because of this decision, but I wanted to give the news to my fans as early as possible,” he said at the time.

Following his announcement, fans criticized him for lying and demanded that he leave the group.

SM Entertainment said that “there will be no changes to the members of Exo,” making it clear that Chen will not quit.

BY YOON SO-YEON [yoon.soyeon@joongang.co.kr]