Chinese-Korean band EXO Photo: CFP

Chinese fans showed their support and gratitude on Wednesday after a fan party for South Korean boy band EXO scheduled for February 22 in Manila, the Philippines was canceled due to the novel coronavirus epidemic.

The fan party "Journey to the Nature Republic in Manila" was canceled due to "too much uncertainty in the current and upcoming situation" concerning the novel coronavirus epidemic, according to an announcement from the organizer Nature Republic Philippines on Wednesday night.

"It's the best decision. Our members' health and safety is the most important thing for us EXO-Ls as well. As much as we want to see them, we understand it 100 percent. Thank you," one fan posted on Facebook. 

"Safety is the top priority! Glad that the health and safety of our idols was considered by SM Entertainment this time, and we hope they can have a good time relaxing," one Chinese fan wrote on China's Twitter-like Sina Weibo. 

Some Chinese fans also showed their concern that EXO's activities will be reduced, which might be because two of the members Xiumin and D.O. are serving their mandatory enlistment in the military and will not be able to attend any events.