SINGAPORE — The ongoing conflict between SM Entertainment and EXO members Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin (collectively known as CBX) has resurfaced after both sides released contradicting statements on the trio’s participation in upcoming EXO activities.
While INB100, the agency representing CBX, claimed that the artists had “accepted all conditions” for EXO’s full-group comeback, SM Entertainment refuted the claim and accused them of failing to honor a key contractual clause.
According to SM, the artists did not fulfill their obligation stated in the June 18, 2023 agreement, which requires payment of 10 percent of their individual activity revenue. The company added that CBX also filed an objection on October 16 despite publicly stating that all terms had been accepted after the second mediation session on October 2. SM emphasized that resolving legal disputes and participating in group promotions are separate matters, noting that repeated lawsuits have severely damaged trust between both parties.
SM stated that CBX must first demonstrate sincerity in fulfilling the existing agreement before taking part in EXO’s collective activities. “We deeply regret the distortion of facts,” the company added, confirming that EXO will continue with six members — Suho, Chanyeol, D.O., Kai, Sehun, and Lay. Beginning with a fan meeting in December, followed by the release of their eighth studio album early next year.
INB100, however, maintains that CBX has made consistent efforts to reconcile with SM. The agency apologized to fans for the delay in updates, sharing that the artists have continued to prioritize their commitment to EXO. The timeline outlined by INB100 includes a meeting with SM on July 9 to confirm intentions for an agreement, followed by the exchange of specific terms on September 10. After the October 2 mediation, CBX said they had fully accepted SM’s proposed conditions and cleared all personal schedules in December to focus on group activities while awaiting SM’s final confirmation.
The agency expressed disappointment upon learning of EXO’s upcoming fan meeting and album plans excluding CBX, but reiterated that the trio’s wish to return as part of EXO remains unchanged. “We promise to continue discussions and aim to finalize an agreement for full-group activities as soon as possible,” INB100 shared.
As both parties continue to stand firm in their positions, the dispute highlights the lingering complexities of contracts, loyalty, and reconciliation within one of K-pop’s most established acts.
SM Entertainment Official Statement
“Hello, this is SM Entertainment.
We would like to address the statement released by Byun Baekhyun, Kim Jong Dae, and Kim Min Seok (hereinafter referred to as ‘the three members’).
We have clearly informed the three members that the settlement of disputes and participation in team activities are separate matters.
Regarding dispute resolution: our company has won all disputes so far. Therefore, we only asked the three members to fulfill the clause stated in the June 18, 2023 agreement, requiring them to pay 10 percent of revenue from their individual activities. However, this has not been carried out.
Concerning participation in team activities: repeated unreasonable disputes have severely damaged mutual trust and caused significant harm to EXO as a group and to its fans. Hence, the three members must first show sincerity in fulfilling the agreement and restoring trust before joining team promotions.
Contrary to their claim that after the October 2 mediation they had accepted all conditions and expressed agreement, the three members actually filed an objection on October 16. We regret that today’s announcement distorts these facts.
We will dedicate our utmost support to EXO’s activities starting December.
Thank you.”
— SM Entertainment
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INB100 Official Statement
“We sincerely apologize for the confusion and concern caused to fans by the delay in releasing a statement regarding EXO’s full-group activities.
INB100 and our artists Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin (hereinafter ‘CBX’) promised fans that they would strive to take part in EXO’s complete activities, and have been doing their best to honor that promise.
Here is the progress that has been made:
1. July 9, 2025 — First meeting with SM Entertainment to confirm mutual intention and direction for an agreement.
2. September 10, 2025 — Both parties exchanged specific terms of a possible agreement.
3. After October 2 mediation — CBX accepted all of SM’s proposed conditions to enable a year-end full-group comeback.
4. December schedules cleared — Members canceled personal plans to prioritize EXO activities and awaited SM’s final response through legal representatives.
While preparing for full-group activities, CBX received notice of EXO’s fan meeting and album release excluding them. We apologize for the delay in responding, as we were confirming SM’s stance on the matter.
The CBX members deeply value their fans and chose reconciliation with the hope of returning to EXO’s full activities. We plan to finalize the agreement as soon as possible and will continue to do our best to achieve a positive outcome.
Thank you for your continued trust and support.”
— INB100
Article source, images courtesy of SM Entertainment | INB100
