EXO CBX
The members of the group EXO, CHEN, BAEKHYUN, and XIUMIN (hereinafter referred to as CBX) have mostly lost their lawsuit against their former agency SM ENTERTAINMENT, while their current agency, INB100, has released an official statement.
On October 29, INB100, CBX’s agency, stated: “We sincerely apologize to the fans for the confusion and concerns caused by the delay in taking a position regarding CBX’s participation in EXO’s full-group activities. CBX, as members of EXO, have promised their fans to take part in the group’s full activities and are doing their utmost to make it happen.”
The trio added: “After the second mediation hearing (on October 2), in preparation for EXO’s full-group comeback at the end of the year, CBX accepted all conditions proposed by SM ENTERTAINMENT and clearly expressed their desire to reach an agreement. However, while doing their best for the group’s full activities, they learned about the announcement of an EXO fan meeting and the release of a studio album without their participation.”
They continued: “The members of CBX deeply cherish the sincerity of the fans who have supported them for a long time and, eager to take part in EXO’s full activities, have chosen the path of reconciliation. A final agreement for these activities will be established as soon as possible.”
In June 2023, the members of CBX had notified SM ENTERTAINMENT of the termination of their exclusive contract, claiming that the agency refused to provide copies of the requested financial settlement documents. They then filed several lawsuits for failure to provide the documents and for unfair contracts, but these complaints were recently dismissed.
Meanwhile, EXO announced on October 27 the holding of a fan meeting in December and the release of their 8th studio album in the first quarter of 2026. According to SM ENTERTAINMENT, SUHO, CHANYEOL, D.O., KAI, SEHUN, and LAY will participate in these activities.
Below is INB100’s official statement:
“We apologize for the delay in communicating about CBX’s participation in EXO’s full-group activities, which may have caused confusion and concern among fans.
INB100 and the artists CHEN, BAEKHYUN, and XIUMIN (hereinafter CBX) have promised, as members of EXO, to participate in the group’s full activities and are doing everything possible to achieve this.
- July 9, 2025 – First meeting for agreement with SM ENTERTAINMENT
Both parties met to confirm their intention and direction for an agreement concerning EXO’s full-group activities. - September 10, 2025 – Exchange of specific agreement terms
Both parties exchanged concrete proposals, thereby entering an actual negotiation phase. - Full acceptance of SM ENTERTAINMENT’s requirements
After the second mediation hearing (October 2), the members of CBX accepted all conditions presented by SM to enable EXO’s complete return at the end of the year.
Schedule adjustments in favor of EXO’s activities
To prioritize the group’s full activities, they cleared their entire December schedule and were waiting for SM’s final response through their legal representatives.
While doing everything they could for EXO’s full return, they discovered the announcement of a fan meeting and a studio album without their participation. We apologize for the delay in responding, which was due to confirming SM’s position regarding this unexpected situation.
The members of CBX have always placed great value on the sincerity of their fans and, wishing to see EXO reunited, have chosen the path of reconciliation. They will work hard to quickly reach an agreement that allows the group’s full activities.
We sincerely thank the fans for their trust and patience, and we will do everything possible to achieve a positive outcome. We ask for your continued unwavering support.”
INB100
Journalist: Shawn
Translator: Shawn
Source: INB100
