The ongoing dispute between EXO-CBX members Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin and their former agency SM Entertainment has captured major headlines in the K-pop world. Despite legal battles and disagreements, the trio has expressed a strong desire to reunite and promote with EXO as a full group, creating anticipation among fans worldwide.
EXO-CBX and SM Entertainment Dispute Summary
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Parties Involved | EXO-CBX (Chen, Baekhyun, Xiumin) and SM Entertainment |
| Legal Conflict Start | June 2023, with EXO-CBX seeking contract termination citing unfair agreements |
| Recent Legal Outcome | Courts mostly ruled in favor of SM Entertainment, dismissing CBX’s allegations |
| Current Status | EXO-CBX willing to accept SM’s conditions; plans for full-group activities underway |
| SM’s Condition | CBX to pay 10% of individual revenue as per contract; trust to be restored |
| EXO Activities Exclusion | Upcoming fan meeting and album announced excluding EXO-CBX members |
The legal friction began when EXO-CBX raised concerns about unfair contracts and opaque accounting practices by SM Entertainment. However, multiple court rulings have upheld SM’s position, dismissing the trio’s lawsuits. SM Entertainment insists that until CBX fulfills contractually agreed-upon conditions, including payment of a revenue share from solo activities, trust cannot be restored, impacting group promotions.
Despite these setbacks, the agency representing EXO-CBX, INB100, communicated that Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin remain eager to participate in EXO’s upcoming promotions, having cleared their December schedules in expectation. This demonstrated sincerity to reunite with EXO fans and continue their legacy as a complete team [Korea Times] and [Pinkvilla].
Timeline of the EXO-CBX Dispute
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| June 2023 | EXO-CBX requests contract termination citing unfair terms |
| Late 2023–2024 | Multiple lawsuits filed by CBX; cases dismissed mostly in favor of SM Entertainment |
| October 29, 2025 | SM announces EXO comeback excluding CBX; CBX refutes claims of refusal to participate |
| December 2025 | CBX members clear schedules, aiming to rejoin full-group activities |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Why are Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin currently excluded from EXO’s upcoming promotions?
SM Entertainment has announced their exclusion due to unfinished contractual obligations, notably the unpaid 10% revenue share from solo activities, and due to trust issues arising from ongoing legal disputes. The agency conditions CBX’s participation on fulfilling these terms first.
Q2: Will EXO-CBX members rejoin EXO’s full-group activities in the future?
Both EXO-CBX and their agency have expressed a strong intent to rejoin EXO’s full-group promotions. They have cleared schedules for December and are negotiating with SM Entertainment, hoping to finalize terms for a reunion soon.
