The long-standing conflict between EXO’s subunit CBX, comprised of Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin, and SM Entertainment has escalated into a severe legal and public battle. This dispute centers on contract issues, payment disagreements, and allegations of unfair treatment, severely affecting EXO's long-awaited comeback in 2026. While fans yearn for an OT9 return, only six members will participate in future activities due to this ongoing feud.
EXO-CBX's Thanks to SM Entertainment: The Legal Dispute Intensifies
br The dispute between EXO-CBX and SM Entertainment first ignited in June 2023, when the trio sought to terminate their exclusive contracts with the agency, claiming unfair terms and a lack of financial transparency regarding their earnings. This bold step was not taken lightly, as it marked a significant turning point in their careers. Following months of heated discussions, both parties reached a temporary resolution known as the “6·18 Agreement.” This agreement allowed CBX to promote independently under their label, INB100, while participating in group activities under the SM banner. br However, this fragile agreement quickly began to crumble. By mid-2024, SM alleged that CBX failed to pay the required 10% of their individual profits as stated in the agreement. In a reactionary move, CBX filed its own lawsuits, asserting that SM had not been forthcoming with financial records and multiple instances of unfair treatment. What ensued was a series of court battles, during which various legal authorities consistently sided with SM, stating that their practices were within legal bounds and that CBX lacked the necessary evidence to support their claims. br As the legal battles intensified, the courts dismissed CBX's requests for documentation and rejected their appeals, labeling their efforts as attempts to exert pressure rather than genuine attempts at resolution. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism confirmed the legality of SM's operations regarding the matter. These ongoing setbacks left CBX in a precarious legal position, severely limiting their negotiating power and raising concerns among fans about the group's future.SM Entertainment's Statement: Trust Has Been Broken
br In the wake of these court victories, SM Entertainment released a powerful statement underscoring that the breakdown of trust between the agency and EXO-CBX has rendered it impossible for the three members to participate in any ongoing EXO activities. SM emphasized that the 6·18 Agreement, while still valid, had not been honored by CBX due to their outstanding financial obligations. They made it clear that Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin would no longer be part of EXO activities going forward. br SM's legal team elaborated on the impact of these disputes on the group's public image and the heartache experienced by fans. They indicated that even if the ongoing legal disputes were to resolve positively, CBX would have to demonstrate a restoration of trust and commitment before discussing any potential return to EXO activities. This firm stance reflects SM’s intent to protect the remaining members and their dedicated fanbase from further turmoil. br However, amid this challenging landscape, INB100, the agency representing CBX, issued a statement challenging SM's narrative. They contested that the members had not refused to pay the owed amounts, but rather were awaiting the conclusion of legal proceedings before making payments. Furthermore, they stated that CBX members had been actively preparing for a full group comeback. They expressed a willingness to meet with SM to discuss terms and had even made plans for group promotions.Looking Ahead: What’s Next for EXO and Its Fans?
br With the divided future of EXO hanging in the balance, SM has confirmed that their upcoming ‘EXOverse’ fan meeting in December 2025 and the release of their eighth full-length album in early 2026 will proceed with only six members: Suho, Chanyeol, D.O., Kai, Sehun, and Lay. Lay's participation will mark his first full group involvement since 2021, an exciting yet bittersweet development for fans as they grapple with the absence of Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin during this critical moment in EXO's career. br In light of these developments, INB100 remains optimistic, positing that negotiations are still in progress and asserting that CBX is eager to reconcile and participate in the much-anticipated EXO reunion. They stress their commitment to restoring trust and fulfilling their promises to the loyal fanbase. However, the firm stance taken by SM, bolstered by favorable legal rulings, leaves many fans concerned that the divisions within the group may be too deep to heal.As EXO navigates this complex and raucous landscape, fans watch closely, hoping for a resolution that can reunite all nine members and restore the sense of unity and passion that has characterized EXO's journey thus far. Thus, while the future appears uncertain, both the agency and the members remain committed to exploring pathways that could lead to a harmonious resolution, allowing EXO to thrive anew.
