SM Entertainment, EXO-CBX issue statements amid activity dispute

SM Entertainment and EXO-CBX — the EXO subunit composed of Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin — have released separate statements addressing the ongoing controversy surrounding EXO’s incomplete lineup for the group’s planned activities later this year.

The trio was notably absent from SM’s announcement of EXO’s upcoming reunion fan meet and 2026 comeback, reportedly due to their continuing contract dispute with the agency.

In a statement released Wednesday, INB100, the agency representing EXO-CBX, said the group has been making “every possible effort” to participate in EXO’s full-group activities despite the ongoing legal situation.

“After the second mediation on 02 October 2025, in order to enable a year-end full-group EXO comeback, CBX clearly conveyed their willingness to accept all conditions presented by SM,” the statement read.

However, INB100 said the trio was surprised to see that Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin were excluded from SM Entertainment’s latest announcements regarding the group’s schedule.

“Accordingly, we plan to finalize the terms for full-group activities as soon as possible,” the agency added.

SM responds, cites lack of trust

In a response issued the same day, SM Entertainment clarified that the resolution of the legal dispute with CBX is “a separate matter” from EXO’s group activities.

The label said it had previously informed the trio that the two issues should not be conflated, emphasizing that the lawsuits have caused “significant damage to trust” between both parties.

“Multiple unreasonable lawsuits have not only destroyed trust between our two sides but have also caused harm to the group EXO and wounded both the fans and the members,” SM said.

The company added that “it was only natural that the trio should first fulfill the terms of the existing agreement and demonstrate a sincere effort to restore trust.”

SM also noted that it had prevailed in all five legal cases filed by Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin. According to entertainment outlet Soompi, South Korean courts have dismissed the lawsuits related to contract validity and settlement issues.

“The only request we made of the trio was that they pay the 10 percent of their revenue from individual activities, as stipulated in our existing agreement from 18 June 2023,” the agency added. “However, this has not yet been fulfilled.”

Background of the dispute

The conflict between the three EXO members and SM Entertainment dates back to June 2023, when Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin terminated their exclusive contracts, citing unfair terms and lack of transparency in earnings.

Since then, both sides have engaged in multiple rounds of mediation and negotiations.

Despite the dispute, SM Entertainment on Wednesday announced that EXO’s group activities will resume after all members complete their military service. However, only Suho, Chanyeol, D.O., Kai, Sehun, and Lay were listed as participants.

EXO last released a full-group project, Don’t Fight the Feeling, in 2021, followed by their 2023 album Exist. The group’s upcoming comeback, slated for early 2026, will mark their first full reunion project in years — though, for now, without EXO-CBX.