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On October 29, INB100, the agency for EXO-CBX, issued a detailed statement alleging that Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin had accepted every condition proposed by SM Entertainment to ensure a full-group comeback. The trio stated they had cleared their December schedules to prioritize EXO activities and were waiting for SM’s final response through their legal representatives. As per INB100’s statement, discussions with SM began on July 9, when both sides confirmed their intention to collaborate on full-group promotions. By September 10, they had entered a concrete negotiation phase. During the second mediation session on October 2, EXO-CBX officially agreed to all of SM’s proposed terms. The CBX members alleged they paused their individual schedules for December, expecting to start preparations for the group’s upcoming activities. However, unexpectedly, they later found out that SM had allegedly proceeded with plans for a fan meeting and a new album without including them. As reported by The Chosun Daily, INB100 claimed,"We cleared all personal schedules for December and were awaiting SM's final response through legal representatives. While making these efforts, we came across announcements about an EXO fan meeting and regular album release excluding EXO-CBX. "We apologize for the delayed response as we sought to understand SM's intentions regarding the agreement progress under unexpected circumstances. The EXO-CBX members have always valued the sincerity of fans who have supported them for so long and chose the path of agreement as they earnestly wished for full-group activities."The allegations quickly sparked a frenzy online. Fans flooded social media to voice their disappointment and anger at SM Entertainment. Many accused the agency of intentionally excluding CBX despite their efforts to reconcile. An X user, @Ms WooKkru, wrote,Ms Bambi Baekhyunee @Ms_WooKkruLINKAs clever as a squirrel is at jumping, it ends up falling to the ground too. And that's you SM. In the end the truth is revealed. CBX already gave full corporation but you stabbed it. CBX deserves respect. Shame on you SM❗Others noted that the three members have remained dedicated to EXO despite their ongoing legal battle with SM. Fans expressed frustration with how SM is handling the situation.𝓯𝓻𝓲𝓽𝓼𝔂 🔮 @peachybobohuLINKheck they accepted all conditions raised by sm…meaning no matter how absurd or vile sm’s conditions were (assuming bec i just know how dirty sm works) they are okay with it as long as they can be included to the group comeback 😢min | WE WANT EXO OT9! ☽̶☾ @aexosvtLINKcbx agreed to whatever sm wants and yet they're still excluded from the group activities 💔 its all sm's faulttanjiro fans kwangya @spideysakuLINKthey’re trying so hard to be included and make things work but they’re the greedy ones?xooeun 주은 @xooeun_LINKnow we have reason to actually boycott this comeback if SM didn’t accept CBX requests after agreeing all those bs demands @SMTOWNGLOBAL now b*tch release your official statementsMany said the exclusion felt disrespectful to both the artists and the fans, especially after years of waiting for a full reunion following the members’ military service.bas 🌺 @itsaytwtsLINKAfter everything, they’re still reaching out to SM to make the EXO comeback happen. I love and support them always, but at this point I wish they’d walk away from a place that’s shown them so little respectᴛꜱ || ꜱʜᴀ 🧚🏼♀️ @jxhxshxLINK@qtpiebyunbaek So SM violated their own contract for not giving CBX to be in EXO activities??!! SHAME ON YOU @SMTOWNGLOBALMira ☽̶☾ @exoglrlLINKCan y’all stop blaming cbx and sm/Laysoo members? They all have the right to be part of the group and are not responsible for the current situation. SM is the only one at fault, you have proof that cbx did everything to participate in the group's activities.More about EXO’s comeback plans, ongoing legal battle, and CBX’s statement timelineIn its statement, INB 100 alleged that, despite their cooperation, SM Entertainment proceeded with the announcement of EXO’verse, a two-day fan meeting scheduled for December 13 and 14 at the Inspire Arena in Incheon. This will coincide with the group’s eighth studio album, expected in early 2026. The official lineup includes Suho, Chanyeol, D.O., Kai, Sehun, and Lay, but excludes Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin. CBX also provided fans with a detailed timeline. They wrote,"We would like to inform you of the progress made so far: 1. July 9, 2025 – Confirmed initial intent to agree with SM Entertainment (hereafter “SM”). We met directly with SM and confirmed the direction and commitment to achieving full-group activities for EXO."2. September 10, 2025 – Shared specific agreement proposals. Both parties exchanged concrete agreement details and entered substantive discussions. "3. Full acceptance of SM's demands After the second mediation session on October 2, E X O-CBX accepted all conditions proposed by SM for a year-end full-group comeback and clearly conveyed their intent to agree."4. Prioritizing E X O activities by clearing December schedules .We cleared all personal schedules for December and were awaiting SM's final response through legal representatives.Baekhyun Base @PopBaeksLINKCBX’s agency INB100 releases statement amid dispute with SM Entertainment: INB100 shared that Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin are making every effort for EXO’s full group promotions. • July 9: First meeting with SM to discuss group activities • Sept 10: Entered officialThe issue arises after CBX lost several lawsuits against SM earlier this month, including cases related to unfair contract terms and settlement transparency. However, INB100 clarified that its focus remains on resolving issues peacefully and fulfilling its promise to fans for full-group activities. For now, the group’s highly anticipated return marks their first group activities in nearly two years since their 2023 album EXIST, though fans still feel disappointed that the long-awaited complete reunion remains out of reach.The agency has not yet addressed CBX’s claims in its follow-up statement.
