Copyright sportskeeda
The K-pop collective EXO is set for a renewal of its popular reality series, Travel the World on a Ladder. Only six artistes are designated for the program. The confirmed personnel include Suho, Chanyeol, D.O., Kai, Sehun, and Lay (Yixing). Lay’s participation marks his first appearance in the show’s roster following a two-year hiatus. Initial groundwork for the fifth installment has commenced. The half-dozen participants recently attended a consultation. Well-placed sources alleged on November 7 KST that principal photography is slated to begin shortly. Since its 2018 debut, the travel-themed show has successfully broadcast four runs. Previous escapades chronicled the members’ trips. These included destinations like Japan, Kaohsiung, Namhae, and the areas of Geoje and Tongyeong. This fresh chapter, however, immediately confronts supporter fury. The absence of member Baekhyun has sparked considerable stir among the global fanbase."Exo ladder without baekhyun??? seriously????," an X user commented. frey @sound_of_freyaLINKexo ladder without baekhyun??? seriously????Fans pointed out that the show’s concept was created for CBX, and the idea reportedly came from Baekhyun himself. Despite that, they noted his absence in the new season.𝓑 @inbbaeksLINKthe concept of them desperately trying to erase baekhyun’s existence but stealing his ideas for a “new season” of the show originally created for cbx 😹😹😹😹😹😹 you really can’t make this stuff up, the shamelessness really gets to a f*cking point lmaoori 'ㅅ' @reverieclairsLINKpeak shamelessness. ladder being baekhyun's idea and was originally made for cbx and they'll make a new season without cbx. at least be more creative and try to make another show with those 6 members' ideas.🪽 @kyooonggirlLINKThe concept of starting a new season of the show that was originally made for CBX and the idea even came from baekhyun himself… while also actively excluding those 3… just shamelessMeanwhile, others continue to express disappointment over CBX’s absence as a whole.Engy@009 ♥♡♥ @kpoplovereriLINKNever imagine this kind of updates will make me sad. 💔🤧😪 It can't be complete without CBX. It's so sad. I just can't digest this. 😭💘 We need OT9 please..🙏EXO-LIRL @shannon118131LINKIt won’t be the same without CBX…..SM has so took advantage of the fans….They think they can just do whatever and we are going to accept it.Soul🦋 @sukmahdynnLINKThe fact that I was so hurt when Bbh, Chen, and Xiu weren't there broke my heart. On the other hand, this is Lay's first time. I'm very happy for him because he got to spend time with the other and make a cb this year. They all deserve good things. I hope CBX will join soo soon❤️🩹EXO OT6 plans continue as CBX dispute escalatesEXO is reuniting now after the Korean members have finished their mandatory military duty. The push sped up after Sehun left service in September 2025. SM scheduled an 'EXO’verse' fan meet for December 13-14 at Inspire Arena in Incheon. Moreover, an eighth full-length album is pencilled for Q1 2026 with various activities. Confirmed participants for the meet and the record are Suho, Chanyeol, D.O., Kai, Sehun, and Lay. This is a fragmented OT6 lineup with Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin left out because of an ongoing legal and financial dispute.On October 29th, the agency representing CBX released an official statement alleging that SM Entertainment had excluded the trio from upcoming group activities despite their full cooperation. According to INB100, discussions between both agencies began on July 9, with both sides agreeing to push forward with full-group promotions. Negotiations reportedly intensified by September 10, and during a second mediation session on October 2, CBX accepted all terms proposed by SM Entertainment for the group’s comeback. The agency stated that the three members cleared their individual schedules for December to prioritize the boy band's plans. However, they later learned that SM Entertainment had allegedly moved forward with organizing a fan meeting and a new album without including them. In response, SM Entertainment issued a statement denying the claims, saying that the resolution of disputes and group schedules are separate matters. The company added that the only unresolved issue is the 10% commission from individual earnings outlined in the June 18, 2023, agreement, which it says remains unpaid. SM also asserted that CBX had filed an objection on October 16, contradicting claims that all terms had been accepted. Despite the ongoing conflict, SM reaffirmed its intention to proceed with EXO’s planned December activities.
