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EXO is currently embroiled in a comeback controversy with its subunite EXO-CBX. Infact, the agencies of both the groups are issuing statements back-and-forth to justify its stance. The matter pertains to the involvement of EXO's three members, Chen, Baekyun and Xiumin. This comes as EXO gears up to launch its new album, along with embarking on a world tour in the coming months, stating that its future activities will only be followed by six members: Kai, Sehun, Suho, Chanyeol, Doh Kyungsoo, and Lay. Incase you aren't well-versed about the matter and point of contention, here's the entire controversy explained. EXO's comeback announced EXO, a group of nine members had on October 27 announced of releasing its eighth full-length album in the first quarter of 2026. Its agency SM Entertainment also shared that the band would hold a fan meeting in December through a special social media post leaving CARATs excited. This was after its member LAY had hinted at EXO's reunion in an earlier interview. He said, "Stay Tuned For December." The inclusion of LAY was special as this would be his first official comeback with EXO in four years. The Chinese member has been largely focused on his solo career since 2017. Controversy erupts SM Entertainment however announced that only six members of EXO, namely Suho, Chanyeol, D.O. (Doh Kyung Soo), Kai, Sehun, and Lay would be participating in the upcoming group activities. The label leaving out Chen, Baekyun and Xiumin hinted at an internal conflict. CBX Vs EXO In June 2023, CBX had filed for an exclusive contract termination with SM Entertainment. After that they sued the label over an unfair contract and wage transparency during the contract, before signing on to their new agency INB100. On October 28, reports came in that the court had rejected CBX's case and acquitted or dismissed all five lawsuits Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin had filed against SM Entertainment. The Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism stated that there had been no violations in relation to the complaints CBX had filed against the agency. CBX's attempt at rejoining EXO On October 29, INB100, the agency of Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin released a statement where they announced their intention of reaching an agreement with SM Entertainment to ensure CBX is part of EXO's upcoming activities. The statement read: "We sincerely apologise for the confusion and concern caused by the delay in releasing our position regarding EXO-CBX’s participation in EXO’s full-group activities. INB100 and our artists Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin (hereafter “EXO-CBX”) have promised fans to participate in EXO’s full-group activities as members of EXO and have been making every possible effort to fulflil that promise. We would like to share the progress made so far." SM Entertainment's response SM Entertainment released a statement in response to INB100's claims. An excerpt from the statement stated, "We clearly stated to the trio in the past that reaching an agreement to end our legal dispute and [EXO’s] group activities were two separate matters. First, regarding the conclusion of our legal dispute, we had already won all of our legal disputes [with the trio], and the only request we made of the trio was that they pay the 10 percent of their revenue from individual activities that was stipulated in our existing agreement from June 18, 2023. However, at present, this has not yet been fulfilled." The agency added, "Regarding the issue of participation in group activities, the multiple unreasonable lawsuits have not only significantly destroyed trust between our two sides, but have also caused great harm to the group EXO and wounded both the fans and the members. Therefore, it was only natural that the trio should first fulfill the terms of the existing agreement and demonstrate a sincere effort to restore trust. However, contrary to the trio’s claim that they had clearly conveyed their willingness to reach an agreement and accept all conditions proposed by us after the second mediation date on October 2, they first filed an appeal on the 16th. We cannot help but express deep regret at the trio’s statement from today, which distorts the truth regarding these kinds of circumstances." CBX agrees to pay 10 percent revenue On October 30, CBX's agency INB100 issued another statement saying, "EXO-CBX will faithfully carry out the existing agreement and will do their best to restore trust with the members and to reach an amicable settlement with SM." "Our intention to pay 10% of revenue remains unchanged. As litigation is currently underway, we plan to implement it once a settlement is reached and the legal procedures are concluded," it added. This is a developing story.
