INB100, the agency representing EXO-CBX (Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin), released an official statement confirming their efforts to reach an agreement with SM Entertainment to allow EXO-CBX to participate in EXO’s full-group activities.
The statement reads:
“We sincerely apologize for the confusion and concern caused by the delay in announcing our position on whether EXO-CBX will participate in EXO’s full-group activities.
INB100 and our artists Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin (EXO-CBX) promised fans that, as members of EXO, they would take part in full-group activities, and we have been making every possible effort to honor that promise.
Here is a summary of the steps taken so far:
July 9, 2025 — Initial confirmation to reach an agreement with SM Entertainment: We met directly with SM to confirm the direction of, and commitment to, an agreement for EXO’s full-group activities.
September 10, 2025 — Exchange of concrete terms: Both sides shared specific terms and entered substantive negotiations.
Full acceptance of SM’s demands: Following a second mediation on October 2, EXO-CBX clearly conveyed their willingness to accept all conditions presented by SM to enable a year-end full-group EXO comeback.
Schedule adjustments prioritizing EXO activities: All individual schedules in December were cleared, pending SM’s final reply through legal representatives.
While making these efforts, we became aware of announcements about an EXO fan meeting and a studio album that excluded EXO-CBX. We apologize for the delayed response as we sought to confirm SM’s intentions.
EXO-CBX members deeply value the support of fans and, wishing sincerely for EXO’s full-group activities, they chose to pursue an agreement. We plan to finalize the terms for full-group participation as soon as possible.
We are grateful to the fans who trust and support us and will do our utmost to deliver positive results. We ask for your continued expectations and support.”
This statement comes amid legal disputes between EXO-CBX and SM Entertainment. In June 2023, Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin notified SM through a law firm of their intention to terminate their exclusive contracts due to grievances over settlements and contract terms. They subsequently filed lawsuits claiming unfair contracts and improper settlement documentation.
On October 28, it was reported that all five lawsuits filed by EXO-CBX were either dismissed or acquitted by the court. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism also concluded there were no violations concerning their complaints.
Despite these outcomes, INB100 emphasized that facilitating EXO-CBX’s participation in EXO’s full-group activities remains their top priority, and negotiations with SM Entertainment are ongoing.
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