EXO members Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin (collectively known as CBX) have lost most of their legal disputes against SM Entertainment.
According to the legal community on October 28th KST, the various civil, criminal, and administrative cases that CBX filed against SM Entertainment have mostly been dismissed or concluded with no charges.
The conflict between CBX and SM Entertainment began in June 2023, when the trio demanded to terminate their exclusive contracts. At the time, CBX claimed that SM had forced them into long-term contracts and failed to maintain transparent accounting practices, leading to a breakdown of trust.
SM Entertainment immediately refuted the claims, alleging that “external forces were making unreasonable proposals,” and raised suspicions of tampering.
In response, CBX filed criminal complaints against SM executives, accusing them of fraud under the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Economic Crimes, but the case was closed with no charges. CBX appealed the decision, but the prosecution dismissed the appeal as well.
The members also requested the submission of all accounting documents related to EXO’s activities over the past 13 years, filing for an order to disclose and copy the materials. However, the court only granted access to documents related to the start date of their new exclusive contracts, rejecting the rest.
Additionally, CBX reported SM Entertainment to both the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Fair Trade Commission, alleging violations of accounting disclosure obligations and unfair support. Both cases were closed with findings of “no violation” and “no charges.”
With all of CBX’s lawsuits, complaints, and administrative filings against SM Entertainment ending in dismissal or no charge, the trio’s future activities may face obstacles.
Meanwhile, EXO — now consisting of Suho, Chanyeol, D.O., Kai, Sehun, and Lay — will hold a fan meeting titled “EXO’verse” on December 13 and 14 at Inspire Arena in Incheon. The six-member EXO is also set to release their eighth full-length album in the first quarter of 2026 and resume group promotions.
SEE ALSO: EXO to hold year-end fan meeting ‘EXO’verse’ and release 8th full album in early 2026
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