EXO’s Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin (collectively known as EXO-CBX) recently provided clarifications regarding their EXO activities amidst an ongoing dispute with SM Entertainment.

EXO-CBX vs SM Entertainment

On June 10, representatives of Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin held a press conference to outline the alleged breach of settlement terms by SM Entertainment. During the conference, the representatives accused SM Entertainment of failing to honor a 5.5 percent commission rate for albums and music guaranteed to INB100, the label managing EXO-CBX’s individual activities. Furthermore, they alleged that SM Entertainment was demanding an unfair 10 percent of the artists’ revenue from individual activities, such as solo albums, concerts, and advertisements. Despite sending a certification of contents to SM Entertainment in April regarding the breach, they had not received a reply.

In response, SM Entertainment issued a statement refuting the claims made by EXO-CBX’s representatives. They asserted that they had not breached any settlement terms and maintained that their actions were within the bounds of the agreed terms.

Will EXO-CBX Still Participate in Future EXO Activities?

On June 11, a media outlet reported further developments regarding EXO’s planned activities. It was revealed that EXO had been in discussions to release new music in the winter, with talks taking place since the beginning of the year. However, due to the ongoing dispute between Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin and SM Entertainment, the plans for this release are now uncertain. The media outlet suggested that the conflict has cast doubt over the feasibility of the winter release, potentially delaying the group’s plans.

Since then, EXO-CBX issued a statement through their agency INB100 confirming their commitment to EXO and the group’s future activities.

“The press conference on June 10 was held to publicly inform that it is unfair to pay 10 percent of the artists’ individual earnings to SM, who first breached the agreement,” it read. “This has no relation to the continuation of EXO’s full group activities, and CBX (Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin) promises once again to fans that they will earnestly participate in EXO’s full group activities with SM in the future.”

Similarly, SM Entertainment addressed the issue with a statement. “It is true that we are planning [the release of EXO’s music]. There has been no further discussion about changes to the plan,” it read.

As both sides navigate the dispute, the hope remains that a fair agreement can be reached, ensuring that EXO can move forward with their planned activities and continue to deliver the music that has garnered them a dedicated global fanbase.